Nissan Repair: fuel pump, nissan sentra 93, fuel pressure gauge

Question
Hi,
I have a Nissan Sentra '93 1.6 litre and it won't start. I just replaced everything including the fuel pump relay and that didn't fix it. So I believe it's the fuel pump due to process of elimination. I want to replace it but my Chilton's not clear on whether i should drain the tank completely or not. My question is: Should I drain it completely and do i have to jack the cars rear end up to replace it.

Answer
Christy,

You can rent a fuel pressure gauge and hook it to the fuel line to check for pressure before you replace the pump.  If the pump is bad you will have to jack the car up high enough to get the tank down to access the top of it for pump removal.  An empty tank is much easier to drop.  Gas weighs about 6.25 pounds per gallon and the more gas you have in the tank the more difficult it is to drop the tank.  So, as empty as possible is the best way to do it.  Next, get someone with a fire extinguisher to play fireman, just in case.  Drop the tank and disconnect the harness and hoses and remove the pump.  Be sure no spark, open flame or drop light that can be dropped so no fire!  WHen you drop the tank use a couple of jacks and wood blocks as not to dent the gas tank.  I would replace the fuel hoses at the back while the tank is out.  Rubber gets hard and rots over the years and it is difficult to reinstall without new hoses.  Also, new clamps and lubricate the bolts and threaded holes to aid in reassembly.  Be sure the battery id disconnected before you start anything.  I do fuel tanks outside as to keep the vapors down and to preclude a fire or getting a headache over the fumes too.  Safety glasses to protect your eyes and wear clothes you do not mind throwing away.  Gasoline burns on the skin so if you get some on you get in the shower as soon as possible.  Do not wash the clothes since the fuel vapors can cause your washer or dryer to catch fire.  Just throw them away after you leave them in the sun to dry out and stop smelling.  The garbage man will not take trash that smells like gasoline.  They do not want their truck to catch fire either.