Tank Drop

[BHBVan]

1990 Vandura. About to drop tank for fuel pump, I think. Any tips? I'm experienced with wrenching but kinda hesitant and considering just letting my local shop do it. Got a Delphi pump and assembly. Thanks!

[MountainManJoe]

welcome to the forum.
tank straps tend to deteriorate quickly. Inspect their condition and have new ones ready if necessary.

[BHBVan]

Thanks. Glad to find you guys. As a Mechanical Engineer, and lifelong hobby mechanic, allow me to express a hearty AARGH at the engineers who decided this was an acceptable design for fuel pump access.

[MountainManJoe]

then again, if it lasted 34 years then maybe they deserve a hand. It's a miracle by today's standards.

[BHBVan]

Yes. My 1995 Yukon is at 203k on original pump. They are amazing little units.

[WoodButcher]

Put the van up as high as you can. I've done this twice in the past month, my '05 astro first. And now my new to me '93 in the middle of it waiting for a new tank.
Siphon out what you can, if you have a transmission jack it will make life much easier. I have 4, 6 ton stands right at the top. Let the tank down 6 inch or so just enough to get the lines disconnected and the wiring harness generally will have enough slack for the tank to hit the ground.
This is the jack I use-
https://www.harborfreight.com/450-lb-lo ... ssion+jack
I paid alot less 10 years ago.

[slantflat]

I just did this on my 90 Beauville. Be very, very careful of the wire that is soldered onto the sending unit, as it will break off easily and then your fuel gauge won't work.

Wouldn't it be nice if there were an access panel right above the tank so you could disconnect the lines and turn the ring -before- you are on your back and the whole tank assembly is on your chest. Best if you have a friend helping you.

[WoodButcher]

Lol, many folks cut an access panel and even more will spend countless days arguing on the internet calling it sacrilege.
Personally, I have a nice shop, couple different ways of lifting and lowering a full tank if needed and I have AAA towing so I have no need for a hatch.
If I were often offroad where no towing was available you can bet I would cut a hole. Laying in a mud puddle to drop a tank I would not do.

[BHBVan]

I got er done last weekend. Was really not bad. Flexible lines allowed easy tipping to disconnect fuel lines. Since I bought the whole pump unit I just snipped the wires. But electrical connection is further forward, not above tank, so could have easily disconnected. On the electrical connection there is a small white locking tab that must be removed. She runs great now.

[WoodButcher]

Good deal, I got mine in yesterday. Didn't put gas in or even take it off the jackstands. I'm old an slow,,,,