On a 95 Dakota with the 5.2 is the fuel filter replaceable? I checked my Haynes manual and it shows the fuel filter/fuel pressure regulator is one complete unit on the top if the fuel pump. It shows how to replace it but there is a special clamp that holds it to the fuel tube. I checked the local part stores and they dont show it as a replaceable part. So is it recommended to replace the whole fuel pump? Also is there any known issues with the filter/ regulator assembly? The truck has 142,000 miles and dont know if its ever been replaced. Is there a average mileage limit on the fuel pump replacement? Thanks for the feedback in advance.

 

i got the 3.9 and its in-line about under drivers door, really simple and easy to do. i imagine its the same for you

 

To answer your question no it is not replaceable it would have to be replaced as a whole unit.
93-down has an external filter and regulator that is replaceable. 94-up is internal and non replaceable.

As far as fuel pump life, they are know to have short lives, especially is you drive with it close to the empty mark, the pump uses the fuel as a coolant and as oil for the pump. Even if it isn't truly empty and you got some gas you still can burn it up. I recommend never letting it go below 1/4 to save your pump.

 

First you need to understand your system. When the regulator is in the tank, only the fuel that's needed is pumped out of the tank. So the amount of fuel that gets passed through the filter is half or less than when you have a return type system. So it doesn't need to be serviced as often as a return system.

The filter/regulator is available through the dealer. Also on some fuel pump modules, there is a filter on the suction side of the pump, at the bottom of the module, which is also available through the dealer. As for how long the fuel pump lasts, I think it depends on your fuel level like Crazy4X4RT said and the fuel brand you use. I use Chevron religiously and have never had a fuel system problem. I stopped changing my external fuel filter every year to every other year because it's always clean. That's on my '88 turbo-charged Caravan that I've owned for nine years.

When I bought my '94 Dakota it had 178K on the odometer. I don't know if the fuel pump was ever changed so I changed it because I didn't know it's history. My fuel pressure improved by 2 psi after changing the pump. Was it a tired pump or a partially plugged filter? Your guess is as good as mine. Since then I converted my returnless system to a return system with an external/serviceable filter so I could have a fuel pressure regulator I could adjust to raise the fuel pressure so my 5.2 computer could supply enough fuel for my 5.9 engine.

A.J.

 

wow, im really glad i got a 93 then

 

Thanks for the feedback. I knew about the gas cooling the pump. Ive owned 3 Chevy trucks and they are the worst when it comes to burning up fuel pumps lol. I just didnt know if there was a common problem with the fuel pump or fuel system on the Dakotas. I found a guy on Craigslist that has a pump that was only run for 2 weeks and can get it for $50. And with my truck acting stupid i thought about buying it just because it was practically new and cheap. Again thanks for the help.

 

Bad fuel pumps can be intermittent. Usually once warmed up it can start sticking/seizing up just enough to slow the flow or completely seize up. Then first start early morning when it is cool/cold then it can run.

My wife's moms F150 died due to a bad fuel pump. Her sons didn't fix it, so 1 year later I went to replace it, the sucker started right up after a new battery. It dies in 15mins, with no fuel pressure so up came the bed to replace it.