Same old thing, car runs fine then won't start. Did some thirdgen'ing checked everything and it is the fuel pump. Just search for 4 hours in the archives and didn't find anything addressing the issue of in-take fuel pump extraction and install instructions or tips. Needed the car yesterday, new aftermarket Holley 255LPH coming in, please help. Leaning towards cutting an access panel so someone with experience could really help me out. Does the rear axle really need to come out to get the gas tank out (read that in Chilton's manual but don't trust those damn books)?!

 

Changing that pump is a real b****. I had to do mine and found out about cutting i hole in the rear hump because there was one already there. If you bought your car used it probably wouldnt hurt to pull the carpet back and check if there is one already. If not then it's decision time. If you decide to cut through you will also have to cut the metal fuel lines at the top of the tank too. No big deal but make sure you have 3/8 & 5/16 id fuel hose and clamps to put it back together with. the whole thing takes about 1 hour if you have to cut the hole. If you need more info on where to cut or anything let me know and I'll try to get some pics for you. Oh one more thing, get some good duct tape to tape the edges and dont be stingy, it'll keep exhaust fumes from getting inside the car.

 

Approx. location of hole, how big, and exactly how much room do I have after punching thru the hump?:hail:

 

Common guys, I know y'all are reading my post and I need some input, any input, now before I have to lay for hours on my back in the gravel driveway with my car supported by jackstands. Benn on thirdgen for a while and know there are some helpful folks out there...

 

I had one already cut in my car (although not so well) when I bought it. It looks to be about 10" x 10" cut out right in the middle. There's less than an inch between the piece your cutting and the hump... just enough for the tubes to come through.

 

Go about 1-2 inches inside the 2 middle ridges, almost dead center, cut towards the front of the car and down the hump about 4 inches. Then cut across and peel up a little. You will have to cut towards the back some more but starting in the middle will let you see where you are working. I did not completely cut a square, I just made a flap and bent it back. You can sit on the folded down back seat and do all of this considering youll fit. I'm 5'9" 190 and it was OK for me. Once in you'll have to cut the fuel lines. I did this with an air tool cutter and wheel. DO IT SLOW to create as few sparks as possible. The safer way was probably a small hacksaw but I'm impatient. After that its pretty self explanitory.

 

Do it right and drop the tank. Don't go chopping up your car over something as trivial as a fuel pump replacement.

 

or, you can buy an external pump, and use that.

It WILL pull fuel through the dead pump in the tank, I did it to my car.

 

I'm all for making a job simple, but I've done this job twice and it wasn't very difficult. The job's just time consuming. I wouldn't cut up my car, but then that's just me. You don't have to remove the rear end, just drop it as far as the brake lines will allow. I had to cut the gas tank neck even though the manuals I checked said you wouldn’t have to. And make sure you get as much fuel as possible out of the tank.

Good luck.

 

I agree it really not has bad as some make it out to be. I think it took me 3/4 hours, it been awhile cant remember for sure. I wouldnt cut up the car to do it. You dont have to remove the rearend just drop it down. If you have installed aftermarket stuff shocks, panhard bar, ect.. it will come apart that much easyer.

Do some more searches the info should be there.

 

Thanks guys for all the helpful info and suggestions. Decided that I'm just going to cut the hole (working man,need the car, and wife needs the truck back). Will post an update when completed to help others out there with pics.