Fuel Pump Replacement: Inline Vs In-Tank Options

can a inline fuel pump replace an in tank pump

Whether an inline fuel pump can replace an in-tank pump depends on the make and model of your car. In some cases, an inline pump can be used as a replacement, but it may not be as effective as an in-tank pump. External fuel pumps need to be significantly larger and more powerful than in-tank pumps, and you may also need a fuel pressure regulator.

Characteristics Values
Can an inline fuel pump replace an in-tank pump? Yes, but it may not work
What are the benefits of an inline fuel pump? More accessible than an in-tank pump
What are the drawbacks of an inline fuel pump? It may have a shorter life than an in-tank pump
What are the alternatives? Replacing the in-tank pump with a new one, or using an external pump from an 80s/90s Mercedes V8

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The inline fuel pump may work, but it may not

One option is to find a 1980s/1990s Mercedes V8-equipped car at a salvage yard, as these often had big externally mounted Bosch pumps. However, this is not guaranteed to work and you may need to do some research first to check the specifications of the pump.

Another option is to modify your existing in-tank electric fuel pump to remove the faulty pump and replace it with an easily accessible inline fuel pump. This will also allow you to keep your existing fuel gauge/sender unit. However, this modification may not be possible for all vehicles, and it is always best to check with a professional first.

Overall, while it may be tempting to cut corners, the best option is usually to remove the intake pump and replace it with a new one. This will avoid any potential issues down the line and ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly.

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The in-tank pump will not pass fuel unless it is running

An in-tank fuel pump can be replaced with an inline fuel pump. However, the in-tank pump will not pass fuel unless it is running. If you remove the in-tank pump, you will need to extend the pick-up tube by about six inches, and then a rail pump that pumps out about 55 PSI will work.

There are several reasons why you might want to replace an in-tank fuel pump with an inline fuel pump. Firstly, in-tank fuel pumps are prone to failure, especially if you are running waste vegetable oil mixes or biofuel. Secondly, in-tank fuel pumps often have two filters in the tank that are prone to clogging up even when run on pump diesel.

To replace an in-tank fuel pump with an inline fuel pump, you can follow these steps:

  • Remove the in-tank pump.
  • Extend the pick-up tube by about six inches.
  • Install an inline fuel pump that pumps out about 55 PSI.

It is important to note that external fuel pumps need to be significantly larger and more powerful than in-tank ones. Therefore, if you are looking for a quick fix, you might want to consider finding an 80s/90s Mercedes V8-equipped car at a salvage yard, as most had big externally mounted Bosch pumps.

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External fuel pumps have to be significantly larger and more powerful than in-tank ones

If you are set on using an external pump, you can find one in an 80s/90s Mercedes V8-equipped car at a salvage yard. Most had big externally mounted Bosch pumps. However, it is recommended to do it right the first time and remove the in-tank pump. Cutting corners and leaving the old pump in the tank may cause more headaches in the future.

There are also ways to modify an in-tank electric fuel pump to keep the existing fuel gauge and remove the faulty in-tank pump, replacing it with an accessible inline fuel pump. This can be done in vehicles such as the Citroen Picasso, which are fitted with an in-tank fuel pump.

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The cheapest new pump you can find may be the best option

If you're looking to replace an in-tank fuel pump, the cheapest new pump you can find may be the best option. While external fuel pumps need to be larger and more powerful than in-tank ones, you can still find a good deal on a replacement pump. For example, you could look for a salvage yard Mercedes V8 from the 80s or 90s, which would have had a big externally mounted Bosch pump.

If you're set on using an inline fuel pump as a replacement, you'll need to make sure the in-tank pump is removed and the pickup tube is extended by about six inches. You'll also need a fuel pressure regulator. It's important to note that the specific requirements will depend on the make and model of your car, so be sure to consult a professional for advice.

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The inline fuel pump can be used without removing the tank pump, but it may cause a shorter life for the new pump

It is possible to use an inline fuel pump without removing the tank pump, but this may cause a shorter life for the new pump. The in-tank pump will not pass fuel unless it is running. If you remove the in-tank pump, extend the pickup tube by about six inches, and then a rail pump that pumps out about 55 PSI will work. However, external fuel pumps have to be significantly larger and more powerful than in-tank ones. In addition to an inline pump, you will need a fuel pressure regulator.

Frequently asked questions

It may work, but it may not. It is recommended to remove the intake pump and replace it.

No, the in-tank pump will not pass fuel unless it is running.

Yes, you can modify the in-tank electric fuel pump to keep the existing fuel gauge and remove the faulty in-tank pump, replacing it with an accessible inline fuel pump.

It is recommended to replace the in-tank pump with a new pump.

Yes, you can use an external pump to get your car going. Find an 80s/90s Mercedes V8-equipped car at a salvage yard. Most had big externally mounted Bosch pumps.

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