Replace fuel pump or just the fuel pump regulator?

[Courtglau]

I need some advice! I know I need to replace my fuel pump regulator however I’m debating whether or not to just replace the regulator or the whole fuel pump as my Jeep is 22 years old and figure the fuel pump will need a replacement soon anyways? Just need some advice. Also, where do I buy a quality fuel pump? Don’t want to go through all the work to replace and put a shitty one in.

 

[Woodrow]

I recently did this on my '97. I presumed my regulator was bad but not my pump because it ran fine but I was getting long starts after it sat. Pressure at the rail while running was within spec (51psi) but fell off to <10 psi in under a minute. Also, the long start didn't occur if I cycled the key a few times before turning it over (which should prime the system pressure). I've read here, that even in that circumstance, the pump may also be bad. So I replaced the whole assembly with an OEM Bosch unit (I was lucky to find this-they are out of production). That solved my long starts and rapid rail pressure drop after shut down. Delphi is another brand some here feel is a worthy replacement.

 

[Courtglau]

Sounds like what I am experiencing as well. Thanks for the advice! I’m going to look up those brands now and hopefully find something available.

 

[Courtglau]

I recently did this on my '97. I presumed my regulator was bad but not my pump because it ran fine but I was getting long starts after it sat. Pressure at the rail while running was within spec (51psi) but fell off to <10 psi in under a minute. Also, the long start didn't occur if I cycled the key a few times before turning it over (which should prime the system pressure). I've read here, that even in that circumstance, the pump may also be bad. So I replaced the whole assembly with an OEM Bosch unit (I was lucky to find this-they are out of production). That solved my long starts and rapid rail pressure drop after shut down. Delphi is another brand some here feel is a worthy replacement.

Where were you able to find the Bosch unit?

 

[Woodrow]

A older guy who owns one of the local auto parts stores said he had several Bosch sources. He called 8 states and found one collecting dust on a shelf in Bakersfield, CA. I think I mentioned him in my build thread, but whether or no, I'll say thanks to him again.

 

[oscarat]

Hey, I had to replace the fuel pump on my 2003 TJ. I bought that car new and it went through 2 sons. Anyway, I always recomment replacing the fuel pump AND cleaning the tank out as much as possible. Over the years, my TJ accumulated a lot of dirt and crap that came from refueling over the years. The only filter that I know of is inside the tank and it is just a thin flat filter that attached to the bottom of the pump. It was FULL of dirt and junk. I have not replaced the regulator on the fuel rail. My issue was fixed with the new fuel pump. Also, it is really difficult to clean out the tank but it needs to be done. I think I ended up breaking all of the connection clips because they were brittle. I was having starting issues and some random cylinder skip codes.