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Fuel pump connector

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Old 07-08-2020, 04:17 PM
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Default Fuel pump connector

I’m trying to disconnect the wiring connector for the fuel pump on my 96, and I can’t see how to. I don’t want to break the connector being stupid. Is there something I’m missing? There’s a lot of sketchy stuff down here from when the PO had the pump replaced.




Old 07-08-2020, 04:43 PM
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Now the strap nuts are fighting me even after a couple doses of pb blaster.
Old 07-08-2020, 07:32 PM
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Also while I'm here I need recommendations for hose clamps to replace all of the crusty ones.
Old 07-09-2020, 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Spencer_P
I’m trying to disconnect the wiring connector for the fuel pump on my 96, and I can’t see how to. I don’t want to break the connector being stupid. Is there something I’m missing? There’s a lot of sketchy stuff down here from when the PO had the pump replaced.

See that tab where your thumb is? Push down HARD in the direction of the arrow. Then pull apart at the same time. It's almost impossible. I found that using a flat screwdriver up under that tab sometimes does the trick.




Looks like your ground wire has multiple splices. I'd clean that up if it were me. Cut that thing back a few inches to make sure you have clean wire, and splice in new. I might even be tempted to make a new groiunding point on the metal.


Not really good.


Originally Posted by Spencer_P
Now the strap nuts are fighting me even after a couple doses of pb blaster.
Stop fighting. Cut them off. Replace with new. They are stupidly expensive, but it's just a stinking J bolt. You can find a replacement at a hardware store. Last time I did one I sprayed liberally with a cold galvanizing compound after I got them in place. Dunno how well that turned out - the car went to the scrapper a few years ago.

Originally Posted by Spencer_P
Also while I'm here I need recommendations for hose clamps to replace all of the crusty ones.
No magic that I know of. Just drop by Lowe's and visit the plumbing department. They carry decent stainless steel clamps. Harbor Freight clamps are junk.
Old 07-09-2020, 12:45 PM
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Thank you!

Where would you suggest as a new ground? I get nervous fixing what isn't broken... yet.

Well I snapped one the J bolts and I think the other is loose, or near snapping, we'll find out today.

Okay thanks, I wasn't sure if they needed to be anything special.
Old 07-09-2020, 03:36 PM
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Note from DJ
What are you trying to fix? And what are your symptoms of your problem?
Old 07-09-2020, 04:22 PM
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Success!






Nasty!!
Old 07-09-2020, 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by djgrayxj
Note from DJ
What are you trying to fix? And what are your symptoms of your problem?
No problems, just painting the underside of the cargo area.
Old 07-09-2020, 05:32 PM
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That's sure a nasty mess in there! I drained my 97 a while ago, and it wasn't nearly that bad. Had quite a bit of water in it, though.

As for grounding... take a really good look at the stock grounding point and see if you can clean it up. If not, depends on your skills. You'll have to get creative. You could drill a hole and mount a .250 male connector, then connect your newly repaired ground wire with the appropriate female end. Use a # 10 machine screw with the head on the inside, sealed with JB Weld, and a star washer under the nut on the outside. All stainless steel, of course. Use dielectric grease liberally on the outside.
Old 07-09-2020, 06:25 PM
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As with every project, it always starts a couple mini-projects.
This time around I've got
1. Clean ground
2. Drain and clean tank
3. New fuel filter
Possibly new rubber line(s)
4. New filler neck hoses
5. Paint straps and plastic cover clips
6. Address rust spots on tank. Normal paint?
7. New J bolts and hose clamps


Old 07-09-2020, 08:42 PM
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Say, it's a bit off topic, but have you ever heard of anyone putting the later plastic tank into the earlier XJs? I'm sure it would fit because I don't think there's any difference other than some minor sheet metal changes over the years. Wiring would be different, though, as would the lines due to the different pump locations.
Old 07-09-2020, 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by BlueRidgeMark
Say, it's a bit off topic, but have you ever heard of anyone putting the later plastic tank into the earlier XJs? I'm sure it would fit because I don't think there's any difference other than some minor sheet metal changes over the years. Wiring would be different, though, as would the lines due to the different pump locations.
I have not heard of that swap, although if I were to swap I think I'd go for a ZJ tank.
Actually now that I think of it I think someone was talking about swapping a newer tank in not that long ago... not sure how it turned out for them.
Old 07-10-2020, 01:41 AM
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Again, a bit off topic, but I found my large evap leak! The filler pipe was rotted thru!
Old 07-10-2020, 06:23 AM
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That just might be the cause!

My son just went through that with his SportTrac. Apparently a common problem with them.
Old 07-10-2020, 04:41 PM
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My Mazda has a large evap leak, pretty sure its the gas tank. But as long as I keep it below half a tank it doesn't leak...
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