changing fuel pump
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: New South Wales Australia
changing fuel pump
2 options from what i gather ..drop the tank or cut a hole in the floor ...either sounds like hard work 
does anyone still have that link to the french guys page that had the pics of the cut out required for changing via the floor cutting ??
does anyone still have that link to the french guys page that had the pics of the cut out required for changing via the floor cutting ??
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,679
Likes: 316
Aus,
Think hard before you cut any holes in the rear floor. That area of the vehicle is critical for strength to maintain lateral stability of the rear axle. Look at the mountings for the track bar and brace on the underside of the vehicle, and the welds between the floor section and wheel housings, and you'll see why the area is critical.
The rear body area already has marginal strength, and cutting a hole in the center of the flat section certainly won't help the rigidity. If I were planning to do it, I would brace the area between the rear wheel housings with a rectangular frame of heavier material, then build a cover to bolt to the frame. This frame would be welded to the floor and wheel housings, so the fuel tank would have to be removed anyway. I would likely want to prime and paint the area on both sides to prevent corrosion and further weakening.
If you dcide to cut anyway, cut the smallest hole possible, and make the hole as round as possible. Any corners or angles in the hole will be a stress point that will start cracking from the body flex. Prime and paint the opening to prevent rust. Attach a cover fabricated from 14 gauge (about 0.2mm) or heavier steel. The cover should be large enough to allow the fasteners penetrate the floor section as far from the hole as possible, again to prevent stress points and cracking. The cover bolts should be at least 50mm from the hole perimeter, and need to be short enough to maintain a safe distance from the top of the tank.
The advantages to removing the tank may outweigh the time saved by cutting a hole. You'll get the tank out, and will be able to flush it clean to remove the debris that may have caused the pump failure in the first place. You'll get a good look at the underside of the floor section and will have the opportunity to clean up any rust that may be occurring. You'll be able to clean out the surge valve above the tank. You'll be able to replace all the hose sections in that area.
It's your call.
Think hard before you cut any holes in the rear floor. That area of the vehicle is critical for strength to maintain lateral stability of the rear axle. Look at the mountings for the track bar and brace on the underside of the vehicle, and the welds between the floor section and wheel housings, and you'll see why the area is critical.
The rear body area already has marginal strength, and cutting a hole in the center of the flat section certainly won't help the rigidity. If I were planning to do it, I would brace the area between the rear wheel housings with a rectangular frame of heavier material, then build a cover to bolt to the frame. This frame would be welded to the floor and wheel housings, so the fuel tank would have to be removed anyway. I would likely want to prime and paint the area on both sides to prevent corrosion and further weakening.
If you dcide to cut anyway, cut the smallest hole possible, and make the hole as round as possible. Any corners or angles in the hole will be a stress point that will start cracking from the body flex. Prime and paint the opening to prevent rust. Attach a cover fabricated from 14 gauge (about 0.2mm) or heavier steel. The cover should be large enough to allow the fasteners penetrate the floor section as far from the hole as possible, again to prevent stress points and cracking. The cover bolts should be at least 50mm from the hole perimeter, and need to be short enough to maintain a safe distance from the top of the tank.
The advantages to removing the tank may outweigh the time saved by cutting a hole. You'll get the tank out, and will be able to flush it clean to remove the debris that may have caused the pump failure in the first place. You'll get a good look at the underside of the floor section and will have the opportunity to clean up any rust that may be occurring. You'll be able to clean out the surge valve above the tank. You'll be able to replace all the hose sections in that area.
It's your call.
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,378
Likes: 1
From: Barboursville, WV
i thought about cutting a hole but the way it looked to me the tank would still have to be out or you stand a chance of hitting the tank and it would still be hard to get to. just take a weekend off work and get up early saturday with 2 good sets of rachets and sockets (youll see) and a haynes or some other manual and have at it. it isnt fun but not to terribly difficult definetly not worth the 250$ the local shop wanted to put it in for me BTW the pump and strainer will run you ~35$ and thats all youll need. just be careful with the floater. mine is now screwed up and wont read past half a tank. after half tank it just stops
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
DROP THE TANK!
I've changed 3 or 4 fuel pumps and there is no question! Drop the tank!
Cutting a hole in the back of your car sounds like an easy way out, but it's not going to help you at all. The hardlines from the top of the tank snake all the way down the front of the tank. So If you do cut a hole, your also looking at cutting all the fuel lines too just get the pump asm. out anyways!
Take the time and drop the tank the hard way, you will be much better off!
Bill
I've changed 3 or 4 fuel pumps and there is no question! Drop the tank!
Cutting a hole in the back of your car sounds like an easy way out, but it's not going to help you at all. The hardlines from the top of the tank snake all the way down the front of the tank. So If you do cut a hole, your also looking at cutting all the fuel lines too just get the pump asm. out anyways!
Take the time and drop the tank the hard way, you will be much better off!
Bill
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
92camaroJoe
Tech / General Engine
6
Aug 13, 2015 06:07 AM