Fuel Pump - When is it time to replace?

[DaveInDenver]

My 85 runs great and still gets high 20's mpg city.... BUT my mechanic says at 235K it is time for new fuel pump. Not cheap... in the gas tank... bla bla.

When do these fail?

Go with pricey Bosch... or brand-X?

Thanks!

[Mike Gerber]

IMHO, "if it aint broke, don't fix it." I'm sure you have heard that before. A fuel pump is not what I would consider a normal part you replace at regular intervals, like tune up parts. They are like light bulbs; you never know when they are going to burn out, so you don't replace them until they do. At 235,000 miles there are probably lot's of parts that could fail. Are you going to replace all of them? That's really not practical. It would probably be cheaper to buy a new 2010 Camry. I think your mechanic is being extra cautious at your expense. Either that, or he has a boat payment due.

Mike

[DaveInDenver]

Thx Mike.

Mechanic said he only seen a few fuel pumps die... but they were in the low-mid 200K's miles so I thought I would check around before I say you-bet-cha. If fuel pumps do not have a predictable life cycle... then I will just keep on rolling.

I am sure it is not a boat payment problem... I just made a few for him recently (front end & breaks).


Thx!!!