jrmartino78

Does anyone know of a good mechanic preferably in the SouthBay area that knows how to work on and possibly replace the fuel pump on the Pontiacs? My car is currently sitting stuck in my garage and I need to tow it to a mechanic to get it fixed.

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

In a thirdgen ?

Remove rear axle and drop tank then remove gas tank

jrmartino78

Yeah, tho some people have cut an access hatch into their trunk to save time and money. Hoping if I have to take it to a mechanic that I can find one that knows how to do it that way.

Also, I feel I should mention I'm in the LA area Southbay, Redondo Beach. Didn't realize that there was more than one Southbay. Don't know California too well as I'm from Chicago.

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

I'm in navy from Miami been station on camp Pendleton then at naval hospital San Diego

ringo234

If you can get it to Anaheim talk to Dyno Don.
Cutting a hole in the hatch area to get to fuel pump will get you arguments for and against doing it. I think it may save time the second time you replace the pump but not so sure you'll save that much time when the hole is actually cut. If you do cut a hole make sure you do a good job closing the hole. You don't want any fumes leaking into the car.
Also I doubt you'll find any reputable mechanic to do it.

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

I agree I think it prob take same amount of time to cut hole vs doing the correct way assuming you cut correctly neatly and fab up a cover unless its a hack job then yea cut and peel metal back that would take no time to do

antares57

iTrader: (8)

Did a lot of research on this topic when the fuel pump on my '91 Firebird went out. Estimates on mechanics doing it the right way were $400-$500 just for the labor. They didn't even want to touch cutting a hole on the top. Thought about cutting the hole on top myself but heard too many horror stories. Primarily about having to cut fuel lines and such. Talked to a respected parts and information source for me, cal30_sniper, and he told me to do it the right way. Went to Summit and bought the fuel pump, springs, and shocks. Dropped the axle, cut the exhaust, dropped the tank and replaced the fuel pump, shocks, and springs. I'm just a joe smo and although involved, it was not hard. It drives fine now and I feel more confident in doing repairs. I, for one, am glad that I didn't cut that hole. Not because it would have been easier, but I feel that car is part of me now. Good luck in your decision and in getting it accomplished.

salfirebird92

I have a friend here in the Los angeles Area he just changed the Fuel Pump For me 2 weeks ago only charged me 75$ I had to buy the pump of course he wiil provably charge you like 80$ he rebuilds and builds motors for a living he mostly like to work in american cars . the only problem is that he doesn't have a car lol i know so he would need a ride to the south bay area he is a great mechanic .

actarnoff

iTrader: (1)

It's not that hard to do it yourself, but whatever you do do NOT cut a hole in the tank.

jrmartino78

That's a good idea to do it all at once. I might need my shocks and springs too. Hate to cut the exhaust as I just had that fixed but I could stand to replace the muffler.


Zach/90\irocZ offered to come by in the morning to take a look at it but if there are any issues I may wanna look into your guy. Especially since I want to look into converting it from a 5 speed to an automatic within the next year or so. For now I just need to get the car mobile again since I'm moving to Pasadena in 2 weeks and need to get the car out of the garage and up the driveway.

dads old blue 9

Good for you (57) it feels good doesn't it ,and doing it the rite way ! Obviously your not a hacker ,most guys that dont know how to do something rite will go about it the ''EASY" way . you can do anything the rite way , if you put your mind to it . good job , keep it up . and the more you work on the car yourself the more intimate you will be with her.

ringo234

Dyno Don has replaced my pump twice and never had to cut anything especially the exhaust. Not sure why you needed to do it.

jrmartino78

How much does Dyno charge for the fuel pump replacement?

Mailman818

just did this yesterday.. well i swapped tanks. in the long run the cut panel saves alot more time especially if done right. i made the mistake letting a friend do it and i regretted it but the access hole wsnt too bad when switching the fuel pump. only thing is you gotta cut the lines aswell and reconnect them with rubber fuel line. well thats what i did and its never failed on me yet.
it takes awhile trying to do it yourself but if you somewhat know what your doing then it shouldt take you more then a couple of hours. powertools will be your friend here and even some breaker bars aswell. will make everything go by soo much quicker especially in some cases where you have like 2 inches to move a nut or bolt and it take like 20 minutes doing it.
if your going to cut the panel in the trunk id reccomend using a dremel for the fuel lines but have water handy incase you get too hot and set something on fire.
wish you luck -Aaron

ringo234

It's been so long ago that I can;t remember.
Send him a PM.
sorry I can't be of more help.

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

is it acting up again ?

sweet formula you have there tho

jrmartino78

Not yet. Been to afraid to drive it yet. Figured just in case I should get some quotes and maybe get it checked out at least. Still kinda worries me that there's no filter.

Zach/90\irocZ

iTrader: (6)

you do have alittle fuel filter or plastic screen in that clear fuel glass , but yea kinda wierd and unsure on what the last guy was doing

calgutie

iTrader: (3)

hey maybe we he can give us a speacial on th ejob LOL...I need to replace my sending unit in my car....and IDK wether to drop the rear axle or make the acess port....I live in Ventura County..

Solarman08

This may need a new thread ?? Are there any fuel pumps that are NOT IN THE TANK ?? I just got a basket case 87, 2.8L V6 , runs on spray , not gas , the guy was low on cash & had to sell , said new tank & pump ?? As far as I can tell .. no hole has been cut ( THANK YOU ) !! I have done this in the past .. not that hard to do it RIGHT !! Just so ya know , I had an 84 cherry Bird 168,000 miles, from new , 2.8L carb , started acting up , I put a TEMP fuel line in it .......... it burnt to the ground !!! In about 5 min . .... do open the hood & fight it with a blanket or ??? Used 4 extinguisers from under the car ....... squat !!!!!!! I just saw ( on TV ) a guy put a hole & tap into the Bottom of a truck tank ( plastic ) ??? Could be used for a Rail pump ?? P.S. RE: cutting Tank , run exaust from a running motor into the tank to bring risk of fire down ?? P.P.S. The good thing about doing it RIGHT , you may need to mess with other parts , a good chance to find & fix other sin !!!! Thanks For any Help Dan