The fuel pump in the Buick Riviera is responsible for pushing fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. Without the fuel pump, the engine could not get the fuel needed to start. When the fuel pump goes bad, you will not get very far. Until you replace the pump with a new one, your car is sidelined. Replacing the fuel pump requires the removal of the fuel tank. This makes the process labor intensive.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal on the Buick using a socket and ratchet.
Locate the fuel rail on the driver's side of the engine. The fuel rail runs parallel with the valve cover gasket. You will locate a Schrader valve on the end of the fuel rail. Place a shop towel over the valve and press down on the top of the valve with the tip of a screwdriver to release pressure on the fuel system.
Place a siphon into the gas filler spout and siphon the gas from the tank into a gas can.
Raise your Buick using a jack and place it on jack stands for security.
Disconnect the bolts that secure the fuel tank straps using a socket and ratchet. Carefully lower the fuel tank to the ground.
Remove the fuel hoses connected to the fuel sending unit using a pair of pliers and then unplug the wiring harness from the fuel sending unit.
Turn the cam lock ring located on the top of the tank counterclockwise by striking the raised tab with a brass rod and a hammer. Do not use a metal rod as this could cause sparking.
Pull the sending unit out of the tank and unplug the fuel pump from the sending unit.
Remove the old sending unit O-ring and place a new O-ring in place. Snap the new fuel pump onto the sending unit.
Place the sending unit onto the fuel tank, place the cam ring on top of the sending unit and lock it in place using the brass rod and hammer.
Connect the hoses and wiring harness to the fuel sending unit. Raise the fuel tank up and secure it using the tank straps, bolts, socket and ratchet.
Drain the fuel back into the gas tank. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal using a socket and ratchet.
