'03 silverado fuel pump

[hpracing10]

Recently replaced the fuel pump in my 2003 silverado halfton. Ended up putting a Carter fuel pump in it. I have always heard good things about Carter fuel pumps as a whole, so I was just wondering if anyone else has any experience with them.

The original GM pump lasted for 150,000 miles. I chose the Carter pump over a GM pump because it was a tad cheaper and like I said, have always heard good things about the brand Carter fuel pumps.

Should I have went with the GM Delco pump or will I be OK with this Carter pump?

 

[StevieC]

IME with the pumps that we have replaced either are good pumps.. You just want to stay away from the real cheapies.

You should run an Upper Cylinder lubricant. Not only will this benefit your engine but it will make your fuel system components last forever. Today's fuels are "dry" and don't offer the lubrication they need to.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

The GM modules are alot better quality than the carters, thats for sure. You probably won't have any issues but I have learned from experience on GM that sometimes Delco parts are the only way to go. Especially since the fuel pump isnt the most exciting job on those trucks.

Did you replace the fuel pump relay when you did the pump? This is often overlooked.

 

[hpracing10]

StevieC- Yea, the Carter pump was about $50 cheaper than the Delco one so I figured it was up to par on quality. And yes I do run Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant periodically, and I also have been expirimenting with the 2-stroke engine oil in my gas. I have heard this helps to lubricate the pump and it will last longer.

AzFireGuy79- No, I did not replace the relay. I didn't even know there was one. Where is the relay located, and should I replace it now?

Thanks for your thoughts guys

 

[Oldswagon]

I have heard mixed reviews about Carter fuel pumps in GM trucks, but I follow the 1988-98(99) body style since this what I own. This was more true with the 96-99 Vortec engines with the poppet valves, which are VERY sensitive to fuel pressure. Your LSx engine is not has a improved injector design. I am sure your new pump will be fine.

I just did my pump and sending unit, and went with Delphi to be on the safe side since dropping a fuel tank is not my idea of fun (especially a 42 gallon unit). My pump still worked after 210K miles, but the pressure was starting to get on the low end of the specs for a TBI engine.

 

[EricF]

Carter pumps are pretty good, but vs. the delco or delphi, I've seen carter's come back more than delco or delphi's.
definetely stay away from cheapies. I've even had problems with Bosch pumps.

a lot of times, it's not the brand that's at fault, but the person doing the installation (i.e. shortcuts, being cheap, not changing fuel sock or even filter).

definetely run MMO or Lucas UCL once in a while

 

[AzFireGuy79]

It should be under the hood at the fuse box. I always replace them. You don't have to replace relays, but to get maximum life expectancy out of a fuel pump a relay is cheap insurance.

 

[PT1]

The biggest killer of in tank fuel pumps is runnning the tank below 1/4 full in the Summer or until the reserve light comes on anytime of the year. The pump module uses the gasoline to cool it. Keep your tank 1/2 full or more regularly and you will extend the life substanially. Fuel system cleaners & conditioners used at least once a year also help. I like techron or redline and use it every 15-20,000 miles.

 

[hpracing10]

EricF - I do all my own work to the truck and have been for years, so I consider myself a pretty decent mechanic. I have never heard of a fuel sock that you mentioned. Where is this located and how do I change it? Also, replacing the filter once a year is good enough right? Thanks

 

[George7941]

The fuel sock is in the tank. It is a strainer thru which the pump sucks fuel. It is not a routine replacement item and is normally only replaced when the pump is replaced.

Once a year fuel filter replacement is adequate unless you frequent gas stations that dispense contamnated gas.