Is the fuel pump pulsator necessary?

[slow_c1500]

Hey all, I just replaced the fuel pump and sending unit in my 96 vortec. Walbro # 5CA400 and Spectra sender. I’ve started it a few times and drove it for about 15 minutes with no issues. Fuel pressure seems good. However, I just realized after putting everything back together that my original pump has a pulsator. Should I be worried about the new one not having it? I don’t feel like taking the pump out again to check, but idk if the old pulsator is even long enough to join the Walbro pump to the rest of the assembly. Right now it just has the supplied rubber hose.

 

[CumminsFever]

I've seen many pulsators get replaced with a piece of rubber hose, never saw an issue from that.

 

[Caman96]

Hey all, I just replaced the fuel pump and sending unit in my 96 vortec. Walbro # 5CA400 and Spectra sender. I’ve started it a few times and drove it for about 15 minutes with no issues. Fuel pressure seems good. However, I just realized after putting everything back together that my original pump has a pulsator. Should I be worried about the new one not having it? I don’t feel like taking the pump out again to check, but idk if the old pulsator is even long enough to join the Walbro pump to the rest of the assembly. Right now it just has the supplied rubber hose.

Why wouldn’t Walbro put one there? I’ve been driving with that pump and zero issues.

 

[Drunkcanuk]

I was today years old when I found out that there was a thing called a fuel pump pulsator!! Lol

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

my original pump has a pulsator

The Pulsator​

Sounds like a Marvel Comics Superhero... or a novelty often sold at a store along the interstate.

I had a 1995 S10 Blazer with a pulsator and it leaked, which necessitated a pump R&R. The new pump just came with the rubber hose.

I was left with the impression that a pulsator was something GM installed as OE but in practice they were trouble. Once removed, they were never (re)installed.

I have always assumed their purpose was dampen pressure pulses in the fuel line.

I seem to remember someone telling me that the segment of rubber hose was designed to be compliant enough to act as a "pulsator".

Or, the later-design fuel pumps may have had improvements which no longer warranted a pulsator.

I'm sure there will be others with different stories.

 

[Schurkey]

the later-design fuel pumps may have had improvements which no longer warranted a pulsator.

There's half-a-dozen ways to construct a fuel pump. Some have more pressure-pulses than others.

The need for a pulsator is dependent upon fuel pump construction and potentially other factors.

My Luminas have pulsators. They weren't leaking, so I left them in place.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[slow_c1500]

Ok thanks for the info. I’m glad I don’t need to jack up the bed again and pull the pump out just to add a pulsator back in lol