help to change fuel pump (nervous)

[dburgjohn]

I understand the mechanical part, but the idea of working on wires that will be soaking in gas makes me a little nervous. :eek Those of you who have already changed one have any advise for a first timer?

Thanks

 

[vetzs]

Disconnect your battery which should be your first priority when working on anything electrical and discharge any static electricity from your self and the vehicle by grounding prior to touching any tools to the gas tank. It's really a simple swap.... Later...vetzs

 

[rrubel]

Work in a well-ventilated area (preferably NOT in the garage) and keep a fire extinguisher handy. It really wasn't that difficult; most of what you touch is actually outside the tank until it's time to remove the pump from the bracket. Might want a cheap set of neoprene gloves for that part.

Oh, and uh, don't smoke...

[RICHR]

 

[JonM]

You unplug it on top of the gas tank before you even open the tank to get at the pump. But it is still a good idea to disconnect the battery.

 

[rrubel]

I've gotta disagree with the above - most books I've read recommend replacing the fuel pump with a FULL tank, not empty. Reason is that gasoline only combusts when it's a gas, not a liquid (it's the vapors that burn). An empty tank with residual gasoline at the bottom will trap a much larger volume of vapors than a full one, and will be that much more likely to spontaneously combust; in addition, the full tank will saturate the small area with more vapor than can ignite (ie, too rich).
[RICHR]

 

[Ken]

After working in a refinery for twenty years, I have to agree with Rich. ;stupid

 

[rrubel]

I have no confidence in my (or most other people's) ability to remove 100% of the gasoline. Too many nooks, cranny, and grooves in the tank, and only one small opening to get at them through.

That said, it would be nice to remove all the rust from the bottom of the tank - although it's designed such that the last gallon or so of gas is inaccessible to the pump and all the crud sits there (until stirred up, of course...). It's just not worth the risk, to me.

And of course, we're making the poor original poster so nervous that he'll never attempt this .

[RICHR]

 

[Ken]

... it would be nice to remove all the rust from the bottom of the tank

It's got a bladder in it anyway Rich, you couldn't get to the metal portion on the inside.

Anytime we emptied a tank, or any other enclosed area in the refinery, we purged the container for quite a long peroid of time to ensure an explosive-free atmosphere.

_ken

 

[rrubel]

Actually, it's not the rust FROM the bottom of the tank I'd want to remove, but all the flakes that fell in while removing the pump assembly. The top tube and support on mine were oxidized, and there was flaking rust around the bolts and upper support for the pump. I'm sure some of the rust I saw had fallen off while driving, but more than likely I knocked a bunch in myself.
[RICHR]

 

[Ken]

Don't feel bad Rich, I've got a washer down in there somewhere from when I last had my pump out. :L

Don't worry, the strainer (sock) will prevent any rust from entering the pump, then of course you have another filter before the injectors see the fuel. The main concern when I changed mine was that I had the strainer properly seated and secure. It just didn't feel right to me and I was afraid to break the damn thing, but it stayed put.

_ken

 

[Eagle85C4]

Trying to work on an empty tank is asking to make an ash of yourself.

I did mine last year...filled the tank, removed the gas lid. Unhooked all the lines and wires. removed the bolts and gently lifted the pump assembly out. You have to twist and turn it the last little way. replaced pump and filter(sock). reassembled. Very easy job...took all of 30 minutes.

 

[B17Crew]

burgjohn,
If you have other people in your household, let them know that you are working with an open fuel tank so that no one wanders in with a lit cigarette, or a cell phone... (the new found phenomena of cell phones igniting fuel vapors).

On two separate occasions when I was filling up at my local Sunoco, the attendant inside shut the pumps down because of individuals on cell phones.

Last time it happened it went like this -- Attendant came over the loudspeaker “Pump 4, get off your cell phone NOW!” Pump was shut down till phone was turned off. Embarrassed the H@#* out of the offending parties.

B17Crew

 

[froggy47]

I did a Bronco II last year, my kids car, emptied the tank, it weighs too much to handle full. Just take precautions & make sure you are not behind on your life ins. payments.

 

[Ken]

I know that I should bite my tongue... But you pull the gas tank on a C4 to replace your fuel pump!!?? :L

_ken :t [size=-3](Just teasin')[/size]

 

[JonM]

After summation of all the opinions on this thread, I conclude I made the correct decision when I changed my pump and sending unit a few months ago. My tank was HALF FULL Seems to me all the precautions you guys take give the opportunity for a spark to ignite the gas tank MORE chance. With all the handling, siphoning, storing, cleaning just gives more time for an accident. Just get in there, pull the damn pump, change it and be done with it. The tank shouldn’t be open more then a ½ hour.

 

[69MyWay]

Nikki changed my pump on the 85 Frankenvette. She did a great job.

The problem is the rubber gasket would not seal.

Ended up fussing with that for a while.

Now I think the cap is bad.

 

[Georgej202]

Bad pump

Our 93 just wouldnt start, and I couldn't hear the fuel pump running after checking the fuse it was blown but still didn't start. Any suggestions on where to go now, do you think it is the pump, do they just stop like that?

 

[Tampa_vette]

A quick question about the fuel pump / remove /install/filter. C4 - 1995, 68k, LT1.
I was having rough engine startup, then rough on the higway. took it to dealer, they say replace fuel pump, $400+, filter $100. They have to remove exhaust to change pump.?? filter I know, exhaust has to be moved. Are they setting me up for a PROFIT.
Thanks for any info. Other posts, have the fuel pump removed and done in a half hour.

 

[LT4man]

No, they do not have to remove exhaust to replace fuel filter. While the filter is up against the right frame rail at the front of the car the following items will make the job easier.

1. Work on the car when the engine is COLD!
2. Do the job on a lift if at all possible.

I have never heard of moving the exhaust to work on the fuel pump. Pump is removed from the top of the tank where you fill it with gas.

I would find an independent Vette shop. Just my humble opinion!

 

[Jeb]

A quick question about the fuel pump / remove /install/filter. C4 - 1995, 68k, LT1.
I was having rough engine startup, then rough on the higway. took it to dealer, they say replace fuel pump, $400+, filter $100. They have to remove exhaust to change pump.?? filter I know, exhaust has to be moved. Are they setting me up for a PROFIT.
Thanks for any info. Other posts, have the fuel pump removed and done in a half hour.

One of two things is apparent here.

Either they have (a) absolutely no idea of what they are doing or

(b) they do know what they're doing and are trying to rip you off.

Forget that place.