Does the tank need to be empty to replace the fuel pump

[oh snap]

My parts came today and after nearly a month of my car being sidelined with a leaking fuel pump I am anxious to get it back on the road

The guide in the technical section and the 101 projects book make the process fairly straight forward but at the moment I have just over a half tank of fuel. Driving around until the tank is almost empty would normally be a pleasure but not with a dripping fuel pump. Is it really neccesary to have a near empty tank?

If I use vise grips on the rubber line with duct tape protecting the surface, would fast hands be enough to prevent excessive fuel loss? Otherwise I will have to take it to a shop.

Thanks

[vince_aust]

Normally u would use a clamp tool - vise grips with a folded rag worked for me. You do not need much pressure. Make sure u use new washers for the fitting otherwise will need to tighten fittings tighter than necessary - my mistake but otherwise easy job.

[oh snap]

Thank you. I forgot to order the fittings and the local dealer has none in stock. They say if I bring them a sample they might be able to match it. Anyone know if there is a close enough match from a later model car? Do you think I will have any luck with a copper washer from a hardware store?

[dshepp806]

+1, on Vince's take..

Doyle

[oh snap]

I found some washers at a local German car specialist. Unfortunately after giving it a go tonight I dont think I can do in my parking spot at my apartment. I had trouble clamping off the line enough to stop the flow. Maybe I was too timid? I didn't want to tear the hose. After a couple of failed attempts I think I'm going to replace the section anyway.

All of this was made more frustrating by having a jack that doesn't get me up to the higher settings on my stands, so I was left with very little room to move around. A creeper would've been nice too. When my flashlight died I called it a night. Seems like such an easy job if I'd had a lift. I should petition the strata maybe...

[oh snap]

I gave it another shot today and got it together. When I pulled the hose off the pump it slipped and came off the tank as well. I managed to quickly plug the tank with my finger and then reattach the hose to the new pump and then to the tank(not easy with one hand). All in all managed to spill a litre or so of gasoline. Luckily I was positioned out of its way so i only got it on my "plugging" hand. i made sure to tighten the clamps down better than the last guy. Im glad to be back on the road. Good experience and gives me confidence to take on some more projects.

[Porboynz]

Fuel line gets hard with age and become more difficult to clamp off. If you can its always a good idea to replace fuel line for this reason. You can still clamp them off with sufficient pressure and then quickly plug the line with a suitably sized bolt just to be sure. Some mechanics will clamp off flexible brake lines to limit fluid loss when working on brakes, I prefer not to do this to brake lines but fuel lines can handle it. Well done with the one armed wrenching, you must have had all your tools readily available, good planning can pay off for jobs like that where the unexpected can happen.

[tevake]

Well done Oh snap, on working thru the challenges and getting your ride back on the road. It does feel good to make it happen on your own. Oh with a little help from your friends here on PP BBS.
Each job that I complete takes a little more of the mystery out of the workings of the 911 for me.

Cheers Richard

[oh snap]

Yeah I was lucky that I spent a lot more time setting up the workspace than I did yesterday. I got the jackstands up higher by raising the car from a lower point as so I had much more room, and had all the tols I needed laid out within reach. Definately a good experience though it could have been smoother, but you have to start somewhere.

I did inspect the hoses and they are in good shape. I was concerned that after clamping the hose a couple times it might have cracked but it was still quite flexible. I would like to do all the hoses over the next year just as a preventative measure.

I'll have the car up on stands again tomorrow to ensure nothing loosened up in my drive tonight and everything is dry.

[m110]

Just a word of caution. Having the fuel line clamped off is fine BUT beware of any dripping fuel and using a light. IE drop light, bulb breaks, fuel drips lights, you get the hell out, car tank lights on fire.

So, make sure you have an escape route from under the car, have someone nearby, fire extinguisher next to the car, don't use a sump to stand in (fire pit of hell), be careful, replace that line if any question, don't use an incandescent bulb for light. A shop I once worked at burned to the ground when the tech ran away from the hoist with a stream of fuel on fire from a dropped light. Lost a Mercedes 300 SL among others.

Be safe.

[tanmanbgoh]

Guy down the street burned to death doing same thing. Light bulb broke,Boom.

[oh snap]

That is well worth mentioning. My mishap is a good example of why when you are working with the fuel system the battery should be disconnected and the work space should be free of extension cords and hot light sources (I used an LED flashlight)

[Joe Bob]

I have used a hose clamp and a bolt shoved inside......

[chococrazy]

I screwed a bolt into my fuel line while I was doing it, but when I checked it again I just put a vise grip on it.