Fuel Pump Decision Help

[Stuntmanmk]

My K5 currently has a Sniper EFI installed (existing when I bought it) and it has the inline fuel pump and fuel filter set up along the frame rail. It recently developed a pretty severe fuel leak, either a split hose or broken clamp. Should I just cobble together a repair with a new section of hose or, should I switch to the in-tank version of the pump designed for the EFI? I know the easy fix is just to repair the leak where it is but I am thinking longevity. I know the in-tank pumps stay cooler which theoretically extends their life but the ease of maintenance on the frame mounted pump is a big plus. (Dropping a 31 gallon tank to access the sending unit and pump is no fun). What would you do?

 

[Fastereddie]

I woudn’t cobble together a repair, but a proper fix of what you have seems easiest. Especially if its been running well for you.
If going the in tank route, I would do it right with a tbi tank and sender, pump and access hatch to make future service easy!

 

[dyeager535]

Of all the repair tasks on the truck, especially large ones, I don't find the tank is that tough anymore. Once it's been down after a couple decades, the next time is that much easier.

Thats with single exhaust out the drivers side. Sitting up in front of rear axle on the passenger side gives good access to the tank connections for the fuel lines, especially with the tank straps at least partially loose. Floor jack with a short section of 2x4 or 2x6 under the tank helps keep weight off the fuel lines.

Access door would be infinitely easier, not buying knockoff pumps should help prevent the need for accessing the pump so often too. Don't ask how I know lol.

Would you be cobbling the setup together, or just replacing a bad hose? Staying with what you have until it needs replacement would be my choice.

 

[Stuntmanmk]

I need to get it on the road. It’s been sitting for at least 2 years. I will probably patch it up and drive it. It’s a project so there is lots to do. Eventually I will replace the tank, pump, lines, and add the access panel for future access.

 

[Stuntmanmk]

I woudn’t cobble together a repair, but a proper fix of what you have seems easiest. Especially if its been running well for you.
If going the in tank route, I would do it right with a tbi tank and sender, pump and access hatch to make future service easy!
View attachment 522516

You wouldn’t happen to have the measurements of where you cut for your access panel would you? And I think I recognize the panel as a marine hatch correct?

 

[Wes Harden]

if it has been sitting that tank may need to come out anyway, rotted lines, rusty old gas inside. New efi with Walbro pump installed in tbi hanger is the way to go.

 

[Fastereddie]

You wouldn’t happen to have the measurements of where you cut for your access panel would you? And I think I recognize the panel as a marine hatch correct?

I do somewhere. That particular hatch is a DPF1317BLK

 

[HankScorpio]

I really like having the access panel. Its been handy. I though that I would only use it once during the initial pump install. (EP381 upgrade for EFI) I have had mine open a couple more times, an electrical check during troubleshooting, an o-ring replacement on the sender body and tighten a return line. All simple jobs with the access panel.