I am looking to replace my fuel level/pressure sensor and i was wondering if the fuel pump is something that is suppose to be bought with it or are these two separate parts. Under what circumstances does someone have to replace the fuel pump anyways. I've been told only to change the level sensor to keep my fuel gauge from wondering all over the place.

i dont know about this application directly; but in general...

the fuel pump, accessible at the top of the gas tank, rides in a cage that holds the fuel pump and pickup line/sock filter. in the same unit/cage housing is the float system. If it isnt sticking, there is also a condition in other cars (dont know about this application, just in general) where peopel replace the float assembly, and this condition continues though the float is new.

if ths system is "resistance dampened" it can wander from fuel slosh as it wears.

the reader in the tank is basically a volume knob, it varies reistance. basically, the fuel guage is just a re-labeled volt meter. But, this is simplified...if the system were not "dampened" every turn and hill you take, the fuel guage will wander ridiculously. The dampening is a resistance system in the dash cluster. is "slows" the reading to acount for fuel slosh and give you a more"average" reading.

in some clusters (applications) the resistance dampening is a resistor/resistor network visible from tracing the wire from the sending unit where it goes into the cluster to the guage...or, it could be contained in the guage itself.

the "quick fix" if you determine this is the problem, where a new float wont help, is to get a new guage cluster assembly. Look for one wrecked from rear/side with lower mileage or another old one will do it too. A "you pull it" low cost large junkyard is the best option here. If you never pulled your dash before, learning in the "you pull it" junkyard is GREAT practice(smile) as youll know what to watch for so you dont break something.


Is an '82 Olds Firenza a "Flash Ride" ?