Are OEM Fuel Pumps Better than Aftermarket?

When it’s time to replace your fuel pump, the first decision you have to make is whether to get an OEM or aftermarket fuel pump. Which option offers the most value in terms of longevity and reliability? Is it OEM? Our answer is a resounding “YES!”

There are three important factors to consider when buying a replacement fuel pump. For each of those factors, OEM is always the best choice. Read on to find out why.

1. Fitment

Aftermarket fuel pumps are commonly universal. That means they’re designed to fit all similarly-sized vehicles. For example, trucks and SUVs or sedans and crossovers. It may be marketed as a great feature, but it’s actually not.

When you install a generic aftermarket fuel pump on your Ford, you’re putting your car at risk for early fuel pump failure. That can cause all sorts of problems with the fuel system and the engine. The best thing is to install an OEM fuel pump if you want to ensure a solid and reliable performance for a long time.

Ford makes sure its OEM fuel pumps are built to each Ford model’s specifications. That means they’re dimensionally accurate right down to the millimeter.

2. Manufacturer Warranty

Have you ever wondered why aftermarket fuel pumps are so inexpensive upfront? It’s partially because they don’t come with comprehensive warranty coverage. In some cases, the pump doesn’t even come with a warranty policy at all. If the aftermarket fuel pump fails early – which is pretty likely – you’ll have no choice but to buy another one at full price.

OEM Ford fuel pumps are backed by Ford’s Service Parts Warranty, which is good for 24 months without a limit on miles, and they're built to last a long time. Win-win.

3. Better Quality Materials

Buying an aftermarket fuel pump is a huge gamble. Many aftermarket parts are built with inferior materials to help the manufacturers save a few bucks. Even if you find an aftermarket fuel pump, it’s likely that it won’t fit your car well and perform optimally with it.

OEM Ford fuel pumps are built with the highest quality materials. Ford puts a lot of thought and care into the quality of their parts. When it comes to quality, OEM is always the safer bet.

Where to Find the Right OEM Fuel Pump for Your Ford

There are many variations of an OEM fuel pump because each variation is made for a specific Ford model. So Ford has assigned a part number to each pump. To find the right part number for your Ford vehicle, look up your Ford in our catalog. You can also look for your car in this list of our best selling fuel pumps:

• Part No. 8L3Z-9H307-B: For 2004-2008 F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT models
• Part No. F6TZ-9A407-CC: For 1992-1997 Bronco, F-150, F-250, and F-350 models
• Part No. F85Z-9H307-AB: For 1997-1998 F-150 and F-250 models
• Part No. XL3Z-9H307-DB: For 1999-2004 F-150 and F-250 models
• Part No. YW4Z-9275-BC: For 2000-2005 Thunderbird and Lincoln LS models