I think I need a new fuel pump

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shanegtr

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1989
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R2500 Suburban
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454
Ok, 454 TBI Suburban. Was running fine (but down on power last time it was running). Hasn't run for a while due to replacing water pump, fuel filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, crank pulley (no running due to waiting for parts). Anyway finally got everything back together tonight and go to fire it up and it just turns over with no attempt to fire. It will fire with some petrol poured directly into the throttle body but stalls quickly after. I'm getting power through the fuel pump relay with no issues. Applied 12V to the test point and dosent seem like the fuel pump is running (it ran a couple of times when I attempted to fire it up but now nothing). Checked the fuel filter to make sure there was no blockages (I could blow air through both directions - theres not a one way valve in them is there?) plus its a brand new filter.
I don't have an open circuit to the pump from the relay as I read 41ohms from the relay plug to earth through the pump.
So I now believe my fuel pump has died (unless someone can suggest otherwise). So question is whats a simple replacement that can go into an 89 burb with 40gal tank that would be suitable for future engine upgrades (I need it to fit first time as I live in a remote area in Australia and it will be ordered from the states - returns if it dosent fit is not an option)
 

1987 GMC Jimmy

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So nothing definitively happened when you applied 12V to the test lead? I couldn’t tell if something was trying to happen or nothing did from the description. It would make me feel better to know that your service engine soon (SES) light is self-testing when you first turn the key on, but it does sound like the pump’s shot. I checked, and Spectra makes a sender/pump assembly for the 40 gallon setup (PN# SP12M1H). Airtex also does, but avoid like the plague. I’ve had good luck with Spectra products and will continue to purchase them. Of course, if something goes wrong I have parts ubiquity to fall back on, which you don’t. If I wasn’t strapped for cash and in your predicament, I’d also order a spare AC Delco pump (PN#EP386) just to have so in the worst case scenario the pump doesn’t work or fails prematurely, it’s not the end of the world. The Spectra is $56 USD on RockAuto, plus there’s a discount code for 5% in their preferred vendor section. I’d also check prices on Amazon and eBay. I checked shipping to postcode 4000 compared to 6000, and it all looks the same so you’re good there. You also need to replace the fuel filter, but it’s a very universal design. Any older Holden or Jeep should use the exact same one, but I’d get a part number and verify it just to be safe.
 

shanegtr

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Perth, Australia
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Shane
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1989
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R2500 Suburban
Engine Size
454
No nothing happened when applying 12v at the test lead. I've just finished dropping the tank and pulled the pump - applying 12v from a battery directly to the pump and still nothing so looks like its dead
 

shanegtr

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Shane
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1989
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R2500 Suburban
Engine Size
454
oh, forgot to add, yes the SES light self tests fine, no fault codes logged.
 

1987 GMC Jimmy

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Great. Sounds like everything is figured out here.
 

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