[Spridgets] Hope...for GM?

[David Riker]

GM just released a TSB that the Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban with 5.3 
engines will idle for extended periods of time on a completely empty tank. 
The fumes in the tank are enough to keep the engine going at idle (hows that 
for efficient).  However, doing so WILL burn up the fuel pump.  That was the 
point of the TSB.  Empty fuel tanks are bad.

Dave R.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Andrew Payne" <andrewpayne at intrex.net>
To: "'Timothy H. Collins'" <thcollin at mtu.edu>; "'David Lieb'" 
<dbl at chicagolandmgclub.com>; "'Spridget List'" <spridgets at autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 11:08 AM
Subject: Re: [Spridgets] Hope...for GM?


>>>My garage manager insists that dying fuel pumps are the result of people
>>>not filling their fuel tanks until they are close to empty.
>
>>Y're kidding, right? What else must one know to own/drive one of
>>those? Don't turn your lights on until it is absolutely dark 'cause
>>the bulbs will burn out?? Don't use your brakes to save the brake
>>light bulb? No, the pump thing falls on the side of being a poor
>>design or engineering or manufacturing defect. And, what are they
>>(the pumps) made of that makes them worth $600? That's alot of $ for
>>an electric motor.
>
>
> Yes, I have heard this about the fuel pumps, from several mechanics.  Many
> manuals advise to avoid running below 1/4.  I have heard that it also has 
> to
> do with the wetting and drying of the rubber parts in the pump.  Having
> replaced several fuel pumps myself, it is not a hard job - if you can get 
> to
> the pump.  I usually do the job for under $100 in parts, and an hours 
> time.
> Now if the tank has to come down, then it's a real drag.  Have you looked
> into doing the job yourself, Napa probably sells the pump for $39.99.