How to: Fuel Pump

Description

The fuel pump is in charge of taking the fuel from the tank and pushing it towards the motor. The fuel pump may break down through time or neglect. Running the engine with less than 1/4 tank of fuel, if done often, will cause it to prematurely wear. Vacuum leaks can also cause fuel pumps to not operate properly, in this case you will just need to find and repair the leak. If there is no fuel getting to your motor don’t just assume it’s the fuel pump. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as, Clogged fuel filter, fuel leak, no gas, vacuum leak, electrical systems, and inertia switch. The inertia switch is in most Ford models. It is designed to cut power to the fuel pump in the case of impact. This can also engaged by hitting a bump to hard or by hitting the exterior of the car in the rear. If you drive a ford, find the switch in the trunk and press it back down. If you tested all of these things it is most likely the fuel pump.
Tools Needed

Safety Glasses.

Socket and ratchet with extension.

Transmission jack or regular jack.

Penetrating oil
Steps

1. Raise and support vehicle.

2. disconnect the filler hoses for the tank.

3. Place the transmission jack underneath the center of the tank.

4. Find the two mounting nuts of the tank and spray with penetrating oil. Remove the nuts. Remove the mounts and slowly lower the tank a few inches using the jack.

5. Remove vacuum hoses, fuel lines, and electrical connectors from the top of the fuel pump.

6. Lower the tank all the way down and move out from underneath the vehicle.

7. Most fuel pumps only require that you twist the pump and pull straight up. The pump might be hard to twist but will pull up easily when twisted.

8. Install the new fuel pump the same way the old one was positioned. Then twist to lock it in.

9. Jack the tank up most of the way and reinstall the vacuum hoses, fuel lines and electrical connectors.

10. Reconnect the filler tubes and tank mounts.

11. Lower vehicle.

12. Cycle the key from accessory to off 4-5 times. Then start the vehicle.

13. Make sure there are no leaks in the fuel lines and vacuum hoses.

14. Test drive to make sure there is proper operation.