fuel pump replacement 80 sc

[toothache]

Finally figured out my starting issues were caused by a dead fuel pump. Put the car on jackstands this am. Removed the pan exposing the fuel pump area. Disconnected the battery, got the negative lead off pump. Have not been able to get positive off due to hardware in the way. Do I back off the metal band holding pump and get better angle at nut on Pump?Can I use visegrip pliers to pinch fuel lind from gas tank? At what point do I remove banjo bolt on other end of pump to get if out. Thanks for the help.

[DRACO A5OG]

You really should consider replacing that rubber hose (3/8" x 4" +/-) or you may be doing this work sooner than later especially if you pinch it with a vice grip.

Yes, if you have extra hose laying around cut 2 2" pieces and slip it on the vise grip as not to harm the hose.

But you really need to loosen that other fastener. Take a pic of your issue and maybe we can assist.

When you are ready to swap ( hope with the new hose ) wear a pair of glasses and place a pan under the car, loosen the banjo and quickly remove banjo bolt then pull the pump off ( with old hose if you are replacing it).

You will spill some fuel so be prepared.

If you want to do this safer, drain the fuel at the filter or syphon it out. If low on fuel, raise the driver side as high and safe as possible, this will limit the amount of fuel coming out.

Hope this makes sense.

Jim

[Laneco]

On an 80, I would suggest that you also replace the in-tank screen. This is the part # in pelican for the screen - you will also need the gasket:

911-201-141-00-M100

Unless you know its been replaced, now is the time. This will save you from killing a new fuel pump if the screen is plugged.

angela

[wwest]

Before you go pulling a "dead" fuel pump you should check the FP fuse and fuse holder.

Fuse holder overheats, loses its "springiness" now you don't get full voltage to the pump.

[chair23]

Strongly advise not bothering to try pinching the inlet line (or any other for that matter) because you might damage the tank fitting or the pump inlet. If the hose is aged at all pinching with visegrips will almost surely cut it or cause cracking or breaking.

If the pump has been on the car for some time, then it may take some work to get it loose. After taking off the output banjo and unclamping it from the mount, twisting the pump body and some very, very gentle persuasion on inlet line with pliers will ordinarily do it. If it is still stubborn, don't overdo wrenching just get out the xacto and cut the line lengthwise from the pump end about 3/4 inch - not too deeply. Resist any temptation to use diagonals, hacksaw or your teeth. Make sure not to put any torque or bending on the outlet banjo or its line.

Everything connected with draining the tank and handling fuel is a real drag. It should go without saying that its only a complete fool who doesn't keep a fire extinguisher within reach (a good, charged ext.). Once detaching the pump inlet side its good to have a short 3/8" drive extension handy. On freeing the pump inlet side of the line, stuff the extension into the line from the tank. If for some reason this does not go as planned, keep an empty 5-qt. oil jug within reach to catch fuel. At this point probably you will realize that somehow getting fuel in the tank down to a minimum is a good plan, however, CIS pumps hate sucking air and will often fail very soon afterward if there is insufficient fuel at startup. Plan ahead for refueling to at least 1/4 tank before restart, watch for leaks.

When working on fuel pump components replacing the inlet low-pressure hose is always a good plan. Best to have new hose sized up, cut to length and ready to be fitted before yanking the old one. Even if you only remove and replace this line, prep by fitting the new line to pump inlet and do a quick swap with old line at the tank outlet. In advance you might want to slide the hose clamps away from the tank end or make sure the hose clamps can open up and easily be put back on the line.

There is minimal spillage if you prepare, think it through and get your timing just right. If you're well-coordinated (and really hate getting gas on you) this quick-swap can work well. Rehearse it going through the motions before yanking the line, keeping in mind to dodge the jackstands, etc.

None of this non-draining and working under the car would likely meet osha regs. Reusing old crumbly lines is a really bad idea while we're talking safety. If however you are on the road and finding the pressing need to swap a pump or put in a new inlet line and don't have access to a lift and shop facilities, this method can get you going again.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by toothache

Finally figured out my starting issues were caused by a dead fuel pump. Put the car on jackstands this am. Removed the pan exposing the fuel pump area. Disconnected the battery, got the negative lead off pump. Have not been able to get positive off due to hardware in the way. Do I back off the metal band holding pump and get better angle at nut on Pump?Can I use visegrip pliers to pinch fuel lind from gas tank? At what point do I remove banjo bolt on other end of pump to get if out. Thanks for the help.

Toothache,

Unless you have installed FP a few times before, replacing and installing replacement FP with some gasoline in the fuel tank requires some serious work. Regardless how much fuel you have in the tank, I strongly suggest that you drain it and have the battery cable disconnected. Once you have drained the fuel from the tank, you have all the time in the world to do the job at your pace. While some people could do the FP removal and replacement with a full gas tank, it is something you should avoid.

You are not experienced enough to take the risk. Play it safe. Plus this is the time to check and clean the gas tank filter. Make sure you have enough containers to collect the gasoline from the gas tank. The way I drain the gas tank is by loosening the return line fitting partially to allow fuel to drip to the receiver or container. Adjust accordingly the flow as you get used to the draining. If you are not comfortable handling this job, please do not do this hazardous procedure.

Tony

[toothache]

I like the idea of draining the fuel tank. What about a long piece of fuel hose to drain to a container that is not under the car. I will have to remove the original hose, it is cracked and needs replacement anyway. My thought was to remove clamp at fuel tank. slit hose lenthwise to make removal easier, slide off and quickly replace with new long hose. Sound feasible? Thanks for the help and ideas. I will follow as to how it went.

[DRACO A5OG]

Post a pic of your frozen clamp.

Good plan to drain the tank.