I'm just curious.  How many people burn to death in their cars every
year, because of in the tank fuel pumps?  I'm asking this because I
just had one blow a line on top of the sending unit.  In just a few
seconds there was gas all over the place, coming out like a fountain.
I did some checking on this, and found that these pumps are designed
to pump up to 35 gallons per minute.  That means that in one minute, a
broken fuel line can dump a full tank of gas under your vehicle, and
any spark can end your life, destroy your vehicle in a ball of flame,
and possibly set fire to homes, other cars, and whatever else.

The first vehicle I owned with an in the tank pump, died an early
death because of a failed fuel pump.  Rather than unscrewing 2 bolts
and a couple fuel lines under the hood to replace a $20 mechanical
fuel pump.  A roadside repair that takes a half hour at most,  I was
faced with a towing bill, then removing the entire gas tank, paying
$70+ for the pump, and replacing other fuel lines, and the tank
straps, and a full day's labor.  I did the job myself at a final cost
of around $400 with the towing bill included, and this does not take
into account that I nearly froze to death on the winter night when
this pump suddenly died on a deserted rural road, making me walk over
5 miles in below zero weather.  Then losing a days wages, and having
to rent a car for a few more days.  Then having to do one of the most
miserable repair jobs I ever did.

THEY CALL THIS PROGRESS????????

The old mechanical fuel pumps had a much longer life, pumped less fuel
per minute, were cheaper, much easier to replace, and most
importantly, the fuel lines in the engine compartment rarely ever
sprung a leak due to rusting because of oil and heat keeping them
relatively rust free.  On the other hand, all fuel lines UNDER all
vehicles eventually rust and leak.  Those before a mechanical pump
will drip a little gas, but will not dump the full contents of a gas
tank in one minute.  Additionally, the mechaiical fuel pumps generally
give a warning, allowing the driver to get the vehicle home or to a
service garage before total failure, whereas these in the tank pumps
just suddenly quit, leaving the driver stranded.

This has got to be one of the stupidest things ever done to modern
vehicles.  It's reverse technology at best, a killer at worst.  I
question why the government safety officials ever allowed these in
tank fuel pumps in the first place?  

Then I go on to read that some of these pumps have had the wires
inside the gas tank overheat and the insulation melt.  Correct me if
I'm wrong, but having overheated wires inside a flammable liquid is
just asking for disaster.  One spark and BOOM!  Lives are ended and
property is destroyed in a ball of flame and explosion.

WHY WAS THIS EVER ALLOWED?

HOW MANY HAVE DIED?

HOW LONG WILL THIS STUPIDITY CONTINUE?

Jimw