While the price of a fuel pump would largely depend on the make and model of a car, as well as its production year (as fuel pumps for older cars can cost anywhere between $150 to $500 or even higher for parts alone. These older cars run harder to locate pump designs, particularly if they have a mechanical fuel pump as many modern electric pumps might fit. Whereas mechanical fuel pumps are usually quite inexpensive, with prices at the lower end of the range starting typically between $100 and $200 or thereabouts, electric pumps tend to be costlier because they're more complex.
In addition, labor costs can tack on an extra $200 to $400, depending on how easily the fuel pump is accessible within your vehicle. With the exception of some older cars where the fuel pump was mounted on or in the engine, fuel tanks usually have to be removed to get at them – which adds labor time. Smoking a fuel pump can cost you 2 to 4 hours depending on where the pump lays and design of vehicle.
Additionally, older vehicles (especially models from the 1980s and 1990s) may sometimes require special-oem type parts to retain compatibility with the rest of the car — and come at a higher cost. Sometimes parts are not as readily available, in that they cannot be kept on the shelf or produced at a standard cost. Aftermarket fuel pumps on the other hand are generally less expensive and more readily available.
Fuel pump life expectancy is a mixed bag when it comes to car parts: On average, you can expect a fuel pump to last roughly 100,000 miles before needing more or less attention. With older cars, the fuel filter must be changed and the fuel lines periodically inspected to prolong the life of the fuel pump. To avoid particles clogging up the pump and breaking it prematurely, the rule of thumb is to replace filters at 20,000-40,000 miles in any case.
AdvertisementThe skyrocketing numbers might not bode well for the upcoming winter driving season, especially given that according to a 2020 AAA report, fuel pump failures account for about 12% of vehicle breakdowns in older vehicles. The older vehicle with a more fragile fuel system may perhaps benefit the most from proper component maintenance as Musk has said that “proper upkeep of components can prolong the life of a vehicle.”
Check out Fuel Pump for parts that are known to last for a lifetime and meet the needs of every old car owner on a budget.