O/T Today's Project

Had to replace the fuel pump on my 98 Blazer. A co-worker told me about a website for auto parts called Rockauto.com . They have good prices. I printed off the list of fuel pump prices and took it in to my local O'Riley store, he said they can't match the price but could sell me the pump for their cost which was $160 so I bought it while they had it in stock. The only thing wrong with my old pump was the fuel gauge didn't work properly. The new pump has a much better sending unit than the old one did. New pump is on the right. The electrical contact mechanism is much better. Seems like the bushing the old float pivoted on was very sloppy (picture #3). Could have ordered just the sending unit but decided while I had the pump assembly out I was replacing everything. Glad I did because as I lowered the tank one of the fuel line nipples broke off the pump. Anyway I got it replaced all for $160 plus tax. Normally the pump is $308.00. Plus I had to change out the electrical plug on the harness for the new pump. If this were a pickup truck I would have taken the bed off rather than lower the tank. Much easier taking the bed off..




Reasonably Priced Parts

I've also had good luck with Rockauto- good selection and good prices. I'm a little curious about why O'Reilly would sell you one at cost- doesn't leave much profit, does it? Unless they were playing a little fast and loose with the word "cost". . .

They guarantee the lowest price. They say it differently but that's how I remember it. I'm well satisfied.

Had the same problem with my 01 Silverado. Paid the price for a Delco pump, it had a different plug and gauge design.

Drove that truck 200,000 miles on the original pump, 170,000 without a gauge. I would just reset the odometer, at 300 miles fill it up. It still gets the same mileage at 260,000 as it did new.

Rock auto can get sort of confusing with their look ups. Seems like most items come up with way too many choices and no real way to sort them out. I put in all my correct auto info and it still gives way too many options.
Our local autozone and advanced won't price match the internet.

I like to get my hands on a part before I buy that's why I like buying local. But more and more local costs 2 X as much as ordering the same thing on line. So I buy on line.

Depending on what you buy the shipping puts it to where you can buy it from the store at same price.I don't like the fact that if I have a problem with the part then it becomes a huge hassle to ship it back and so on rather deal with actual person at actual store that I can go back to if need be.plus you can build a relationship with the store/employees and hopefully get better service,sometimes.Had it happen plenty of times where they(physical store) took a part back that was past warranty(not by a lot)just because I do business there frequently,not gonna get that from a 'puter.

I think this is the reason auto makers decided to place fuel pumps where they did.

I have replaced about three of those on Blazers. Like you, I also had problems with nipples breaking off. Seemd like they are designed to do that. Not a fun way to spend an afternoon. At least you had a nice inside to work on project. Would have been even nicer if you had an overhead hoist. (I don't either.) Hope you got a good pump. Thot my last one was made in Canada. Closer examination of the box... DESIGNED IN CANADA - made in CHINA! Not impressed.

May I suggest that if it has an external fuel filter, replace that too, then you should not have any fuel delivery issues for the life of the car.

I really like Rockauto for parts too, fast shipping, and have never gotten an incorrect item. If there are too many choices, look the part up on O'reilly or Autozone and then buy that one from Rockauto.

Sounds like you found the problem. I replaced the fuel pump in my Ford E450,for my motor home. I did a little searching and found a pump from
Ford for a good price. I never thought it would be so hard to remove the fuel tank. The tank was so large and made of metal, I had to use a jack to lower it. As cheap as I am I doubt I will tackle that job again. Stan

I've been driving GM cars and trucks since 1966, some new, some old hunting/fishing cars and some low mile used and never had any trouble with anything major until I bought a 97 GMC Jimmy. I think I spent more in repairs on that than all the rest put together, pure junk after about 40 thousand miles.

I needed a coil for a Subaru. Napa wanted $145. Rock Auto had it for $105. I was in a hurry so I went to Napa and they matched the price when I told them. Now our Napa became an O'Reileys.

I always cut access holes in the floor of my Ford school buses. It ended up being under the second seat. Screwed down a cover plate and ever looked back.

My 90 Dodge4X4 sat for 5 yrs cuz it needed a fuel pump. My work kept me away from home a lot so when I was home I didn't have time to replace it. Finally retired and that was my first project. I raised the bed, ordered a fuel pump from Rockauto, replaced and reassembled. The darn pump lasted about 6 months. Going out again.

(quoted from post at 22:08:06 12/12/14) I've been driving GM cars and trucks since 1966, some new, some old hunting/fishing cars and some low mile used and never had any trouble with anything major until I bought a 97 GMC Jimmy. I think I spent more in repairs on that than all the rest put together, pure junk after about 40 thousand miles.

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a those blazers and their 4.3's and about everything else on them are just plain junk.