wtnhunt Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Started hearing a whining sound coming from the Yukon the other day and after checking around, it was not coming from under the hood. It is a 97 model GMC yukon. First thought was it was the power steering pump. It is coming from the back end, sounds like it is the fuel pump. My question for an experienced mechanic is, does the whining mean the pump is about to go out, and can I trust it to drive it around town, or do I need to expect it to soon strand us? It is not sputtering or missing, just making noise. Dont have a fuel pressure gauge to check it myself. Have changed a pump on a 92 model Chevrolet truck back about 10 years ago, how difficult is it to drop a full tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? You need to PM Shaun there William. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? Dropping the tank is not hard to do granted you have as little gas in it as possible, as long as the bolts break loose you should be o.k. I know those fuel pumps can cost a pretty penny so make sure thats the problem before you buy one and go through all the work. I would think calling a GM Dealership and talking to service they can tell you if that is the noise your hearing and if thats normal or the sign of it wearing out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad dryden Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? Im not sure what its from but a friend of mines Transam was makeing a whining sound and did it for about a week or two maybe a little longer but it eventually went away what ever it was. And fuel tanks arent hard to take out just unbolt the metal straps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted October 5, 2005 Report Share Posted October 5, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? It's definetly the fuel pump that is making the noise. Some of them go quicker than others, but you'll definetly need one eventually. I'd take it to the dealership and get them to check it out. As for dropping the tank, make sure there isn't much gas in it! I always hate when customers bring in trucks, just after they filled up at the pumps. The first step is to remove the three small screws that hold the filler tube to the body. (inside the gas cap door). Then you put the jack under the tank, loosen the straps, and lower it so you can get your arm above the tank to disconnect the wires from the sending unit. then you have to disconnect the lines, and drop it down. Usually it's easier said than done. If you want to take the fuel pump out, there's a lockring holding it in, you have to take a screwdriver and hammer, and loosen the lockring. There are slots in the lockring to put your screwdriver in. Usually, you have to keep moving to different spots on the ring before it's out. Then remove the pump. The pump just doesn't pull out, You have to lift it at different angles so the fuel level float can get out the hole in the top of the tank. If you are replacing the tank, make sure you put the gasket onto the top of the new sending unit!! (fuel pump) Then put the locking ring back in place. They can sometimes be a real pain! Next, Raise your tank high enough to hook the wires and fuel lines back up and feed the filler hose to the gas tank door. re-mount the gas tank straps, put the screws back in that hold your filler tube, and your done. But honestly, for the trouble it'll give you doing all that, I'd pay the extra money for the dealership to install it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted October 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? [ QUOTE ] As for dropping the tank, make sure there isn't much gas in it! I always hate when customers bring in trucks, just after they filled up at the pumps. [/ QUOTE ] Thanks guys. Actually the wife normally drives it, and I had to work out of town about 60 miles from home and so the wife drove my hd truck and I noticed the whining in the yukon Tuesday on the way back. I am not sure how long it has been going on. I had just filled up the tank, so it has I am guessing about 27 gallons or so in it. I have changed out a pump in a chevy truck before, and have dropped tanks on a few vehicles too, but never full tanks. I did call a local mechanic and he said he would not worry about it until it gives me problems, labor for him to change it would run me about $125. Only thing is with a pregnant wife, we dont need to end up stranded somewhere. Not really so sure I want to wait for it to give me problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? Yeah, with a pregnant wife that can create some unneeded stress on her and she does not need that. You don't need her stranded somewhere. You left the pregnant wife out of the first equation, with that information I'd take it to the mechanic and let him do it for that price. Might be the best money you ever spent and if you keep the wife happy and she does not get stranded somewhere with a truck with a bad fuel pump then I know for sure it will be the best money you ever spent. I wouldn't want to get in the path of a stranded pregnant woman....... LOL!! Hope it all works out o.k. and you get that Yukon back running good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10acboy Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? Read this - I have a 98 Silverado and replaced my fuel pump. Dropping the tank is not hard, but messing with the neck of the tank is a pain in the a@@. I would unbolt the neck from the body and work it around the frame. Use a jack with a wide piece of wood to raise/lower the tank. ALSO, the lines on my truck were suppose to be the quick disconnects BUT I needed special quick disconnect tools to get them off. I tried everything to get them off. Don't get the universal one, spend the money and buy the kit. I think there at like 5 of them (different colors) and they cost like $40! I talked to a mechanic about the whinning noise and he said that the pumps were known for the noise so I don't know if you want to spend the cash now or not. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? i enjoy doing a lot of my own vehicle maintenance but for 125 bucks I think I'd let someone else do it. maybe let the wife drive your truck and you drive the Yukon to use up some of that "expensive" gas before you get it done---better you being stranded then the pregnant wife. best of luck William todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texastrophies Posted October 6, 2005 Report Share Posted October 6, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? If it wasn't for the pregnat wife part (congrats btw) I would just monitor it and wait awhile. I have a 45 gallon second tank in the bed of my HD and the pump in it makes a very loud whining noise. Its been doing that for about 4 years now. You could (if it is feasible) switch vehicles with her for a while, that way she will have the peace of mind and you will be able to monitor it closer. Good luck in which ever you choose. Just remember the old saying.... If momma isn't happy, nobody is happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted October 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2005 Re: Fuel pump? Thanks guys, she starts her leave from work next week. We have been riding together lately and just taking the truck. Been told that the whining might stop on its own and the pump may be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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