Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your 1987 Camaro: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to replace the fuel pump on your 1987 Camaro, you're in luck! There are a number of online forums and resources that can guide you through the process. The fuel pump is an essential component of your car's fuel system, responsible for pushing fuel from the tank to the engine's combustion chamber. While it's not a difficult task, replacing the fuel pump will ensure your motor runs smoothly for many more miles. You can find a range of fuel pumps and fuel pump assemblies compatible with your 1987 Camaro online, and some resources even offer step-by-step guides with pictures to help you through the process.

Identify the location of the fuel pump relay

To identify the location of the fuel pump relay on a 1987 Camaro, look on the cowl, on the driver's side. You will see a few cubes over the master cylinder. The fuel pump relay is believed to be the one on the left. However, the setup of the relays may differ from car to car.

If you are unsure, you can go to autozone.com and look up free wiring diagrams in the repair section. Find the relay and match the colours of the wires to it.

Prepare the necessary tools and materials

To prepare for changing the fuel pump on a 1987 Camaro, you will need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here is a list of what you will need:

• A new fuel pump that is compatible with the 1987 Camaro. You can find these at automotive stores or online. Make sure to check the reviews and choose a reputable brand.
• Basic tools such as a flat-head screwdriver, a hammer, rags, and a cleaning solution.
• A Dremel with a cutting wheel to cut the trap door above the fuel pump assembly.
• A bucket to catch any fuel that may spill during the process.
• A new piece of sheet metal to seal the trap door after installing the new fuel pump.
• A fuel pump fuse and a Schrader valve to bleed the fuel pressure.
• A fuel pressure gauge to test the fuel pressure before and after the repair.
• Work gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes during the repair.
• A repair manual or online resources specific to the 1987 Camaro to guide you through the process.

Once you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials, you can proceed with the fuel pump replacement process. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and take all necessary safety precautions when working with fuel and electrical systems.

Remove the old fuel pump assembly

To remove the old fuel pump assembly from your 1987 Camaro, you will need to first pull the fuel pump fuse and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Ensure you have a bucket and rags ready, then bleed the fuel pressure at the Schrader valve on the driver's side fuel rail. Now, open the gas cap to relieve any remaining pressure.

With the necessary precautions taken, you can now cut the trap door above the fuel pump assembly. Use a Dremel with a cutting wheel, being careful not to cut anything that you shouldn't, such as wiring harnesses and fuel lines. Once the trap door is cut, carefully clean the area to minimise the risk of dirt falling into the tank.

Now, you can remove the two connectors on top of the fuel pump assembly by simply unclipping them. Next, disconnect the three fuel lines by pulling and unclipping them from the plastic hose connectors. Have rags ready to catch any fuel that might leak out of the lines.

At this point, you can use a screwdriver and hammer on the edges of the fuel pump retaining ring to spin it away from the locks, allowing you to remove the assembly. The old fuel pump assembly should now easily lift out of the trap door.

Be careful when working in the trap door area, as the edges will be sharp.

Install the new fuel pump assembly

Now that you have removed the old fuel pump assembly, it is time to install the new one. This process is essentially the reverse of the removal process.

First, plug in the fuel lines and electrical connectors. Make sure that all connections are secure. Then, carefully lower the new fuel pump assembly into the trap door. You may need to use a screwdriver and hammer to secure the assembly in place, as before.

Once the new fuel pump assembly is in place, you can seal the trap door. To do this, get a piece of sheet metal and cut it to the same shape as the trap door, but slightly larger. Lay this piece of sheet metal over the trap door with a bead of RTV, and your cabin will be sealed from the fuel tank.

Finally, reconnect the negative battery terminal and the fuel pump fuse. Your new fuel pump should now be installed and ready to use!

Test the new fuel pump to ensure it is functioning correctly

To test the new fuel pump to ensure it is functioning correctly, you can perform the following steps:

Firstly, locate the fuel pump wires. There should be three wires – one for the sender, one hot wire, and one ground wire. You can find these wires by pulling back the carpet behind the rear seats. Next, turn the key to the 'on' position and check if the fuel pump wire is hot. If the wire is not hot, this may indicate an issue with the fuel pump.

Another way to test the fuel pump is by connecting a test light to the fuel pump wires. Connect the test light to the orange wire (terminal E) and the black/white wire (terminal B) on the fuel pump harness connector. If the test light does not illuminate, there may be an issue with the wiring or the fuel pump itself.

Additionally, you can try shorting the two largest wires on the fuel pump relay socket. Remove the relay from the socket and connect the largest wires together. This will apply power directly to the fuel pump. If the fuel pump does not operate, check if there is positive voltage at terminal A on the relay socket.

Finally, you can use a tool called a fuel pressure gauge to test the fuel pump. Connect the gauge to the fuel rail test port and turn the key to the 'on' position. The fuel pump should build up pressure, which you can observe on the gauge. If the pressure does not increase, the fuel pump may not be functioning correctly.

By performing these tests, you can ensure that the new fuel pump is functioning correctly and that there are no electrical issues preventing the fuel pump from operating properly.

Frequently asked questions