QuestionIs there a panel in the trunk of the car to get to the fuel pump? I need to replace it.
AnswerHi Carl,
On the '92 and earlier there is no panel for that purpose, you have to drop the tank down to get access to the pump. The 'new' LH-body that came out in '93 did have a top mounted pump and access on the floor above it.
Here is the procedure for removing the tank:
The steps for removing the tank are:
release the pressure on the fuel system (probably not too important if the car has been sitting for some hours, but to do it right you need a bit of a drawing).
disconnect the battery and drain the fuel tank
remove the screws that secure the fuel filler tube to the quarter panel (the opening at the filler door)
Raise the vehicle rear as high as practical, use jack stands
You may have to remove right rear wheel to get at the fuel filler tube
Disconnect wiring and hoses from the tank. Wrap towels around fuel lines when you open them to catch gas spillage
Support the tank with a floor jack, loosen mounting straps and lower tank slightly
Remove hose from pressure relief/rollover valve (this is located on the top of the tank, near the rear edge center)
Carefully work fuel filter from tank
Remove mounting straps and lower the tank
It would be helpful to send you drawings of some of these parts.
The fuel pump is removed by rotating the lock ring counter clockwise, using a hammer and drift/punch carefully
Remove the pump, discard the old seal and inlet filter.
Use a new seal, clean the area around the opening, and install a new filter on the end of the intake suction tube.
Position the pump in the opening and again tap it back to the locked position, clockwise. Be careful not to overtighten the pump as it could leak.
When you put the tank back:
Put in on the jack
Connect hose to vapor separator/rollover valve and make sure that the vapor hose is not pinched between the tank and floor pan during installation
raise tank and fuel filler tube into position. you can use transmission fluid as a lubricant to fit the filler tube into the tank
Tighten strap nuts to 21 foot pounds of torque, remove jack, and make sure that the straps aren't twisted or bent
Connect lines, drain tube cap and electrical lines and install new hose clamps, torqued to 10 inch pounds
Lower vehicle and reinstall filler tube to quarter panel screws
Fill tank, install cap, connect battery and operate vehicle
Check for leaks at hose connections
That is the basic procedure, without figures.
Let me know if you need any more information.
Roland
Roland
