1996 Dodge Ram Van Fuel Pump Problem

[Kerbchek]

Hello, I'm new to this forum and have already learned a lot by reading thread after thread for the past hour...

I believe the fuel pump is going bad on my 96 Dodge Ram van.

When it gets to or below 1/4 tank of gas it starts to sputter, backfire some, and basically run rough. When I let it sit for a while and start it back up it runs fine. I'm thinking when the fuel pump gets hot since there's not enough gas in the tank to keep it cooled??

When the tank is full it runs fine. I need to use my van so if I fill it up and run it, will it be ok until I can get a new fuel pump - and just fill it up when it gets to a 1/2 tank or so, or should I just stop running it altogehter?

Thanks!

[DANVAN]

Sure sounds like the fuel pump, mine did the same thing a while ago, I would get the fuel as low as possible and drop the tank and replace the pump, its not hard to do. There is a special deep socket needed to remove the fuel tank straps, other then that its a simple job.

[Dodgevanman]

I concur Doctor. Fuel pump is agoin' bad.

[Kerbchek]

I was told by several people that it was fairly easy to change the fuel pump. I bought the expensive one from the dealer and had no problems whatsoever until I tried to pull the wiring off. I didn't get it at first. I sought professional help on this issue and was told the little orange clip needed to come off first and then it should pop off pretty regularly. I was confused because there was a gray clip on the end of the wiring mechanism that I thought was the part that was supposed to come off. Of course I'm working underneath the van on jack stands with about 8 inches of head clearance between the top of the tank and the bottom of the van. Once I got that off things moved along easily.

I ran out of daylight hours so the new one is in, and the tank is partway back on. I'll finish tightening the bolts in the morning and see how it runs... wish me luck!!

Thank you for your assistance. This forum is great!!

[stev]

Kerbchek,

I know what you mean about the sun going down while getting the last bolt in place. It seems all to often this occures with me too. ;)

Stev