2002 Sunsetter LXi Fuel Pump

[UWSkier]

36 minutes ago, justgary said:

Nice.  The barb is on the suction end, isn't it?  If so, it will be easier to seal than if it were on the pressure end.

Affirmative 

[GaleK]

2000 Response with MPI, we were on vacation at the lake for our regular summer week getaway, and the fuel pump started whining and dumped the girls at the end of the lake on a shopping excursion. Found this thread (incredibly helpful), and did the standard screen checking, etc. Managed to keep it running through the end of the vacation and got our sets in! Thought I would give you my experiences in hopes that it'll help someone.

Confirmed with Bob at Carter, Larry (Engine Nut) at Indmar (who's now retired but is still working their tech support e-mail so apparently not fully retired!) etc with the following:

P61171 120 psi static pressure, 43.5 operating pressure. So, for MPI, this pump works fine. I measured line pressure "post" regulator on the original pump when we got home, and I had 45 psi at KOEO, 38 at idle, 36 at 1500 rpm. I have not measured yet with it installed (came from RockAuto), but seems to run fine (have not skied it yet). Need to measure it and go do some skiing to verify under load performance, but based on previous posts should be ok.

P90043 according to Carter (used to be the P5000) wouldn't be the best choice as it's meant for high performance engines, but to my way of thinking with the regulator should work.

Biggest nosebleed for me was the fitting for the bottom of the P61171. Confirmed with Bob that the threads are 5/8 x 18 straight cut. Finally found the fittings that would work after some (ok, a lot of) googling. Since I didn't really know what I was looking for, I wasn't sure what to query. The Response incoming fuel line from the tank has a 37 degree flare fitting that connected to the old inlet. There are several specs; two of the more popular are SAE and AN. Since I didn't know which the Malibu had, I took a flier. Lots of chatter about interchangeability, etc.

Russell -6AN Adapter Fitting, Part #640380 was procured ($11, Local O'Reilly's Auto Parts had them "next day" available), and then bought an o-ring for the seal. The bottom of the pump has a groove (as has been explained previously and confirmed by Carter) that accepts the o-ring. I decided worst case scenario on the flare if it didn't tighten and seal would be to purchase the -AN hose end fitting and connect.

Tightened everything up, and no runs or drips.

Edited August 11, 2021 by GaleK

[GaleK]

Update on the new fuel pump:

 

Skied it 3 weekends now, pulling like a champ.

Old pump: 45 psi at KOEO, 38 at idle, 36 at 1500 rpm

New pump (measured with a different fuel pressure gauge, so readings could be affected): 45 psi at KOEO, 39 at idle, 39 at 1500 rpm.

I’m happy with the results. Forum posts were money.

Edited September 7, 2021 by GaleK