I think I need to replace my fuel pump. I have a 2003 ram 1500 2wd, 4.7L. The truck started stalling the other day and now it wont start at all. I just changed out the spark plugs and that didnt do any thing. (but they needed to be changed. Only one smelled like gas (far rear drivers side). My question is do I need to drop the tank to get to the pump, it looks like there is a lot of room between the tank and the pump. I am not a mechanic but I have plenty of time and patience. Thanks, Mike

 

How do you know that the pump is bad? If you have fuel pressure your pump is good. Did you try to check the pump?

 

uhhh yea sure, how do I check the pressure, lol?

 

I just checked the service manual, there should be a service port on the pass side fuel rail. Put a gauge on it and turn the key on to see if you get pressure.

Replacing the fuel pump is a PITA, and they are expensive since you have to buy the whole module. You will have to drop the tank to do this. You may need a special tool to get the lockring off, a screwdriver and hammer usually will do the trick though. Just be careful not to bend/break the tabs.

 

You will need to get a gauge to check the pressure, $30 at many part stores.

 

also how would I know if someone put something in my tank (sugar)? I had a tire slashed about a year ago but hopefully I am just paranoid.

 

You wouldn't be able to tell until you took the system apart and checked it out. If someone put stuff in your tank and it was going to have an effect, it would happen the next time you turned the engine on. Could be a fuel filter too. It is combined with the pressure regulator, so if you don't have pressure that may be a place to check too.

 

Do you run very low on gas before you refuel? That is very bad for the pump. I used to do that, 'til it cost me a $500 fuel pump. Now I refuel when it gets to 1/4 tank. Unfortunately, this will be a case of "locking the barn door..." if that's what's going on. The pump from my Dodge van was huge. Myth busters did a show on "stuff" in the gas tank. It took way more than a dose of sugar to make the engine quit. I've seen that test port on the fuel rail. Wondered what it was for.