The 1990 Chevrolet Silverado ½-ton pickup has an in-tank fuel pump which relies on the gasoline to cool the pump. Over time, the pump will eventually fail, meaning you’ll need to replace it if you want to continue driving the Silverado. While working on fuel systems is always something that merits the utmost caution, if you have basic automotive-repair skills, you and a friend can change a 1990 Silverado fuel pump in less than two hours.
Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery using the battery wrench. Move the end of the cable away from the battery so it cannot accidentally contact the battery terminal during the replacement procedure.
Unbolt the four bed retaining bolts from the Silverado’s bed with the socket set. These bolts are in the cargo area and run through the bed into the Silverado’s frame. Set the bolts aside once you’ve removed them.
Unbolt the fuel filler neck from the side of the bed at the fuel filler inlet, located behind the fuel door, using the socket set. Lift the bed up and walk it off the back of the Silverado’s frame with the assistance of your helper.
Wrap the rag around the tip of the screwdriver and place the tip against the fuel pump retaining ring, located on the top center of the fuel tank.
Tap the handle of the screwdriver with the rubber mallet until the retaining ring unscrews far enough for you to remove it by hand. Never use a metal hammer for this, due to the risk of sparking, which can ignite the fuel vapors and turn your repair party into an impromptu barbecue.
Disconnect the fuel pump wiring harness and fuel lines from the fuel pump with the screwdriver. Lift the pump up and out of the tank by hand. Insert the new pump in its place and tighten the fuel pump retaining ring in the reverse method of how you removed it.
Connect the fuel lines and fuel pump wiring harness to the new fuel pump. Move the Silverado’s bed back into position, reattach the fuel filler neck and then reinstall the bed retaining bolts.
Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery with the battery wrench. Turn the key to the run position, wait 10 seconds and then shut it off. Turn it back to run for 10 more seconds and then start the truck.
