We're in fuel pump hell.

Had an "Airtex" (brand) fuel pump installed on '95 Ram Van, 5.2 L, (143,000 mi.) Fuel tank boot was also replaced. I get van from mechanic & fill up tank. Afterwards, gas gauge starts dancing all around, same as before repair.

Drive home, engine dies while parking in driveway. Start van up, dies again. Van goes back to mechanic next day, gas gauge dancing all the way. Leave van with them all day. Mechanic says computer readings all good, van not acting up at all, gas gauge staying steady, etc. & they've driven it a few times. ARGH!

We drive van for a week, no problems at all...until time for tank fill. Van runs fine on way to gas station. Fill up tank, now engine won't start! Cranks, but won't turn over. Some guy walks past us, says hey, it's leaking gas! Oh #*%#! Stops leaking gas after a couple minutes. Wrecker comes, gas that has pooled on top of tank runs off when wrecker lifts van.

Van @ mechanic now. They suspect faulty fuel pump, but not sure yet. I don't understand how pump can be faulty if the van ran good between fill-ups. Friend has speculated that maybe fuel line wasn't attached properly & weight of full tank creates problems. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP! Thanks!

 

If the fuel line wasn't connected there would be a lot more gas coming than what you've described. I would suspect that either the vent hose isn't connected or more likely the hold-down ring for the pump wasn't tightened.

 

Well, the mechanic said some clip was broken & they replaced it. He seemed a little embarrassed & very apologetic, so I think it was their mistake. Van seems to be okay, but I'm eating "Lucky Charms" cereal while knocking wood with crossed fingers & rubbing rabbits foot against a horse shoe...just in case!