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

If you own a 1987 Toyota Pickup and need to change the fuel pump, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the location of the fuel pump depends on the engine type of your Toyota. For '75-'87 20R-22R engines, the fuel pump is bolted to the right front corner of the cylinder head, while for '84-'87 22R-E and 22R-TE engines, it is mounted inside the gas tank.

Before attempting to replace the fuel pump, you should gather the necessary tools and materials, such as a six-point 10mm socket, metric line wrenches, a flat-blade screwdriver, a fuel pump sending unit bracket, and a grinder or Dremel-type tool if your vehicle does not have an access panel.

The process of replacing the fuel pump involves several steps, including checking for an access panel, unhooking the fuel pump assembly, removing the old pump assembly, replacing it with a new one, installing the new pump assembly, and replacing the access panel. It is important to work carefully and clean all the parts to ensure proper sealing.

Check if your Toyota has an access panel to reach the pump

To check if your Toyota has an access panel to reach the fuel pump, you will need to locate the fuel pump itself. This can be done by checking the owner's manual or consulting a mechanic.

Once you have located the fuel pump, you can determine if there is an access panel by looking for a small door or cover near the fuel pump. This access panel is usually located under the rear seat or in the floor of the vehicle. If you find an access panel, you can open it to access the fuel pump.

If there is no access panel visible, you may need to remove the fuel tank to access the pump. This is a more involved process and will require additional tools and time.

In some cases, you may need to create your own access panel by cutting a hole in the floor or rear of the vehicle. This should be done with caution, as it can affect the safety and integrity of the vehicle. It is important to consult a professional or a mechanic before attempting any modifications.

It is worth noting that some Toyota models do not have an access panel, and dropping the fuel tank may be necessary to reach the fuel pump.

Disconnect the fuel pump assembly

To disconnect the fuel pump assembly of a 1987 Toyota, follow these steps:

Firstly, check for an access panel to reach the pump. If your model has an access panel under the rear seat, remove the bottom cushion on the passenger side to locate it. If not, you will need to either drop the tank or cut your own access panel, which can be done using a grinder or Dremel-type tool.

Once you have gained access to the fuel pump, it is important to clean the top of the pump assembly and wire brush the screws. Spray them with penetrating fluid. There are several items to disconnect:

• Hose(s) and clamps: Some models have one hose, while others have two.
• Fuel line to the engine: Before disconnecting this line, be sure to remove the fuel pump fuse and start the vehicle to relieve the pressure in the system.
• Fuel pump connector: Unplug the connector for the wires.

Cover the opening to the gas tank to prevent any debris from falling in. Now, you are ready to remove the fuel pump assembly.

Remove the old pump assembly

To remove the old pump assembly from your 1987 Toyota, you will first need to check for an access panel. This can be done by removing the bottom cushion on the passenger side and looking for the panel. If your vehicle does not have an access panel, you will need to either drop the tank or cut your own access panel.

Once you have gained access to the fuel pump, there are several items to disconnect. Start by cleaning the top of the pump assembly and wire brushing the screws, then spray them with penetrating fluid. Next, remove the hoses and clamps (some models only have one hose). Then, remove the fuel line that goes to the engine, making sure to relieve the pressure in the system beforehand by removing the fuel pump fuse and starting the vehicle. Spray the nuts with penetrating fluid and use the appropriate size line wrench to hold the fitting that goes to the fuel pump, turning the nut on the line to the front. Cover the line that goes to the front to prevent anything from getting inside.

Now, it's time to disconnect the electrical connector. Be very careful when removing the screws that hold the pump to the tank, as they all need to come out without being twisted off. A 6-point socket will provide a better grip on the bolts than a typical 12-point socket. Keep the opening to the gas tank covered to prevent debris from falling in, and clean the electrical connector for a good connection.

Finally, gently lift the old pump assembly out of the tank and set it aside, ready for replacement. Remember to wear nitrile gloves to protect your hands from gasoline.

Replace the fuel pump

To replace the fuel pump on a 1987 Toyota, you will first need to locate the fuel pump and determine whether your model has an access panel to reach it.

Locating the Fuel Pump

The fuel pump location varies depending on the engine of your 1987 Toyota. For '75-'87 20R-22R engines, the fuel pump is bolted to the right front corner of the cylinder head, with three hoses connected to it. For 22R-E and 22R-TE engines, the fuel pump is mounted inside the gas tank.

Accessing the Fuel Pump

Some models of the 1987 Toyota have an access panel under the rear seat, which makes reaching the fuel pump much easier. Check for this by removing the bottom cushion on the passenger side. If your model does not have this access panel, you will need to either drop the tank or cut your own access panel, which can be done using a grinder or a Dremel-type tool.

Unhooking and Replacing the Fuel Pump Assembly

Once you have located and gained access to the fuel pump, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the hoses and clamps (some models may have one or two hoses).
• Disconnect the fuel line that goes to the engine.
• Remove the fuel pump fuse and start the vehicle to relieve the pressure in the system.
• Using line wrenches, hold the fitting that goes to the fuel pump and turn the nut on the line to the front, being careful not to twist anything off.
• Cover the line that goes to the front to prevent anything from falling into it.
• Disconnect the connector for the wires.
• Carefully remove the screws holding the pump to the tank, keeping the opening covered to prevent debris from falling into the gas tank.
• Clean the electrical connector for a good connection.
• Gently lift the old pump assembly out of the tank and set it aside.
• Prepare the new fuel pump by attaching it to the fuel pump sending unit bracket.
• Test the new pump by hooking it up to your battery momentarily.
• Place the new fuel pump assembly into the tank, ensuring that the mounting screws are started correctly and tightened in a cross pattern.
• Reconnect the fuel line, any other hoses, and the electrical connector.
• Start your vehicle and check for any leaks, repairing them immediately if found.

It is important to keep all parts clean to ensure proper sealing. Additionally, nitrile gloves are recommended to protect your hands from gasoline.

Install the new pump assembly

To install the new pump assembly, place the new fuel pump into the tank in the same way that you removed the old one. If your kit did not come with a new gasket for the assembly to the tank, be sure to get one to ensure there are no leaks.

Carefully start the mounting screws, ensuring they are all correctly aligned. Once they are all in place, tighten them in a cross pattern. You do not need to overtighten them.

Now, use your line wrenches to hook up the fuel line and tighten it securely. Then, hook up any other hoses and the electrical connector. Start your truck and check for any leaks. Repair any leaks immediately.

Keep all parts clean so they seal well.

Frequently asked questions