Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
#1
Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
Some previous owner of my car hacked a nice hole in the gas tank hump to replace the fuel pump (or something of the sort, the lines don't seem to be cut). Anyway, I am in need of ideas as to how to fix it now.
I am concerned about welding it with the gas tank right there. I don't really want to drop the gas tank, but that might make the most sense and just fix it right with some hammer and dolly to get the pieces in the right shape again. Another option would be to pop rivet a piece over it, but then I have to drill that close to my gas tank.
Pictures are attached.
I am concerned about welding it with the gas tank right there. I don't really want to drop the gas tank, but that might make the most sense and just fix it right with some hammer and dolly to get the pieces in the right shape again. Another option would be to pop rivet a piece over it, but then I have to drill that close to my gas tank.
Pictures are attached.
#2
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Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
Fix it correctly, it'll look better and be safer. Yank the tank and weld it up. If you put a door in it, make sure it's gasketed. The PO of my car did the same, so I needed to repair mine as well.
#6
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
I already fixed it in one of my cars by welding a plate over it.
I'll probably just drop the tank down enough to get room to weld and do it right, I have to pull the exhaust anyway which is the biggest pain of the whole thing.
Amen to doing it right, 99% of the access holes are just hacks, this one was just left exposed and my other had some panel from a water heater siliconed down.
I'll probably just drop the tank down enough to get room to weld and do it right, I have to pull the exhaust anyway which is the biggest pain of the whole thing.
Amen to doing it right, 99% of the access holes are just hacks, this one was just left exposed and my other had some panel from a water heater siliconed down.
#7
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Car: 1987 T/A WS6 T-Tops/92 RS
Engine: LB9/3.1
Transmission: 700R4/700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73/3.23
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
I will not cut a hole in my car like that, but if I got a car that already had the hole cut I would clean it up and leave it in case the fuel pump goes out agin. Sine the PO left the stock sheet metal in place I would use as much for it as I could to weld it back together if that is the route you want to take.
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#9
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Car: 1988 IROC
Engine: L98
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3:27 9-bolt
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
Safety. Do you really want the gas tank to essentially be in the interior of the car? Imagine the possibilities in the event of a rollover. There's also the opportunity for exhaust fumes to enter the car.
#10
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Car: 89 IROC Z28
Engine: 357 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
I already fixed it in one of my cars by welding a plate over it.
I'll probably just drop the tank down enough to get room to weld and do it right, I have to pull the exhaust anyway which is the biggest pain of the whole thing.
Amen to doing it right, 99% of the access holes are just hacks, this one was just left exposed and my other had some panel from a water heater siliconed down.
I'll probably just drop the tank down enough to get room to weld and do it right, I have to pull the exhaust anyway which is the biggest pain of the whole thing.
Amen to doing it right, 99% of the access holes are just hacks, this one was just left exposed and my other had some panel from a water heater siliconed down.
Using the hole to change the pump means you'll have to cut the fuel lines and reconnect with rubber hose and clamps.Not A good idea, IMO.
#12
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Car: 89 IROC Z28
Engine: 357 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
OK you do it your way. I've seen it done both ways. Dyno Don did mine after the first place I took it to left small dents in the subframe. Don always removes the rear-end and has done dozens of them. things.removing it. He maybe the finest third gen mechanic in California. He knows these cars inside and out.
#13
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Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
You guys are playing word semantics. The rear doesn't need to be "removed", but it does need to be dropped. You will not get the tank out without dropping the rear out of the way and I believe we all know that.
#14
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Car: 91 Firebird,00 c2500,75 Vette
Engine: 3.1 but 350 soon, 350, 350
Transmission: T56 soon
Axle/Gears: stock 3.42 Posi to come
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
AmorgetRS, I must say I am suprised by the mess they left you with. I thought the hole I got from the previous owner was bad but yours looks a little worse to me. Mine has wrinkled sheetmetal but not in the bend by the seat back.
Haps, That is a very nice and neat patch panel you made and fit in. Nice job. I had a different plan for mine but may just do one similar to yours if my plan does not work as I want.
Haps, That is a very nice and neat patch panel you made and fit in. Nice job. I had a different plan for mine but may just do one similar to yours if my plan does not work as I want.
Last edited by 91phoenix; 07-12-2012 at 11:43 AM. Reason: spelling
#16
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Car: 85 Trans Am
Engine: 98 Vortec 350 LT1 Cam w/ TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3:27
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
The rear does not have to be removed but as said it must be dropped. Granted not everyone has access to a lift but this is right after I got my tank out and the tank never even touched the rear on the way out or back in.
The only thing good about the OPs situation is all the original metal is still there. It just needs to be welded back up.
The only thing good about the OPs situation is all the original metal is still there. It just needs to be welded back up.
#17
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Car: 91 Firebird,00 c2500,75 Vette
Engine: 3.1 but 350 soon, 350, 350
Transmission: T56 soon
Axle/Gears: stock 3.42 Posi to come
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
AmorgetRS, are you going to replace the whole fuel line sending unit assembly?
With a very neat panel like Haps did my main concern is that most people are using fuel line when they cut the steel lines. I do not trust that at all with the fuel injection pressures of TPI or the V6 MPFI. The only good fixes I have read have been to put
-AN fittings on or to use a compression fitting.
With a very neat panel like Haps did my main concern is that most people are using fuel line when they cut the steel lines. I do not trust that at all with the fuel injection pressures of TPI or the V6 MPFI. The only good fixes I have read have been to put
-AN fittings on or to use a compression fitting.
#18
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Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
Yeah that cut in the body is a hack but when done right I dont see a problem doing a fuel pump this way. The panel would have to be cut out right and made into a access "door" if you will that is gasketed and bolted down or latched in some manner to seal off the interior.
You could try to find a donor car and carefully cut out the sheet metal and replace that entire section of your car, welding it back into place completely. Would be clean after it was done and welds ground smooth and painted over.
You could try to find a donor car and carefully cut out the sheet metal and replace that entire section of your car, welding it back into place completely. Would be clean after it was done and welds ground smooth and painted over.
#20
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Car: 91 Firebird,00 c2500,75 Vette
Engine: 3.1 but 350 soon, 350, 350
Transmission: T56 soon
Axle/Gears: stock 3.42 Posi to come
Re: Fuel pump hole hack - how to fix
My Suburban and my truck both disconnected at the top of the tank. I was not familiar with the F body set-up till I had to work on mine and still only stumbled on the hole cut in mine and then learned about the fuel unit design. I do need to fix my lines.
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