cruiser54

What if you jacked up the body a bit?

I've never had to pull a tank to remove the fuel pump.

homestd

I've got 4 floor jacks, But I do wish they were taller. I've got a decent floor jack that will maybe go 6" higher. IDK, if I put the floor jacks on the frame and let the axle drop it would probably give room to access the pump but I probably couldn't get under them. I have the jacks on the axles, but the leaf springs are shot so there's no room, but I see where you're coming from. Changing the leaf springs is on the list, but way down.lol

Tomorrow I have a friend taking me to town (dog food) but Wed. I'll see if I can put 2 jacks on the frame and lower the differential to see if it's going to be workable and safe. Then put two jacks on the axles. Thanks Cruiser

homestd

I got back from town sooner than expected so I changed clothes and went to the garage. I put the jack stands on the frame just back of the spring anchor, dropped the diff and, at first glance, I can clearly see the pump, covered in 33 years of grime. I'll try to do pictures tomorrow. Any suggestions what might help get this thing clean enough to work on?

homestd

Got the pump out...It only took 4 hrs. Just because you can see it doesn't mean you can get it out. At 74 I'm well past my contortionist youth, when's the last time you hugged your diff. while trying to swing a hammer? Zero room! I finally got it done with my longest screwdriver and a brick! lol Will attempt to put it back in tomorrow.

homestd

HELP!! The return strainer didn't come out with the pump. How do you get it out? I don't know if it's magnetic and I don't think I can get my hand in there.

Never mind, the pump I have won't work. The right one gets here Tues.

homestd

Is there a trick of some sort to getting the fuel pump flange to seat?? The O-ring is giving me fits also. Pleas advise.

dmoe69

If it is not fit into the bottom of the tank, the flange won't line up. I'm not certain by reading if you rebuilt your pump or purchased an entire new assembly. Regardless though, did the rubber cone on the end of the return come out with the pump? If it is stuck in the bottom of the tank, you either won't be able to line up the return if you rebuilt your pump - or you won't be able to fit two cones into one hole if you have a new assembly.
If you pull the pump out of the tank again for any reason, you might find it valuable to remove the full pump relay (so the pump won't run), turn the key to the run position, and actuate the float to ensure that the tank level indicator is working on your new pump. I had to change out three pumps before I got one that would give tank level.

cruiser54

Polish up the ring and use some grease.

homestd

Thanks, I'll give it my best shot.

cruiser54

It's a *****.

homestd

Boy, you got that right, in spades...but it's in there, not leaking and with 35psi when running. It didn't hold much pressure when I turned it off, but it's starting a lot quicker. The fuel pump had tabs (like it should) but they were keeping the pump from seating when you put them in their respective notches. I had no choice (I ain't sending it back) but to cut the tabs off where they would fit the notches.




All together, I guess I got on the cold concrete squeezed under the rear axle and put the thing in probably 30 times. I figured the pump might be hurt from all the handling, but it survived. That's too darn much up and down for this 74 yr old.

I've got to replace a wheel cylinder before I can take it off the stands. Can someone tell the the size of the brake line nut? My 9mm was too small and I think the 10mm feels too loose on it to try to break it loose.

cruiser54

3/8

homestd

Thanks everyone, I hope I don't have to start a new thread on brakes!lol

arto_wa

Just finished reading this whole thread and find it very interesting - glad to hear you solved the fuel pump issue!


I was having very strange stalling issue with my 89 XJ couple of years ago and after cleaning the ground connections like cruiser54 has previously recommended the problem was solved 100%



Revived 89 XJ

homestd

Fuel pump is doing great but there is one problem: I filled it up with gas (2 clicks) but the gauge only registered about 3/4. Am I correct in assuming that the only remedy would be to pull the pump and bend the float arm in the proper direction? IDK