Alternate title: How many fuel pumps have YOU gone through this year?

So...

88 xj 6 cyl 4.0l.

I've replaced my fuel pump 4 times in the last couple months. The first one I replaced was in late May. Each time has a few different symptoms.

After the second one, I dropped the tank, found crud, emptied it and replaced. Third one was 800-1000 miles later. Dropped tank again and there was just a bit of dirt (I did the seal wrong). Also found a wire that was only hanging on by a thread. Re crimped and electric tape and that one worked for 4000 miles/one month (I've been living the constant road trip) and then I had this problem of intermittent stalling and no start. I was pretty sure I checked the fuel pressure but it may have been when it was not failing. Anyhow, next road trip comes and I decided to let the situation play out, one day it decided to not start at all after some serious rock terrain. I got towed and the guy in the small town I was towed to checked my fuel pressure and there was 0. WTF!

He checked that there was voltage to the pump, and verified that the pump was making no noise when the key was to the ON position... He also found that my gas filler hose had fallen off (!!??) .... I had filled up less than 100 miles prior so it must have fallen off on the really rocky stuff. I got a new pump and put it in, found a radiator hose that fit (I'll have to get a real one later, I know.. but they didn't have anything that was bent), and made it home. While taking the old one out, I pulled on the negative cord and it actually broke... So I guess it could have been a weak link again? This time I put on a brand new connecter.

Sure, I get a new one for free every time thanks to NAPA but seriously. This problem is really weird. Anybody have ideas?

 

What BRAND of fuel pump did you buy?

There is a very big difference in the quality of fuel pumps. Very big.

 

I have a feeling he will say Air Crap. Or something worst That is if there is a worst brand.

 

dont think it can get worse than airtex

 

Well since he broke 2 wires... harness short circuiting and frying the pumps?

 

SHoulda guessed you guys were going to ask.

2 were the napa generic brand and 2 were Bosch.

 

Sounds like you need to replace the wiring at minimum.