UncleMaz

How do you remove the in-tank fuel pump in a 1979? Does the tank need to be dropped?

A friend just picked up a 1979 which has been sitting. From his description, there is no other fuel pump. He can see the pump from the sender hole. He has no internet access. Thanks. Michael

karl ruiter

My '79 had two pumps. I
1- drained the tank
2- put a jack under the tank to support it and removed the brace that holds it up.
3- removed the external pump
4- unscrewed the bung at the bottom of the tank and removed the internal pump
5- flushed a lot of crap out of the tank
6- replaced the internal pump with a random fuel screen from Checker
7- reinstalled the bung with a fresh seal
8- replace the external pump with a new walbro unit of ebay.
9- reinstall straps holding tank up.

UncleMaz

Thanks Karl. Information passed over the phone. He will be dropping the tank tomorrow and getting a screen and new pump.

jpitman2

IIRC a 79 will have an intank pump, and another in the right rear wheel arch area- suggest he removes the splash shield in front of that wheel. There should be an 'accumulator' (pressure pulse absorber, and buffer), and a pump in there. check recent posts by jwillman for pics of what you will see under the tank. Be VERY careful trying unscrew the tank pump, you may spin the threaded insert and scrap the tank. IMHO the intank pump is not really necessary unless you are in hot and high territory and driving hard.
jp 83 Euro S AT 52k

UncleMaz

Thanks JP. I told him to check the RR wheel splash guard for the second pump. BTDT on the plastic insert stripping as I stripped the one in my 78 tank. So, he has been doubly warned.

Here are some pics I found in Jwillman's thread that I think you were referring to. Was there another?

jpitman2

Thats an external pump in the foreground of the first pic...so they arent all in the wheel arch. The hex that unscrews the intank is visible at the far end of the hose from the pump. If the tank is empty, and you drop the cradle, and support the tank, you should be able to get at the hex fitting to try to loosen it, but IIRC I was able to get at mine with the cradle in place. Do a search for other tank removal threads....
hth
jp

UncleMaz

Thanks JP. I think the info provided will give him enough to figure it out. Much appreciated.

jwillman

Michael,

As JP has mentioned I am living the dream right now. My In-tank pump was bad and I had a replacement pump already. I was able to get the 36mm socket onto the pump with the strap in place but lowered on the side of the pump (removed both bolts for the rear two legs of the cradle). I had to drop the tank when I spun the insert. Pump was badly corroded to the insert.

Many have suggested lots of PB blaster for several days which I tried but the insert corroded from the inside so unless you pull the sender you won't get PB blaster to that part. Others also recommended slow even light pressure to break it loose.

I used sharksin's tank drop write up (link below) and had the tank out by myself in less than 2 hours.

http://members.rennlist.com/sharkski...0-FuelTank.htm

Good luck

UncleMaz

Thanks Jim. I printed out Sharksin's page and faxed it to my friend. That is one helpful link. Happy motoring!