Tips for changing fuel pump

[rbarrios]

Ok.... so im now past 133,000 and still running the factory pump on my 2003- purchased in 2002.
What makes this a bit surprissing to me also- is that Id say 90% of the time I refuel when the LOW fuel light comes on- many times driving for 10-15 miles PAST the time the low fuel light came on...... you know what they say about running the pump past 1/4 tank.....but mine is still going...
Presently it runs fine--- and I have never had any issues with an erratic fuel gauge....
BUT...
Now--- for peace of mind- I plan on changing the pump out this weekend.
Peace of mind that it wont fail suddenly... and in December Ill be doing a 3500 mile trip halfway down into Mexico...... last thing I want is a failed pump in the middle of a little mexican town.
So Ive ordered my ACDelco pump.........

Any tips for those that have done it?
Especially certain tools... any funny clips etc that made your change difficult?
I do have the short wheelbase and only the 18.7 gallon tank.
I plan on driving the truck until the low fuel light comes on-- and then drive it for maybe 15 more miles to end up with about 1 gallon left in tank.

Thanks. I plan on taking pics- Maybe ill do a how to on that...

[jwhite628]

To Remove:

Remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
Use a J 45722 fuel tank sending unit wrench and a long breaker bar to turn the fuel sender lock ring counterclockwise.
CAUTION
Handling the fuel sender assembly by the fuel pipes may cause damage to the joints.

Fuel sender assembly removal and installation

Remove the fuel sender assembly from the fuel tank.
Remove and discard the fuel sender assembly seal from the fuel tank.
Drain the fuel from the fuel sender assembly into an appropriate container.
Clean the sealing surfaces as necessary.
Set the lock ring on a flat surface and measure the clearance between the ring and the surface at seven points.

If the clearance is more that 0.016 in (0.41 mm), replace the lock ring.

To Install:

Install a new fuel sender assembly seal onto the fuel tank.
Install a new fuel sender assembly into the fuel tank.
Use a J 45722 fuel tank sending unit wrench and a long breaker bar to turn the fuel sender lock ring clockwise.
Install the fuel tank into the vehicle.

[jwhite628]

Originally Posted by jwhite628

To Remove:

Remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
Use a J 45722 fuel tank sending unit wrench and a long breaker bar to turn the fuel sender lock ring counterclockwise.
CAUTION
Handling the fuel sender assembly by the fuel pipes may cause damage to the joints.

Fuel sender assembly removal and installation

Remove the fuel sender assembly from the fuel tank.
Remove and discard the fuel sender assembly seal from the fuel tank.
Drain the fuel from the fuel sender assembly into an appropriate container.
Clean the sealing surfaces as necessary.
Set the lock ring on a flat surface and measure the clearance between the ring and the surface at seven points.

If the clearance is more that 0.016 in (0.41 mm), replace the lock ring.

To Install:

Install a new fuel sender assembly seal onto the fuel tank.
Install a new fuel sender assembly into the fuel tank.
Use a J 45722 fuel tank sending unit wrench and a long breaker bar to turn the fuel sender lock ring clockwise.
Install the fuel tank into the vehicle.

Here is a pic for ya

[rbarrios]

oh oh....

where do we get this J 45722 tool....
I was expecting it to be several screws all the way around....

[petevw]

Originally Posted by rbarrios

oh oh....

where do we get this J 45722 tool....
I was expecting it to be several screws all the way around....

I wonder if a place like AutoZone has one for "rent" like the fan clutch tool

[91RS]

Originally Posted by rbarrios

oh oh....

where do we get this J 45722 tool....
I was expecting it to be several screws all the way around....

That would be called a flat-head screwdriver and a big hammer.

[WOOLUF1952]

And, this may go under the heading of "Well no s**t" but the first thing I would do is blow out all dust and debris from around the locking ring.

[MAY03LT]

Originally Posted by 91RS

That would be called a flat-head screwdriver and a big hammer.

i agree but i use a brass punch instead of a screwdriver

Originally Posted by WOOLUF1952

but the first thing I would do is blow out all dust and debris from around the locking ring.

absolutly

[Super 88]

Originally Posted by MAY03LT

i agree but i use a brass punch instead of a screwdriver

Exactly what I was going to say. Safety first. You don't want any sparks to give you a nice "warm" feeling!

[rbarrios]

very interesting...
i will have to check the auto parts loan tools