How do I replace an 89 Fuel Pump??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Audubon PA
How do I replace an 89 Fuel Pump??
I usually don't start my car over the winter months, and it was alittle hard to start all last year. When I went to start it this year it would just turn over but not start. I checked the fuel rail valve and had no fuel so on the advice of a friend I banged the fuel tank with my fists a couple of times and the car started right up. My friend and I think I need a fuel Pump. Now I have fuel at the fuel rail valve again. Should I just replace the Pump??? What parts will I need, other then the pump??? Should I go with OEM or Aftermarket (I heard aftermarket can be load). Does the pump come with a seal or gasket??? Can someone let me know how to do it step by step??? Thanks JZ
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Are you sure it isn't the fuel pump relay? I don't picture banging on the tank, starting a dead pump. A little trouble shooting could save you some money. You shouldn't need a gasket. I've changed my pump 3 or 4 times and the 23 year gasket still seals well. Others, do replace it every time. The one thing you WILL need if you replace the pump, is the "sock", the strainer that is attached to the inlet of the pump.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Audubon PA
Where is the relay located?? I will check it. My friend said that the fuel pumps sometimes stick and banging on the tank near the pump could jar it loose to start it. It did seem to work unless the relay was poorly connected and when I banged the tank the relay reconnected, but the relay would have to be located near the tank. Why did you have to replace your pump 3 times??? JZ
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by jzvette
Why did you have to replace your pump 3 times??? JZ
RACE ON!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,316
Likes: 246
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Originally Posted by jvette44
Yup! banging on the tank worked for me! Exact same symptons as
you! Changed pump, everything's great again!
you! Changed pump, everything's great again!
I have come across many cars and trucks that needed a good whack on the tank to get the pump going. Most suffered a dead pump then or a little later.This is from my 86 manual but should be pretty much the same as yours. Lots of good info to read and save it to your hard drive.
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...l%20System.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/6C%20Engine%20Fuel.pdf
Last edited by AGENT 86; Apr 26, 2005 at 12:17 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,019
Likes: 568
From: Conroe Texas
if you are in the habit of storing the car for the winter months and not starting it, and i am assuming you live in the frozen tundra north, pull the pump and check your tank. all that freezing and thawing is perfect for rust to form and settle in the bottom of the tank, clogging the sock.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Get an AC Delco pump and matching filter screen.
-remove the gas cap door and gas cap
-pull the rubber boot from around the filler neck
-open the connection in the electrical line to the left of the opening
-remove the three fuel lines and clamp them off if you get oozing
-remove the 10-12 bolts around the mounting flange (use care to not lose any of the O-rings around each bolt)
-loosen the FP assembly mounting flange and lift the assembly from the tank (use care to not bend the level sensor rod)
-pull the old filter sock from the bottom of the fuel pump, noting orientation
-remove the old fuel pump & install the new one
-install the filter sock onto the bottom of the new fuel pump
-clean the mounting surface and install the pump assembly
-install the bolts, the fuel lines and the electrical connector
-install the fuel filler boot, door and cap
Expect to spend maybe 1-2hrs; this is one of the easiest jobs on a TPI Corvette.
If fuel gets onto your arms wash it off immediatly as some people will experience a burning sensation to raw fuel.
-remove the gas cap door and gas cap
-pull the rubber boot from around the filler neck
-open the connection in the electrical line to the left of the opening
-remove the three fuel lines and clamp them off if you get oozing
-remove the 10-12 bolts around the mounting flange (use care to not lose any of the O-rings around each bolt)
-loosen the FP assembly mounting flange and lift the assembly from the tank (use care to not bend the level sensor rod)
-pull the old filter sock from the bottom of the fuel pump, noting orientation
-remove the old fuel pump & install the new one
-install the filter sock onto the bottom of the new fuel pump
-clean the mounting surface and install the pump assembly
-install the bolts, the fuel lines and the electrical connector
-install the fuel filler boot, door and cap
Expect to spend maybe 1-2hrs; this is one of the easiest jobs on a TPI Corvette.
If fuel gets onto your arms wash it off immediatly as some people will experience a burning sensation to raw fuel.
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
Originally Posted by jzvette
I know I need to order the pump and the sock, what about the seal??
Look up the C4 tech tip by Frizlefrak for repairing the fuel guage sender. It has an illustrated step by step process on removing the fuel pump. Better than the Factory Manual on this issue.
If it isn't available or the pictures don't show up, email me directly and I'll reply sending you the fully illustrated version.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Audubon PA
I just wanted to thank everyone who helped with a post. I replaced th pump, sock, and seal today and it went as smooth as silk. This is why I love corvette forum, this is why it exists. I even cleaned to splines and the tip on the fuel level float controls. The job took about 1 to 2 hours, I took my time because it was the first time I've done this replacement. Thank again to everyone!! 
JZ
JZ
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,400
Likes: 0
From: Oceansaide CA
You'll have to undo every accessory save the alt and power steering pump. takes a long time 
I did mine in 2 hours with air tools, but in about a month I ended up doing the whole motor, so in retrospect I should have just waited
I did mine in 2 hours with air tools, but in about a month I ended up doing the whole motor, so in retrospect I should have just waited
