tpi fuel pump replacement
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Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Kaneohe, HI USA
tpi fuel pump replacement
My car won't start, and since I can't hear the usual hum of the fuel pump, I'm concentrating my efforts on it. First I plan to check for power (both at the rear and at the relay).
My question regards the replacement of the fuel pump (if it becomes necessary). It seems like an awful lot of work to drop the gas tank (and part of your rear suspension). Has anyone ever tried cutting an access panel out of the rear floor pan? Repairing the metal work seems easier/faster than dropping the tank?
A sheetmetal nibbler makes a clean cut, doesn't need much clearance, and causes very few sparks, if any.
Any thoughts?
My question regards the replacement of the fuel pump (if it becomes necessary). It seems like an awful lot of work to drop the gas tank (and part of your rear suspension). Has anyone ever tried cutting an access panel out of the rear floor pan? Repairing the metal work seems easier/faster than dropping the tank?
A sheetmetal nibbler makes a clean cut, doesn't need much clearance, and causes very few sparks, if any.
Any thoughts?
As long as you don't start a fire, go for it 
------------------
89 Iroc 350 TPI,
Forged pistions
Comp roller Cam .510 lift 230dur
Flowmaster exhaust
Dart Iron Eagle heads 200cc runners 64cc chambers
MINI RAM SOON!!!!!
stock TPI for now 24# inj
87 Trans Am GTA 350 TPI
had engine fire
SHE NOW RUNS!!!! GREAT!!
Flowmaster exhaust
LT1 Injectors
------------------
89 Iroc 350 TPI,
Forged pistions
Comp roller Cam .510 lift 230dur
Flowmaster exhaust
Dart Iron Eagle heads 200cc runners 64cc chambers
MINI RAM SOON!!!!!
stock TPI for now 24# inj
87 Trans Am GTA 350 TPI
had engine fire
SHE NOW RUNS!!!! GREAT!!
Flowmaster exhaust
LT1 Injectors
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,655
Likes: 309
TPI,
If you're fortunate, the problem won't be the fuel pump. Make certain you have good power and ground connections at the tank wiring. If you're really lucky, you may have a fuse or connection problem at the relay.
If the pump has failed and you don't want to spend the five hours to remove the tank, a nibbler would be one of the safer ways to cut a hole in the cargo well floor. The trick is knowing exactly where to cut the access.
I'm suspecting that body corrosion is not a severe problem in your area, so breaking the the paint/primer seal won't be a huge concern for creating rust. Just paint the exposed edges of all the cuts and you should be O.K. Cutting a hole in the floor in the Midwest may not be as advisable, given the amount of "seasoning" applied to the roads every winter.
Obviously, attaching a patch would require some thought, both for sealing the floor against moisture and providing a secure attachment without using any fastening techniques that would create heat or perforate the fuel tank. Be aware that the floor area of the body does flex, so the patch would need to be very secure.
Another option would be to install an inline electric pump, and abandon the existing pump in place.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Get UP - Drop the bombshell!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader
If you're fortunate, the problem won't be the fuel pump. Make certain you have good power and ground connections at the tank wiring. If you're really lucky, you may have a fuse or connection problem at the relay.
If the pump has failed and you don't want to spend the five hours to remove the tank, a nibbler would be one of the safer ways to cut a hole in the cargo well floor. The trick is knowing exactly where to cut the access.
I'm suspecting that body corrosion is not a severe problem in your area, so breaking the the paint/primer seal won't be a huge concern for creating rust. Just paint the exposed edges of all the cuts and you should be O.K. Cutting a hole in the floor in the Midwest may not be as advisable, given the amount of "seasoning" applied to the roads every winter.
Obviously, attaching a patch would require some thought, both for sealing the floor against moisture and providing a secure attachment without using any fastening techniques that would create heat or perforate the fuel tank. Be aware that the floor area of the body does flex, so the patch would need to be very secure.
Another option would be to install an inline electric pump, and abandon the existing pump in place.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Get UP - Drop the bombshell!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader
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