Replacing The Fuel Pump In A Pontiac Fiero: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel pump in a 1987 Pontiac Fiero can be a challenging task. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, so the first step is to remove the fuel tank from the vehicle. This will involve jacking up the car, placing it on jack stands, and using a floor jack to support the weight of the fuel tank. Once the tank is accessible, the next step is to disconnect the hoses, wiring harness, and other components attached to the tank. It is important to mark or label the hoses to ensure proper reconnection during reassembly. With the tank removed, the fuel pump can be accessed and replaced. It is recommended to refer to a repair manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic for detailed instructions on replacing the fuel pump in a 1987 Pontiac Fiero.

The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank

To change the fuel pump in a 1987 Pontiac Fiero, you will need to access the fuel pump, which is located inside the fuel tank. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools and safety equipment.

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment. This includes things like a jack, jack stands, safety glasses, a fire extinguisher, and a drip pan or rags to catch any fuel spills. It is also recommended to have a radio for entertainment and a cup of coffee to make the job more enjoyable.

Step 2: Raise the car and locate the fuel tank.

Use a jack to raise the front and back of the car and place jack stands for support. Locate the fuel tank and the wiring harness that runs from the top of the tank through the firewall and up the back of the passenger compartment.

Step 3: Disconnect the fuel pump wires and bleed the fuel lines.

Open the engine cover and locate the fuel pump wires. Disconnect the two plugs and ensure they are not held in place by any wiring harness retainer clips. Then, crank the engine to bleed off any remaining fuel pressure in the fuel lines.

Step 4: Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Before proceeding further, it is important to disconnect the negative power cable from the battery. This is a safety precaution as you will be working with gasoline, and you don't want any accidental sparks.

Step 5: Mark the fuel lines and remove the fuel tank.

Use a paint pen or similar tool to mark the fuel lines so you know where they need to go back when reassembling. Remove the bolts holding the fuel lines in place and the heat shield. Then, remove the nuts securing the tank straps and carefully lower the fuel tank, being careful not to slosh the fuel.

Step 6: Access the fuel pump.

Once the fuel tank is out, you will need to open the lock ring to access the fuel pump and float assembly. Be careful not to force anything, as you don't want to damage the assembly. Twist, turn, and gently manipulate the assembly to remove it.

Step 7: Remove the old fuel pump and install the new one.

Make note of the position of the filter strainer on the assembly and then remove the old fuel pump. Cut any rubber hoses if necessary to facilitate the removal. Install the new fuel pump, making sure to coat the O-ring with a light coat of new engine oil before installing it. Reinstall the lock ring and ensure it is driven all the way home.

Step 8: Reinstall the fuel tank and connect the fuel lines.

Before reinstalling the fuel tank, inspect the fuel hoses for any signs of dry rot, splits, or cuts. Replace them if necessary. Reinstall the fuel tank, ensuring that the wires running to the fuel pump are within the protective confines of the rubber pieces. Reconnect the fuel lines, using a light coat of oil on the nipples to make the process easier.

Step 9: Reconnect the fuel pump wires and check for leaks.

Reach behind the engine and locate the fuel pump wiring. Plug it in and reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to the "on" position and verify the fuel pressure. Check underneath the car for any new wet spots indicating a leak. Do not start the engine until you are sure there are no leaks.

Step 10: Test the car and enjoy your newly replaced fuel pump!

Once you have confirmed that there are no leaks, start the engine and take your Pontiac Fiero for a test drive. Enjoy the improved performance and the satisfaction of a job well done!

The fuel tank must be removed to access the fuel pump

To access the fuel pump, the fuel tank must be removed. This is a complex process that requires a lot of preparation and care. It is important to ensure that the fuel tank is as empty as possible before beginning this process, as spilling fuel is inevitable. It is also important to ensure that you have the correct parts for your model of Pontiac Fiero, as well as any additional tools that may be required.

Firstly, ensure that you have the correct fuel pump, filter screen, O-ring, rubber hose, nuts, lock washers and any other parts that may be required. It is also a good idea to have some lightweight oil available. Gather your tools and lay them out where you can easily access them.

Next, you will need to disconnect the negative power cable from the battery. You will be working with gasoline, and this will ensure that you do not accidentally start a fire. You should also have a fire extinguisher within easy reach of your car.

Now, locate the wiring harness that runs from the top of the tank, through the firewall, and up the back of the passenger compartment. This will need to be removed, along with the fuel pump wires. You will need to disconnect the two plugs and ensure that they are not held in with any wiring harness retainer clips.

At this point, you should dust yourself off and get into your car. Crank the engine to bleed off any remaining fuel pressure in the fuel lines. Once this is done, you can move to the back of the engine compartment.

You will now need to jack up the car and place it on jack stands. Use a floor jack to help support the weight of the fuel tank. There are two nuts on long threaded bolts that hold band clamps around the tank, and four bolts that hold a centre support in place. You will need a 13mm deep socket to remove these.

You can now begin to remove the fuel hoses. There are a combination of spring-loaded clamps, screw clamps with 8mm heads, and 1/4" heads. It is a good idea to mark each of the hoses with a series of dots to indicate where they came from and where they need to go back. This will make it easier to reconnect them later.

Once the hoses have been removed, you can remove the two nuts securing the tank straps. The straps can then be bent out of the way, although you should be careful not to bend them too much as they are likely to be rusty and this will weaken them.

With the straps out of the way, you can now remove the fuel tank. This will require careful manoeuvring, as the tank is shaped like a "__/" and the walls are shaped like "./". It will need to be carefully worked out and slid towards the back of the car. Once it is free, begin rolling out from underneath the tank while keeping it upright.

Now that the tank is out, you can replace the fuel pump. This is a relatively simple process, but you will need to be careful not to force anything. The lock ring will need to be tapped until it lines up and can be pulled off. The old fuel pump can then be removed, and the new one put in its place. Ensure that you have attached the filter screen and rubber hose correctly, and that the O-ring is clean and free of dust before installing it.

With the new fuel pump in place, you can now put the fuel tank back into the car. This will require careful manoeuvring, as before. Once the tank is in place, you can reconnect the hoses, ensuring that you oil the nipples to make your life easier and to prevent a gory death of the hoses.

Finally, reconnect the wiring harness and fuel pump wires, and you're almost done! Reconnect the negative battery cable, hook up your fuel pressure gauge (if you have one), and turn the ignition to "on". Verify the pressure, and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, fire up the engine and check again.

The fuel pump harness is located along the firewall

To access the fuel pump harness, you'll need to locate it first. In most modern vehicles, the primary fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. This is usually found underneath the rear seat—you should see a fuel pump access door.

If your Fiero doesn't have this access door, you'll need to drop the fuel tank to reach the pump. This involves disconnecting various components, such as electrical connections and fuel lines, and possibly the exhaust system.

Once you've located the fuel pump, you'll see that it has a cylindrical or oval shape, with an outlet and inlet for fuel connections. The harness will be located along the firewall, so carefully follow the wiring from the pump to find it.

It's important to exercise caution when performing this task, especially if your Fiero has a high-pressure fuel injection system. Make sure to consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions, and always discharge the system pressure before beginning any maintenance work.

The fuel pump is electric and located in-tank

To change the fuel pump on a 1987 Pontiac Fiero, you will need to remove the fuel tank. The fuel pump is electric and located in-tank.

The first step is to ensure you have the correct replacement fuel pump for your Fiero. Open the boxes and packages and ensure the filter screen fits the pump. Check you have the necessary O-ring, rubber hose, nuts, and lock washers.

Next, gather your tools and safety equipment. You will need a fire extinguisher, safety glasses, and a radio for entertainment. It is also recommended to lay a piece of cardboard underneath the car to soak up any spilled gas.

Now, jack up the car and place it on jack stands. Locate the wiring harness that runs from the top of the tank, through the firewall, and up the back of the passenger compartment. This will need to be removed with the tank.

Disconnect the negative power cable from the battery, and then locate and disconnect the fuel pump wires.

At this point, you are ready to remove the fuel tank. There are two nuts securing the tank straps that will need to be removed. The tank straps can then be bent out of the way, but be careful not to bend them too much as they are likely rusty.

Remove the four bolts holding the crossmember in place. You will need to support the weight of the fuel tank with your arms and knees while lowering the jack to free the crossmember. Be careful not to slosh the fuel too much as it can gush out of the back. Work the tank out slowly and carefully.

Once the tank is out, you can begin to remove the old fuel pump. The top of the fuel pump and float assembly is held in place by a lock ring that needs to be removed carefully. Do not force anything or you may damage the assembly. Twist, turn, and manipulate the lock ring until it comes off.

With the lock ring removed, you can now remove the old fuel pump. Take note of the position of the filter strainer on the bottom of the assembly, and then tear off the fuel pump itself. Cut the rubber hose that connects the fuel pump to the hard line to facilitate easy removal.

Now, you can install the new fuel pump. Slide the new rubber hose connector onto the hard line, and then place the new fuel pump with the rubber grommet into the carriage. Slide the rubber hose connector down onto the fuel pump nipple and attach the filter screen.

Before reinstalling the lock ring, wipe down the sealing surface to ensure it is clean, and then reinstall the lock ring, turning it until it is fully seated.

Now, you are ready to reinstall the fuel tank. Slide the tank back under the car and reconnect the wiring harness. Reinstall the tank straps and crossmember, and then reconnect the negative battery cable.

Finally, verify that there are no fuel leaks and start the car to test the new fuel pump.

The fuel pump must be fully submerged in the fuel tank

To change the fuel pump in a 1987 Pontiac Fiero, you will need to first get the car up in the air, preferably with a jack and jack stands for support. You will then need to locate and disconnect the wiring harness that runs from the top of the fuel tank, through the firewall and up the back of the passenger compartment. Next, locate the fuel pump wires under the engine cover and disconnect the two plugs. Now, crank the engine to bleed off any remaining fuel pressure in the fuel lines.

At this point, you should disconnect the negative power cable from the battery. You will then need to remove the hoses from the fuel lines. It is recommended to mark each of the hoses with a series of dots to know where they came from and where they will need to go back to. Once the hoses are removed, you can remove the nuts securing the tank straps and carefully lower the fuel tank.

With the tank out, you can now begin to remove the fuel pump. There is a lock ring that needs to be removed, and it is important to do this carefully without forcing anything. Once the lock ring is removed, you can carefully twist, turn, and wiggle the fuel pump assembly to get it out. With the assembly out, you can now remove the old fuel pump. Make sure to take note of the position of the filter strainer on the bottom of the assembly.

Now, you can install the new fuel pump. Slide the new rubber hose connector onto the hard line and place the fuel pump with the rubber grommet into the carriage. Attach the filter screen in the same way as the old one, and your new fuel pump assembly is ready to be installed back into the fuel tank. Before installing the assembly, make sure to clean the connector at the fuel pump if it looks dirty or cruddy. Once the assembly is installed, you can reinstall the lock ring and make sure it is driven all the way home.

With the new fuel pump installed, you can now reinstall the fuel tank. Make sure to route the wiring harness back through the firewall and ensure that the wires are within the protective confines of the rubber pieces. Carefully lower the tank back into place and reattach the tank straps. Once the tank is secure, you can reconnect the negative battery cable and the fuel pump wiring. Finally, verify that there are no fuel leaks and fire up the engine.

Now, to address why the fuel pump must be fully submerged in the fuel tank. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank and is submerged in fuel. This is possible because gasoline is a poor conductor of electricity, so it does not affect the electric motor inside the fuel pump. In fact, the gasoline flowing over the electric motor helps to keep it cool and also acts as a lubricant for the moving parts of the pump. If the fuel pump is not submerged, it will not have adequate cooling and lubrication, which can lead to premature wear and failure of the pump. Therefore, it is important to always keep the fuel tank at least a quarter full to ensure the fuel pump is fully submerged and functioning optimally.

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