Replacing The Fuel Pump In A '98 Lincoln Continental

Changing the fuel pump in a 1998 Lincoln Continental can be a complex task. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank and can be accessed from the front side of the tank, where you'll find the big opening and pipes and wires. Before attempting any repairs, it is important to take necessary safety precautions as fuel vapors can easily ignite and cause serious injury. It is recommended to work away from appliances with open flames and to refer to the owner's manual or a repair manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.

Removing the failed pump

To remove the failed pump from your 1998 Lincoln Continental, you will first need to remove the negative (black) battery cable with a wrench and loosen the fuel filler cap.

Next, locate the Schrader valve on the fuel supply manifold. This is the steel tube where the fuel injectors connect and resembles the one used in your Continental tires. Allow the engine to cool completely, then wrap a shop rag around the valve and depress the small valve stem with a small standard screwdriver to relieve the fuel system pressure, catching the squirt of fuel with the rag.

If your fuel tank is more than 1/4 full, siphon the fuel from the tank with a hand siphon pump into an approved fuel container. If your Continental model has an air suspension system, shut off the switch located on the side panel inside the trunk. You can consult your owner's manual for further information.

Now, raise the rear of your Continental with a floor jack and place a jack stand on each side under the frame for support. Block each front wheel with a wooden block.

Using a ratchet and socket set, unscrew the metal retainer holding the fuel filler hose to the tank's flange. Place a wooden block on the floor jack's saddle and use the floor jack to support the tank.

Unfasten the two straps that secure the tank to the vehicle with a ratchet, long ratchet extension, and socket. Swing the straps out of the way.

Lower the fuel tank partially using the floor jack. Depress the two tabs on the side of the fuel line fittings with your fingers and pull both lines off the fuel sending unit assembly on top of the fuel tank. Also, unplug the electrical connector from the assembly.

Lower the fuel tank a few more inches to gain better access to the fuel-sending unit assembly. Clean the top of the assembly and the surrounding area with a shop rag to prevent dirt and grease from falling into the tank.

Finally, unfasten the bolts securing the assembly to the tank with a Phillips screwdriver and carefully lift the assembly out of the fuel tank, along with the O-ring seal between the assembly and the tank opening.

Siphoning fuel from the tank

Gather the Necessary Materials

You will need a length of tubing that is long enough to reach from the gas tank to a container on the ground, a container to hold the gas, and a pair of pliers. The tubing should be clear and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter so that you can see the gasoline move through it.

Locate the Fuel Tank

The fuel tank is usually located beneath the car, near the rear wheels.

Insert the Tubing

Insert one end of the tubing into the gas tank through the fuel filler neck. Ensure that the tubing is securely in place and reaches the bottom of the tank.

Create Suction

There are several ways to create suction and start the flow of gas into the tubing:

• Suck on the other end of the tubing. This method is not recommended as inhaling gasoline vapours can be dangerous and harmful to your health.
• Use a hand pump.
• Squeeze the tubing.
• Use a small air compressor or bike pump to create pressure in the container. This method can be dangerous if not done correctly, as too much pressure can cause the gas tank to rupture or explode.

Direct the Gas into the Container

Once the gas is flowing through the tubing, direct the other end into the container. Make sure the container is on the ground, positioned lower than the gas tank to allow gravity to help with the flow of gas. Keep an eye on the flow and adjust the tubing as needed to ensure it stays submerged.

Dispose of the Gas Properly

Check with your local authorities for regulations on how to dispose of gasoline safely.

Lowering the fuel tank

Step 1: Safety First

Before starting, ensure you are parked away from any appliances with open flames, such as dryers or water heaters. Fuel vapours escaping from the tank can easily ignite and cause serious injury.

Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle

Remove the negative (black) battery cable with a wrench and loosen the fuel filler cap. If your Continental model has an air suspension system, shut off the switch located on the side panel inside the trunk. Refer to your owner's manual if needed.

Step 3: Jack Up the Vehicle

Raise the rear of your Continental with a floor jack and place a jack stand on each side under the frame for support. Block each front wheel with a wooden block to prevent accidental rolling.

Step 4: Access the Fuel Tank

Unscrew the metal retainer holding the fuel filler hose to the tank's flange using a ratchet and socket set. Place a wooden block on the floor jack's saddle and use it to support the tank.

Step 5: Unfasten the Fuel Tank Straps

Use a ratchet, long ratchet extension, and socket to unfasten the two straps that secure the fuel tank to the vehicle. Swing the straps out of the way to prepare for lowering the tank.

Step 6: Lower the Fuel Tank Partially

Lower the fuel tank slowly and carefully using the floor jack. Only lower it partially, just enough to access the fuel lines and the fuel-sending unit assembly.

Step 7: Disconnect the Fuel Lines

Depress the two tabs on the side of the fuel line fittings with your fingers and pull both lines off the fuel sending unit assembly. Also, unplug the electrical connector from the assembly.

Step 8: Clean the Assembly Area

Before proceeding, use a shop rag to clean the top of the fuel-sending unit assembly and the surrounding area. This will prevent dirt and grease from falling into the tank during the pump replacement.

Step 9: Lower the Fuel Tank Further

Lower the fuel tank a few more inches to gain better access to the fuel-sending unit assembly. Be cautious and ensure the tank is securely supported at all times.

By following these steps, you will have safely lowered the fuel tank in your 1998 Lincoln Continental and can now proceed with replacing the fuel pump. Remember to work cautiously when dealing with fuel and always put safety first.

Removing the fuel-sending unit assembly

To remove the fuel-sending unit assembly, first, depress the two tabs on the side of the fuel line fittings with your fingers and pull both lines off the fuel sending unit assembly on top of the fuel tank. Then, unplug the electrical connector from the assembly.

Next, lower the fuel tank a few more inches to gain better access to the fuel-sending unit assembly. Clean the top of the assembly and the surrounding area with a shop rag to prevent dirt and grease from falling into the tank. Now, you are ready to remove the fuel-sending unit assembly. Unfasten the bolts securing the assembly to the tank with a Phillips screwdriver and carefully lift the assembly out of the fuel tank, along with the O-ring seal between the assembly and the tank opening.

Place the assembly on a clean shop rag to protect it while you work on replacing the fuel pump.

Installing the new fuel pump

To install the new fuel pump, you will need a standard screwdriver and needle-nose pliers. Use these to work off the retainers and hoses connected to the pump.

Place a new O-ring seal on a clean shop rag and spray it with white lithium grease. Put the O-ring seal on the fuel tank opening, with the greased side against the tank. This will help the seal stick to the opening when you install the fuel sending unit assembly.

Now, reinstall the fuel sending unit assembly into the fuel tank. Tighten the retaining screws with the Phillips screwdriver, then plug in the electrical connector and reconnect the fuel lines.

Next, raise the fuel tank to its original position using the floor jack and secure it with the straps using the ratchet, long ratchet extension, and socket.

Finally, secure the metal retainer from the fuel filler hose to the tank's flange with the ratchet and socket.

Frequently asked questions