I asked for trouble and I got it.

[solismaris]

So I asked for trouble and I got it. I asked my mechanic to do a comprehensive safety and breakdown check on my 2004 GMC 2500HD. Because breakdowns on vacation are no fun - we've had 2 already this year - and stressful for me and the wife, and I wanted to find problems before they happen. Bad idea? Maybe; maybe not.

Not suprisingly he found lots of problems. Brake issues front and rear, badly rusted control arms, etc. Most of them I understand and accept and will have them done over the next few months, one at a time. But the big one is this:

He says the fuel lines are badly rusted and strongly recommends replacing them, and that job includes new fuel pump and tank straps. It is an 8 hour job and estimated at $1800 parts and labor!

First of all, that's a shockingly large amount of money! Does this seem out of line? He says the entire system is one part, basically, from fuel tank to engine, and is $1000 just for the part!

Second: Is it appropriate to change this just because it is badly rusted? Would there be warning signs before impending failure (like a slight odor of gasoline)? Or would my only warning be the giant fireball as the line ruptures and sprays gas all over the exhaust and sets us on fire? What would you do? (All opinions welcome!)

[RV_daytrader]

brake lines...WOW, but look at the sheet metal above them...no rust at all!!...wtf were those brake lines made with ??

[colliehauler]

dugwms wrote:
I found it easier to raise the drivers side of the bed to change the fuel pump. Not difficult at all.

This is what I would do as well.

[p220sigman]

Yes, the pics are there and I echo the WOW. I'd be worried about everything else under there rusting away. I'm not sure your three year time frame is going to work out even if you replace the lines and the control arms.

[solismaris]

wnjj wrote:

solismaris wrote:

solismaris wrote:
Here are some pix

Did my pictures show up? For me they just show as "image". But somebody posted "Wow" so I guess they saw them?

I can see them and my response is also “wow”. Looks like an old shipwreck.

Harsh lighting from the flash makes it look worse! No actually they probably are that bad.

[wnjj]

solismaris wrote:

solismaris wrote:
Here are some pix

Did my pictures show up? For me they just show as "image". But somebody posted "Wow" so I guess they saw them?

I can see them and my response is also “wow”. Looks like an old shipwreck.

[solismaris]

solismaris wrote:
Here are some pix

Did my pictures show up? For me they just show as "image". But somebody posted "Wow" so I guess they saw them?

[solismaris]

pitch wrote:
Not to be an SOB, but when you get your new truck, wash underneath it several times each winter!

Yes; lesson learned. I will definitely do that with my next vehicle. And try to park it in the sunny front yard, not the dark damp back driveway.

[fj12ryder]

WOW!!

[pitch]

Not to be an SOB, but when you get your new truck, wash underneath it several times each winter!

[solismaris]

Here are some pix. I'm no expert but they look pretty bad. Both the lines and the fittings. I think it is wise to have them replaced before they fail.

In the first pic you will see one line that looks broken with a jagged edge (topmost of the 3 lines). This is near the fuel tank area. Anyone know what this is?

I am also including pix of the front upper control arms, something else I was advised to address soon. Again, they look pretty bad to me.

Like I said, body and systems are in good shape and it's stil great to drive. I think $5000 should keep me going for the next 3 years or so. Then I'll reassess. Feeling optimistic.

[philh]

Find a reputable mechanic, and have him put it on the hoist and show you the area's the first guy find. I find it hard to believe that fuel lines are rusting to the extent they require replacement.

With that many issues, you're likely throwing good money after bad, and it may be better to start looking for something a little more modern.

[Weldon]

Get another estimate.

[dugwms]

I found it easier to raise the drivers side of the bed to change the fuel pump. Not difficult at all.

[Grit_dog]

And at that age and miles, the fuel pump is the cheap insurance part of the replacement since you have to drop the tank anyway I believe.

[dodge_guy]

midnightsadie wrote:
time for a second garage to check it over. seems like a lot of money for some of the items. why change a fuel pump thats doing a good job?

Because it’s required! The lines where the pump connects will be rusty too. And even if you can get it apart do you really want to not install a
New pump at that point. I replaced mine on my Excursion at 75k miles when I replaced the hitch. It’s smart to do!