Why is Electric Fuel Pump Replacement Cost so High? We Dig into the Guts and Explain. Save Money $$

In this episode we explain the high cost of fuel pump replacement. Chances are your daily driver isn't a 79 Plymouth Volare. Most of our regular daily drivers are fuel injected, if that's the case you can Say goodbye to your 35-dollar mechanical fuel pump.
Our victim is a 1998 Dodge Dakota 5.9 R/T with about 85K miles on the clock, we've owned it since 2000, during this time we've replaced normal maintenance items, such as brakes, tires and shocks. It's time to get to the bottom of the long crank time we've experienced for the last 6 months. To mitigate this issue I'd rotate the key to the run position 3 times, this would pressurize the fuel system and then start instantly. Getting your wife onboard with this system is another story.
Most Chrysler fuel systems from this time period are similar, consisting of a plastic canister, an electric fuel pump and the filter/regulator. The canister itself will not wear out and can be dissembled. Excessive crank times will point to the filter/regulator. Not hearing the familiar buzz of the fuel pump points toward the pump or wiring or relay.
Sometimes a wack with a hammer near the location of the pump can get you home, if you're by yourself, turn the key to the "run" position, punch the tank till you hear the buzz, then get in and start it. Avoid being a moron, don't hit fuel lines and if this works, keep in mind you're on borrowed time, it needs to get fixed.
We discussed typical replacement costs of around $600, in our case, but can be as high as $900 to $1,100, depending on the vehicle, its age, and your region, if you live in the rust belt, expect to pay extra for items that turn to crust as the tank is removed. Labor costs range from about $300 to $600, and parts for fuel pump replacement are about $300 to $500. We could have fixed our issue ourselves for the cost of a cheap $14 filter, but you get what you pay for, I picked up a Mopar brand Filter/Regulator, on ebay for around $45.
Notice how I constantly call the Filter the Filter/Regulator? That's because it preforms both functions (duh), but also some of the factory documents, FSMs, and parts books only referred to the filter/regulator as just the REGULATOR, this led to some confusion for years.
Replacing the fuel pump, filter/regulator, or the whole assembly isn't hard, per say. If you can get your hands on a factory service manual, or a Chiltons manual, and follow the directions step by step, you'll be able to do the repair. It's completely possible to do with hand tools.
Always Put Safety First Whenever you’re dealing with flammable liquids like gasoline, there are certain precautions needed to minimize risk. If you’ve decided to take on the task of replacing a fuel pump yourself, avoid anything that could spark fumes, which can happen even with an empty gas tank.
We'll feature typical, at your own risk, repairs and upgrades for most Dodge, Plymouth, Duster, Dart, Barracuda, Cuda, fastback, notchback, convertible, Demon, Valiant, Signet, Dart Sport, a-body Mopar and the occasional 1998 Dodge Dakota R/T 5.9 Magnum, or maybe not. We focus on the years 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 and 1976. Special guest/camera girl Aaliya. Questions? Leave us a comment below. We're here to help. Thanks for Watching.

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[nathankerry]

400$ here in Canada for 1998 dodge ram 1500 5.2 I did my self only take about 3 hours an for my 1990 dodge w250 5.9 fuel pump was 90$

[nathankerry]

That was awesome now that's how you should end a video is with burnouts

[MuscleCityMadness]

I just wanted to Drink Beer today and give the ol ex wife a good cussin....but you guys made me learn ain't right ain't right to do to a it was fun as usual and I liked it.

[terrymeyer]

At first I thought this was Abbott and Costello ....but then I realized we were being enlightened by the Jaybo. Gracing us with his vast knowledge..the burnout is like insence for the soul.... and it is good!!

[moparnut]

Hey I'm 59 and I just replaced a front fuel pump in a GDI Kia Rio 2019 the front pump dealer price way over 1k just for the high pressure fuel pump.. And yes GDI has two pumps one in the tank low pressure and one mounted on the engine high pressure 600+ psi running at idle... My customer was quite happy at $800 all in for replacement of pump....yeah newer is better ....right!

[rubinjames]

To roast tires is always the end goal. To get my gauge to work i smack the tank with a broomstick. Lol 85 f150 4x4 tho. Dad had the 68 Roadrunner (4 spd) and 69 Charger (auto) when I was young. Both 383s wouldn't need a loan for college if he kept them.

[MoparMan-fffb]

rockauto or parts geek I've had good luck especially price wise. My mom need a fuel pump for her 1996 jeep cherokee sport . everbody either sold the electric pump by its self or the sender by its self and none of the parts that connect the 2. after digging through the web found a company that sold the whole thing as one unit for 120.00 compared to 200-300 some bucks

[seanfattireguythomas]

Sweet little truck I like them r/t trucks there hard to find

[kurtmccarthy]

Hey Guy’s, thanks a bunch Maaan !! That is some valuable information because I have an 05’ Durango W/ 185000 on it and nothing but brakes n oil changes. It’s starting to crank a long time like you mentioned plus it will die at a stop sign for no reason. Have to restart which it does but with your information guy’s, I think you just saved me a lot of time and money 💰. Thanks Again Guy’s, love the show. Kurt

[DuddiesAdventure]

Another Mechanicing 101 With Jaybo at BTP. The wise god father of BTP passing down his wisdom to all the heathens. Great video Guys! But Im still waiting for Jaybo's Adventure Episode 2. The new Camerakid has excellent filming skills, defiantly brought up the quality a notch!

[larrygulick]

My 2000 Dakota, yeah...a 3.9 or 3/4 318 as I call it, would quit out of the blue, usually in traffic here in SoCal. I thought it was the fuel pump, turns out the relay would overheat and click off. I thought beating on the tank is why it would restart. Nope, the relay would cool down and I was back in business. Love your R/T Dakota...maybe I'll do a 360 swap and make my own. I've gotta spare 46RE and 9-1/4 layin around...hmmm

[patrickfitzwater]

Interesting. I have noticed my wife's car doing the same thing. takes a couple extra cranks to start. But I have always been told a fuel pump "either works or it doesn't"... no error codes either

[Nevercouldfigureitout]

Just did a $24 pump in my brothers TA. They were trying to hit him with the whole assembly and I came in with the ol razzle dazzle phone search at autozone. Paid online and made them hand me the cheapy pump.

[MyKARSShop]

Good & accurate info. Well done. Good explanation. I was the lead product engineer for Walbro Aftermarket in charge of Mopar and Ford fuel pumps from the mid 90s to the Early 2000s.