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97 SE Fuel Pump Replacement

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 11:00 am
by big_news_1
Do we have a good write-up for the procedure to replace the fuel pump in a '97 SE? I went through Techinfo briefly and did a search in the forums but lost patience after a few minutes (lol).

How tough is it? I've got a good low profile jack and some jack stands plus a complete set of wrenches. The only crappy thing is I just topped off the tank with fuel. Can this be done in a day without help?

Re: 97 SE Fuel Pump Replacement

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 11:51 am
by J Wikoff
Yeah, it's easy enough to do in a day. You can do it in a couple hours when you have to go back in to rebend the the level sensor arm that you tried to adjust, but were waayyy off.

Shoot the tank strap bolts with penetrant.
Drop the rear of the exhuast for clearance. (I didn't, but it would have been nice if I did)
Find and undo the fuel line disconnects. My "quick disconnects" were corroded solid, so I removed the fuel line clips all the way forward and left them attached and was careful not to bend/kink the hard lines.
If the pump works at all, use it to pump fuel out of the tank.
Undo the wiring connector.
Remove filler and vent lines.
Support fuel tank.
Hope the penetrant has done its job and remove the bolts.
Remove the straps. The higher the car is, the easier this will be without bending the straps.
Lower the tank.
Rotate the sender unit locking ring counter clockwise(?). I blew the area clean then sprayed with lube first.
Swap pump.
Reverse for install.

This is mildly vague and I'm sure I forgot some small stuff.

Re: 97 SE Fuel Pump Replacement

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 11:58 am
by big_news_1
Doesn't sound awful, and I've got all day to get it done. I think I'll give it a shot.

How beneficial will it be to empty or partially empty the tank? Like I said before, it's chock full o' premium grade petroleum.

Re: 97 SE Fuel Pump Replacement

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 12:00 pm
by 00Beast
Would you rather have 200 lbs fall on you or 30?

Re: 97 SE Fuel Pump Replacement

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 12:21 pm
by big_news_1
Hehe... Point taken ;)

Re: 97 SE Fuel Pump Replacement

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 12:35 pm
by J Wikoff
Maybe not 200, but it would be over 100.

Re: 97 SE Fuel Pump Replacement

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2011 12:53 pm
by harofreak00
If you have the jack to hold the tank, I wouldn't worry about emptying it. It will be about 100lbs though.

Hopefully the straps aren't rusted too bad.

Re: 97 SE Fuel Pump Replacement

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:39 pm
by Jrs3800
Ben, its hella good to see you...

I would honestly drain at least half the fuel out of that tank before you try to drop it, As well iirc there is a bracket for the parking brake cable on the drivers side, if you can get that out of the way it will help a little in dropping the tank... A good floor jack and a large board will come in handy as well...... Its pretty straight forward... 3 lines at the tank all quick connects, the harness for power/fuel sender and another for the pressure sensor, the 2 filler lines and the tank should be free to drag out...