So my gas gauge reads either at "E" or just below a quarter tank when full . I'm at the point where it's time to fix this issue.


The PO told me he had the fuel pump replaced during the time he owned it. I bought it with the gauge not reading properly and I've been driving it with the old every 180 miles re-fill method. Now that I've cleared off most of the important mechanical issues I'm ready to drop the tank and replace the fuel sending unit.


For those who have done this job with the car on jack stands would it have been easier/quicker if you had access to a car lift?


I have access to a lift and tools on base for $5 an hour but I prefer to use my own tools in my own garage. If it's significantly easier to do the job utilizing a lift I may go that route.

 

I've never done it with a lift. I would think the most important issue would be handling it while it's loose from the car. Shops typically have a pedestal jack they can use to support it while the car is up high. I used a floor transmission jack with the car on jack stands, because that's what I have.

 

I had the same problem, went thru all the tests (searched here) and figured out it was the sending unit so down came the tank. I don't have access to a lift so it made the decision easy, I have all the tools and I do have 3 ton jack stands. I slid a square of 2x6 under each of the jack stands for extra clearance but I had lots of room to drop everything. It was nice to take my time, check out other stuff, clean up the under body, wire brush and spray paint the gas tank, change the fuel filter, etc., etc. I think if I was using somebody else's lift, free or not, I'd be hustling along just trying to get the job done fast.

 

And give this a quick read too if you want. https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...l-sending.html

Even though I had bought a new sending unit, I used the above to fix my old one, just not brave enough to slap it back in the car...

 

I did mine at work with a lift and a transmission jack. First time I have done a fuel pump on a third gen. Took me almost 3 hours but a good portion of that was spent welding flanges on my exhaust so I can unbolt it if future problems come up.

 

Thanks for that link.


Sounds like the lift method maybe simpler. Spend $30 to save a 3-4 hours time.

 

I replaced my leaking fuel tank (filler neck) with the back end of the car on jack stands.

The tank came out with no problem, but for some reason, I had to drop the rear axle to maneuver the tank back in.

No, I didn't replace the fuel pump. It only had 21k miles on it.