Is this a bad fuel pump?

[Abaddon]

My 93 S-10 V6 has been running flawlessly for ages. I put in new plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor button less than a year ago. The other day I was driving along and it acted like it wasn't getting enough fuel. It choked out while I was driving, mostly under a load (like at the top of a gear change). It's gotten progressively worse so I've taken it off the road.

Does this sound like the fuel pump? It's carbureted but I don't want to replace that unless I have to. If it does sound like the fuel pump, how hard is it to get to it? Does it require pulling the tank? I'm sure it's not easily reached. That'd be asking too much of a Chevy product. Heh

I've also checked for air leaks and replaced the air filter. It initially felt like maybe a stopped up line so I added some fuel cleaner but it hasn't helped. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Abaddon]

No responses? Well, let's try this. What considerations should I make to pull the gas tank? Unfortunately, I filled the tank the day before the truck started acting up.

And how about the gas pump that's right for my truck? The Haynes manual says I need a mechanical pump because my truck is carbureted but the LMC Truck book only has an electrical model for the 93 S10. Ideas? Anybody?

[Sparky2263]

Interesting. GM never made a carbed 4.3 for the S truck (Vans had 'em though) and the last carbed 2.8 was like '85 or '86. Are you sure it's not throttle body injection? Which is 2 injectors mounted in a carb looking apparatus.

The fuel pump is in the tank. The easiest method (if you have a couple buddys) is to unplug the rear wire harness (near the rear bumper), take out the 6 bolts holding the bed and remove the bed.

[Sparky2263]

Oops, just noticed this was in the 2.8 section...............

[Abaddon]

God bless you for saying take off the bed. That was on the top of my list of considerations for this project. Wouldn't you know it...I had JUST filled the tank with gas when it started acting up. I'm afraid it's going to leave me stranded so I'm just gonna replace the pump and be done with it.

This truck is a 93 V6 and the breather on top makes me think it's a carburetor. You think the fuel pump is electrical instead of mechanical? I figured I'd just run down to Autozone or the like and see what they had for the truck. Whatever they sell me I'll just put on it. I'm not looking to mod the vehicle. At this point, I just want it back on the road. Thanks for the info. You may have just saved me from having a stroke from taking down the full gas tank! :)

Abaddon

[T Man]

93 2.8 was tbi

[Abaddon]

Really? Huh. I guess I should pay more attention but the only time I take the breather cover off is to change the filter. I haven't had the truck for long so I'm still learning about this thing.

I'm assuming the TBI is far better than having to deal with a carburetor just because of the computer control of the injection? I have never had to rebuild a carburetor. (shrug)

[T Man]

tbi is like an advanced carbeurator that doesnt run off vacuum to controll the fuel trims, in most aspects its like an electronic carb. They do seem similar because the air filter housing sits right on top, but remove that, and you will see injector pods above the throttle blades. Its an easy mistake to make, dont sweat it

[Abaddon]

Every little bit helps.

My other ride is a 2000 Camaro and the intake is quite a bit different from the S-10. I'm learning all I can about the truck so I certainly appreciate the help. Is there anything I should know about the TBI as far as maintenance? Lube? Cleaning? It's got 140k on it and runs like new so I'd like to keep it that way.

Abaddon

[Maximus]

You might wanna check the fuel filter.If it's getting clogged you will notice a loss is power the more clogged they get.If the pump was bad it will usually go bad at once.But a clogged filter can put a strain on the pump to and sometimes lead to failure.If you take it off and can't blow air through it easily then replace it right away.

[T Man]

The TBI unit doesnt really require any maintence, although like joker said, fuel filter doesnt hurt it

[Maximus]

Joker??

[Sparky2263]

:D

Tommy's having a bit of dyslexia.

[Abaddon]

Update!

I replaced the fuel pump today and it solved all my problems. I want to thank you guys for the idea on pulling the bed to replace the pump. 8 bolts on the bed, 4 small bolts on the tag lights, and one ground bolt was all it took. Less than 2 hours later, the new fuel pump was in and the truck was running flawlessly. Man, this saved me a TON of time and less worry over pulling the tank.

The fuel filter was replaced not even 4 months ago. I keep things like that replaced on a consistent basis. When a fuel pump goes bad, you usually find yourself walking. For some reason, this one went bad and just made the truck sputter a little bit. I certainly won't complain about having it go bad in this manner. Meant I didn't have to worry about a tow truck, etc.

Thanks again, gang. You made this process as easy as it could possibly be. The Haynes manual guys should use this trick instead of their idea on replacing the pump.

Abaddon

[Abaddon]

Well crap. It didn't solve the problem. So I replaced the fuel filter and it's still missing at run speeds. I checked the spark plugs (which are less than a year old) and they look good. Any other suggestions? Ignition? Plug wires (which are also less than a year old)? I need my baby running again. Hard to work out of the Camaro. :)

[Sparky2263]

You get the ground back on the frame clean and tight?

[Abaddon]

(shrug) As far as I know. Looked and felt fine.