Do I Really Need the Tools?

[Motor Sport Visions Photography]

In a message dated 2/6/2002 George B. asks:

<< ...is there any other practical way to replace the fuel
pump without buying tools that I'll only be using (hopefully) very
rarely? >>

Depends on how "safe" you want to be. I recently did this job on my 5ktq
so I can offer some BTDT and I did get some list advice first.

To be really safe (without the lock ring tool) a brass drift would be a
good idea. I used a steel one and wrapped the tip in cloth to prevent
possible spark. (My neighbor, who is a professional mechanic, was
laughing at me BTW for even that level of precaution.) I used a plastic
sand filled dead blow hammer to beat on the drift with. Didn't take much
to loosen the lock ring. Easy job.

Some tips.

Be sure to drain the tank as far as you possibly can. I was unable to
get the siphon hose into the tank via the filler so I siphoned out the
hole in the top after removing the lockring/cover/level sender.

Pay careful attention to wire lead dress before pulling the sender and
pump out of the tank. Routing wires back in other than exactly as they
came out may impair the level sender.

All the usual fuel handling cautions apply (fire extinguisher nearby,
don't smoke, no pilot lights in the water heater next to the car in the
garage, etc.). Use of fuel resistant gloves is also a very good idea.

Do it outdoors or in a well ventilated area. You'll be upside down in
your trunk breathing fumes. All in all, a pretty easy job. HTH!

Mike Veglia
Motor Sport Visions Photography
http://www.motorsportvisions.com