Workhorse W22 Fuel Pump Question

[preach2u]

I just purchased a 2004 National Dolphin 5355, 8.1 Workhorse W22 chassis, 37000 miles. I've been going over it trying to be sure I have no problems I could have prevented. The fuel pump, in the tank, is the original. Currently carries a steady 60+ pressure. I have ordered a fuel pump trying to be preventative; Question is, those of you with more knowledge than me, is there any value in changing the pump out now or just carrying it with me in case of an on the road problem. I will not be full time, generally using it several times a year long trips (up to 2000 miles) and locally a few times in the summer. I realize the challenge of tank drop, am capable albeit an unwilling participant. And I realize on the road it would be out of my hands... what is your advice?

[Rocky Larson]

I have 110,000 miles on my 04 and never gave the fuel pump a thought. If you buy one for JIC I'll keep you in mind if I ever do need one. Good Luck

[preach2u]

Thank you. That is good to know. I appreciate it.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by preach2u

I just purchased a 2004 National Dolphin 5355, 8.1 Workhorse W22 chassis, 37000 miles. I've been going over it trying to be sure I have no problems I could have prevented. The fuel pump, in the tank, is the original. Currently carries a steady 60+ pressure. I have ordered a fuel pump trying to be preventative; Question is, those of you with more knowledge than me, is there any value in changing the pump out now or just carrying it with me in case of an on the road problem. I will not be full time, generally using it several times a year long trips (up to 2000 miles) and locally a few times in the summer. I realize the challenge of tank drop, am capable albeit an unwilling participant. And I realize on the road it would be out of my hands... what is your advice?

Lets all hope you'll never need it, but I understand your JIC attitude. Dropping the tank and swapping the pump is not something I would want to do roadside.
A more likely event could be a plugged up fuel filter. I always carried at least one of them. Not sure about your model year, but when they changed to the excess fuel going back to the tank from the filter instead of the engine, WCC used a 3 port filter that is no longer available. Therefore they used an "adapter" that allows the use of the 2 port filter available almost everywhere. Please make sure which filter your chassis uses, and buy the adapter so you can easily install the common 2 port style. IF you find you already have the adapter installed by a PO, you are golden.



OB, please note there is an excellent WCC chassis sub-forum here, too.

LOTS of good info over there.....

[preach2u]

Ed Gray, Thank you for the advice. Both on the fuel filter and the workhorse forum... I'm not that good at navigating this forum, so I really appreciate it. I'd never attempt to do a fuel pump roadside, or on a trip for that matter. But to have it available may save some time/money... thanks again.

[Arch Hoagland]

Leave the fuel pump alone. I've been on three RV forums 15 years and it is extremely rare that the fuel pump goes out on these Workhorse chassis. I'm at 96,000 miles so far and mine is great.

Change your hoses and belts along with your idler pulley for the serpentine belt.

Has the Bosch brake recall been done on it yet?

Have you changed the transmission fluid and spin on filter?

[edgray]

Originally Posted by preach2u

Ed Gray, Thank you for the advice. Both on the fuel filter and the workhorse forum... I'm not that good at navigating this forum, so I really appreciate it. I'd never attempt to do a fuel pump roadside, or on a trip for that matter. But to have it available may save some time/money... thanks again.

Please look for a PM that I sent you. Ed

[CJ7365]

Workhorse forum



https://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/

[B52Rnav]

We had an '04 Tiffin on W22 chassis. When we bought it in 2014, it only had 19,000 miles. About 1 year later fuel pump died while we were on I-10 about 40 miles west of Kerrville, TX. After 3 hrs on side of road, we were towed to Kerrville. Mechanic had it repaired in 2 days. 40 mile tow plus parts and labor - fortunately roadside assistance and extended warranty paid most of the bill.

[preach2u]

Thanks for advice, Arch. I've got a lead on everything you mentioned, brakes were done. I appreciate your help and offering to share it much. Thank you.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Anything can fail, but a fuel pump on a low mileage W22 would be far, far down my list of things to worry about. Or carry a spare "just in case". A fuel filter, on the other hand, is a likely candidate. In fact, I would probably change it proactively if I bought a used W22.

[Guzzimark]

I had the fuel pump fail on my P32 Workhorse only 15 miles from home. Only 50000 miles on the chassis. The $650 for towing was more significant than the cost of the part. But it did take several days of special orders and returns before I got the correct replacement pump. The NAPA parts system was providing pumps that were not long enough to reach the bottom of the tank. I also had to use a floor jack to lower the tank. I was fortunate that it only had about 15 gallons of fuel in it because I was unable to get my siphon hose to work.
BTW, I have also replaced that pump in my Astrovan but it had over 150000 miles on it.

[PbdBlue]

My buddy had his fuel pump fail on the road. 2002 W22 chassis with ~35000 miles. Repair took a few days. It seems that the pump has been superseded with a newer one but it has a different connector\wiring harness. It took the shop awhile to figure that out. Probably that sort of thing is more easily sorted out in your driveway. OP's being a 2004 may or may not have the wiring issue.

[Guzzimark]

Supposedly a higher amperage connector. Both of my pump replacements (P32, Astrovan) required it. The P32 was easier because I was able to disconnect that part of the harness and modify it on the workbench instead of under the vehicle.