How to Change Your Fuel Pump

Before I get into, how to change your fuel pump, I have a responsibility to ask you 'why you are considering changing it?'. If you are changing your fuel pump for the wrong reasons, you may find yourself wasting precious dollars on a project that won't even fix your problem.

How To Change Your Fuel Pump, Reasons for Changing Pumps.

If you are having problems with your car not starting, prior to assuming your fuel pump is bad, there are some things to check. Before beginning this project, ensure that the fuel lines do not have fuel pressure, or have inadequate pressure.

If the fuel lines have pressure in them, this is definitely not your problem, and changing your fuel pump will do nothing more then empty your wallet. Next check to ensure that all of your fuses are good, there should be a fuse panel directly underneath the steering column, but if it's not there consult your owners manual.

How To Change Your Fuel Pump, Fuel injection VS Carbureted.

In most current car designs, the fuel pump is located in your gas tank, and by modern I mean anything fuel injected. Therefor, anything newer then 1980 is likely to have an in tank pump. The procedures for an older model car vary greatly from the methods described hear in and will be discussed in the latter parts of this article.

How To Change Your Fuel Pump, Removing Your Gas Tank.

One of the first things you will need to do is get your car well off the ground, you will need enough space to drop the fuel tank on the ground, and still have plenty of space to work. Jacking the car up at least one foot is recommended two to three feet is preferred.

Once you have enough space underneath the car check to see if there is a drain bolt, as it's preferred that you will not have to drop a 300LB tank full of gas. Next you will find four very long bolts running through the straps which hold the tank suspended under the car. Place a jack under the tank, then remove these four bolts.

How To Change Your Fuel Pump, Removing The Pump.

Now that you have the tank on the ground you need to be able to get above it. You should see a ring in the top of the tank, with tabs covering it. Using slender a blunt object such as a slot screw driver, tap at the tabs on this ring until it turns completely out of the hole. Lifting this ring up out of the tank will bring with it the fuel pump.

How To Change Your Fuel Pump, Changing the Pump.

Your local auto parts store should be able to match up the pump with one in stock or determine the pump you require based on 'make, model, and year'. Once you have the replacement pump pop the ring off the outside of the current pump and slide it off. Now unbolt the two wires connecting the pump to it's power source and bolt them to the new pump. Repeat the above steps to put the fuel pump back.

How To Change Your Fuel Pump, Carbureted Fuel Pumps.

Carbureted vehicles will often have a manual pressure pump on the side of the engine block, with a tab which reaches into the timing case. As the engine is turned over this tab is moved to produce fuel pressure. Removing, replacing, and changing, this type of fuel pump is considerably easier. You only need remove the fuel line clamps, and unbolt two bolts which hold the pump on. The two bolts should be found on a plate near where the pump enters the timing case. Aside from removal procedures follow the steps above.

How To Change Your Fuel Pump, Closing Statement.

See how easy it can be to do your car maintenance yourself? Changing your fuel pump is just another one of the many easy tasks you can do in front of your own home, and save hundreds of dollars, as well as prevent yourself from being scammed by the local auto shop.

How To Change Your Fuel Pump, Resources.

http://www.autohausaz.com/html/fuelpumps.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_pump