Help! Fuel Pump Removal

[Vette79]

When I disconnect the inlet fuel line at the fuel pump it won't stop draining fuel from the tank. What is the procedure in replacing a fuel pump? I read the steps that the shop manual specifies and all it says is to disconnect the lines and replace then reconnect. Does it take a while for the fuel to drain or am I missing something like using a pair of vice grips to close off the line to replace fuel pump?

 

[GVE]

Use a vice grip thats how I did it,gravity keeps it flowing. I crimped it back by the tank.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Vise Grips are very common to use for pinching off fuel lines but be careful. Many people set the Vise Grips too tight and not only pinch off the line but actually damage it by pinching it too tight.

A better choice are the plastic fuel hose "pinching" tools which are widely sold. With them, you can temporarily shut off the flow but stand no chance of damaging the hose.

 

[fine69]

I used an inexpensive plastic pressure clamp that I got from Lowes.

 

[KANE]

When I removed my OEM fuel pump from the block as part of my TPI swap... it required some amount of twisting and turning to get it out. It was easy, but still required some manipulation.

I also loosened the fittings at the tank and relieved the pressure on the line. I lost some fuel... but not much. I didn't pinch the lines either.

I used paper towels to soak up the fuel. Then, I wrung out the paper towels over the weeds growing between the slabs on my driveway and... presto- ROUND-UP on the cheap!



It's not pollution or waste if it is re-purposed as a herbicide, right???!!!!

 

[Vette79]

Thanks guys!!!

 

[Phill]

Would removing the fuel cap help remove some of the pressure from the tank. also a spark plug might be a good fit to plug the hose.

 

[JohnZ]

I use a pair of plastic pinch pliers made specifically with smooth/rounded jaws for rubber fuel lines, with an integral retainer to keep them closed; the pump is below the bottom of the tank, so the tank will siphon to completely empty if you don't pinch off the feed line either at the tank or at the pump.

 

[Vette79]

Would it continue to drain even if you remove the cap to the gas tank?

 

[White75]

Golf tees work too.

 

[minifridge1138]

Yes, it will continue with the fuel cap on.
It isn't leaking because of pressure in the tank, it is leaking because the fuel pump is lower than the tank (as JohnZ said). Gravity is pulling the fuel out.

When I did this, I stuck a bolt in the fuel line and put a zip tie around it. That works as a temporary plug.

Good Luck

 

[Vette79]

I have it pinched with a pair of vice grips but I should plug the line with a spark plug or bolt as a secondary measure. Probably wouldn't be a pretty sight with all that fuel all over the garage floor while at work. Thanks...

 

[bossvette]

I usually stick a bolt in the line and snug up a hose clamp to be sure it doesn't leak.

 

[Wayne robson]

Rubber Caps

All parts stores have available small black rubber caps cup shape starting from one sixtenth up to half inch, these are one of my most used items in my tool kit, for doing just about everything ,disconnecting fuel lines,same with steering on control valves three or four hoses there,even doing timing plug vacuum, also when disconning brake lines, etc, etc, and they only cost approx $2 to $3 a pack, .got my last ones at pep boyes.

 

[Vette79]

Well, new fuel pump is installed. What a fun task that was. Is there any way to tell if the pushrod is lined up with the arm of the fuel pump prior to breakin? Like say, connect the fuel line and rotate the crank to see if it will pump fuel?

 

[GVE]

If you were able to tighten the bolts down all the way, its lined up with the arm.

 

[Vette79]

Awesome! Thanks for the info.

 

[WolfPlayer]

Awesome! Thanks for the info.

One more thing down. Woohoo!

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