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Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Hi all,

My fuel pump apparently went out, so my rig is stuck at a storage place where the on-site mechanics want to charge $1600 to replace the fuel pump.  They said they've checked all the electrical connections and they are fine.

I'm trying to figure out whether this makes sense. I'm not sure what my options are since the engine won't start, and getting it repaired in any other way would most likely require towing it somewhere, but some preliminary research indicates to me that this estimate is rather high.

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.  Thanks!
Pam and Jim
2003 MB
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #1 –
(The moderators will move this thread to the appropriate forum.)

 You might want to read this information.

The Lazy Daze Companion: Fuel Pump
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #2 –
It's on the high end, but it's not the highest I've seen depending on your part of the country and the parts used (ie. OEM or aftermarket) and the associated warranty. 

Another option is to have the vehicle towed to a shop of your choice. 

If you know someone who is handy, you _might_ be able to get it started again with this: Blog Post | Whack It With a Hammer! | Car Talk

All of that assumes that the diagnosis is correct.

I'm just a shade-tree mechanic, but I don't know of a way to check all of the electrical connections without lowering the fuel tank.  If the tank is down, the job is already half done.  On the other hand, he might just be talking about the relay. 

I understand what you're facing.  I had my RV towed, and then taken to a shop, and then given back to me (shop decided it was too big to work on), and then independently diagnosed as having no problems at another shop, and finally I changed the fuel pump myself.  FWIW, an independent shop quoted me $1000.  The other said time plus materials.  I think my local Ford dealer would have been in the $1500 range. 

Rich
'03 MB in NC




2003 MB
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #3 –
Just had my done last week at an independent shop in southern Arizona. AAA picked up the towing tab, the repair came to $809.00

Hope that helps,

Langton
2002 27" RB
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #4 –
My vote is to have it towed to a shop of your choice.

You could install a parallel fuel pump and drive it there but I can't find my original posting that describes how to do that.

In summary you install a generic fuel pump (I used Airtex) in place of the fuel filter, power it by the original pump power, and drive to the repair shop. It is not an easy installation. A tow truck would be easier. I did it because no tow truck can get to where I have mine parked.

You may need to order the new pump now. Even Phoenix's largest dealer did not have one in stock when I ordered my spare.

Replacing the fuel pump is a fire hazard. You don't want to be around any other RVs you might have to pay for.
Harry 2006 RB
Harry 2006RB
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #5 –
Quote from: cuminsavorypepper  - 
Hi all,

My fuel pump apparently went out, so my rig is stuck at a storage place where the on-site mechanics want to charge $1600 to replace the fuel pump.  They said they've checked all the electrical connections and they are fine.

I'm trying to figure out whether this makes sense. I'm not sure what my options are since the engine won't start, and getting it repaired in any other way would most likely require towing it somewhere, but some preliminary research indicates to me that this estimate is rather high.

Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.  Thanks!
What year/model LD do you have, (name)?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #6 –
Hi, Everyone,

Thanks so much for your advice. Chris--I have a 2003 MB.  I looked into the towing and decided that it would be a wash. I did call a shop I really trust that was very helpful in Solvang, CA (R&M Enterprises), and they guided me through the process.  The current mechanic says it might be less depending on what they find and the part.

Thanks again for all your thoughts!
Pam and Jim
2003 MB
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #7 –
Cumin...,
I had a shop in Redding replace mine in a 1992 MB in February, 2016. The cost was $971.  Solving is a higher priced neighborhood though. 
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #8 –
Do you have AAA or a similar plan?  I know when I picked up a new-to-me sports car with possible fuel delivery problems, I called and asked if it died on the way home from buying it, would they tow it to my desired shop (mine).  They said sure, no problem.  Even if I just get 10 feet?  Yup -- but there was a limit of one tow per 'fault' per vehicle... (flat tire/dead battery excluded).  In other words, they'd tow it for a fuel pump problem, but just the one time. If it happens again next month, you're on your own.  So in your case, getting it towed from storage to your desired shop would be covered.  Absent AAA or similar, you'd have more of a challenge.

If it were me, I would investigate whether an in-line electric pump could source fuel from the generator dip tube, but then apply it to the normal fuel line -- perhaps at at a filter break in the line.  Don't know if your machine has those particular access points, though.  And, well-qualified mechanic participation would be required for this temporary mobility solution...
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #9 –
"If it were me, I would investigate whether an in-line electric pump could source fuel from the generator dip tube, "

It doesn't need the generator tube, it will source the fuel through the non working pump. Mine did, shooting a good stream of fuel. I have done it but not driven it. I cannot find my thread on how to do it with the pictures. I still have the pictures. They are dated February 25, 2016. If someone knows how to find it, be my guest. It wasn't too well received at the time but it works. I haven't put a connector in the fuel pump power wire. Were I to do that the switch to the aux pump could be done in five minutes. I am just reluctant to cut the wire without the need.

The aux pump is permanently mounted on the chassis rail with fittings protected and ready to replace the filter. The second picture shows the fuel filter in the background. I notice a pressure port in the installation.
Harry 2006RB
Harry 2006RB
 
Re: Replacing fuel pump on 26.5 MB
Reply #10 –
Thanks again for the great advice from everyone!  I got a couple of opinions and got the pump replaced for about $500 less than the original offer, which seemed within range of the advice I got here.  Great tips and advice from all of you. Thanks again!

~Pam
Pam and Jim
2003 MB