Automotive Fuel Pumps

I have replaced a lot of fuel pumps in my day, from mechanical, remote electric and the infamous in the tank mount. I never have seemed to grip the understanding of putting an electrical device into gasoline. Some would say it’s immersed in liquid and not vapors?? Last time I checked, there are always vapors present especially if you have a plugged vent line.

 

In the marine industry we make great strides to keep any voltage away from volatile vapors, it kind of makes sense? In any event if you find after some simple test having to replace one of these in tank nightmares, and there is no access (believe it or not, some manufactures and selected models do have an access port) and the last thing you read was to pull the tank and half of the car apart, don’t despair! I never do, I cut an access hole in the floor/trunk or bed and yank the thing out. You still have to disconnect a couple of lines under the car, but its far simpler then to pulling the tank. It also makes sense to have an access port, for any further issues that might arise and one guy wrote and said that it’s a nice feature to have once you restart the vehicle to look for leaks.

 

Although there are many methods to cut sheet metal, please use a method that does not throw sparks like a grinder, or saws that would easily penetrate the tank. The most part cut a start point hole and shear the metal with a set of tin snips, aviation snips; dual cut power shears are great if you can obtain a pair. When your cut is complete clean up all you edges and wrap with some metal tape (used in sealing hard board insulation - available at building supply stores). Thus the edges will be cut free and protect any installation of your new pump. A note is to check the internet there is a good chance there was someone in your same predicament that has posted some great detail as to where they made their cuts. As I have for the 2003 Chevy Malibu. In all cases, I always soak the area that I am cutting with soapy water, vent the tank by removing the fill cap, and for your best interest keep a fire extinguisher within reach.

 

Insert Picks of Job