Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your 1991 Honda Accord

Replacing the fuel pump in a 1991 Honda Accord is a complex process. The fuel pump is located inside the gas tank, so the first step is to siphon out the gas tank. Next, the car must be raised and secured, and the fuel-sending unit disconnected. There are four fuel lines that need to be disconnected, and then the tank straps can be removed. Once the tank is lowered, the fuel pump can be taken out and replaced with a new one.

Siphon out the gas tank

To siphon the gas tank of a 1991 Honda Accord, you will need to take a few important steps. Firstly, get a tube and insert it into the gas tank through the gas cap. Then, create a vacuum by blowing into the tank through the tube and pour the gasoline into a safe container. Drain as much gas as you can from the tank. If you have access to a vacuum pump, you can use that instead to avoid accidentally sipping gasoline.

## Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Tools and Containers

Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools and containers for the job. You will need a siphon pump, a hose, and a gas can or container to collect the gasoline. Make sure the gas can is clean and uncontaminated.

## Step 2: Position the Gas Can

Place the gas can near the gas tank of your Honda Accord. It is important to ensure that the gas can is positioned correctly to avoid any spills or accidents.

## Step 3: Insert the Hose into the Fuel Tank

Take the hose and carefully insert it into the fuel tank through the gas cap. This step can be a little tricky, as the fuel-filler openings on newer cars tend to be small and may have spring-loaded flaps to prevent fuel vapors from escaping. Newer vehicles may also have a blocking mechanism at the bottom of the filler neck to prevent siphoning, so you may need to be patient and careful when inserting the hose.

## Step 4: Start Siphoning

Connect the hose to your siphon pump. Insert the other end of the hose into the gas can, making sure it is pointing downwards. If you are using an automatic pump, the gasoline should start flowing into the can. With a manual pump, you will need to pump it several times to get the fuel flowing. Remember to keep the receiving container lower than the inlet of the hose in the tank to allow the fuel to flow.

## Step 5: Elevate the Hose When Full

Once the gas can is full, elevate the hose inside the can to stop the flow of gasoline and allow any excess fuel to seep back into the gas tank. Then, carefully remove the pump and seal your gas tank to prevent contamination.

Note: It is important to follow safety precautions when siphoning gasoline. Always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid any open flames or sparks.

Raise and secure the car

To replace the fuel pump in a 1991 Honda Accord, you will need to raise and secure the car. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this safely:

Firstly, choose the right equipment for your vehicle. For a car, a hydraulic jack and jack stands are essential. The emergency jack supplied with your car is not suitable for this purpose as it is only intended for short-term use. Ensure that your jack and jack stands are rated for your vehicle's weight.

Now, identify the correct jack points as specified in your owner's manual. These points are designed to support the car's weight and using any other area can be unsafe. Common jack points include the subframe and pinch welds.

Before lifting, ensure your car is on a firm, level surface, preferably concrete or asphalt. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks on the opposite side of the vehicle to prevent any accidental rolling. If your car has a manual transmission, put it in gear. For automatic transmissions, put the car in park.

Position your hydraulic jack at the correct jack point and slowly raise the car to the desired height. Once raised, do not rely solely on the hydraulic jack. Place jack stands beneath the vehicle, adjacent to the jack points, to securely support the car's weight.

Check that all contact points are stable and gently shake the car to ensure it is secure. Only then is the car properly lifted and secure.

Now that your 1991 Honda Accord is safely raised and secured, you can proceed with the next steps to replace the fuel pump. Remember to work safely and always double-check that your car is stable before working underneath it.

Disconnect the fuel-sending unit

To disconnect the fuel-sending unit of a 1991 Honda Accord, follow these steps:

First, open the trunk of your car and locate the rear seat. Fold down the rear seat and move or remove the carpet, which is usually placed on top of the rear seat. Underneath the carpet, you will find a bare metal plate and a "fiber board" covering the spare tire.

On the right passenger side of the trunk, you will notice a small panel glued or screwed onto the trunk floor. This panel is usually located directly below the right rear speaker in the rear deck lid. Using a flat-head screwdriver, carefully pry and lift this panel to access the fuel-sending unit.

Once the panel is removed, you will be able to see the top of the fuel-sending unit. To disconnect it, first, open the access hatch located inside the trunk. The access hatch will be underneath the panel you just removed and will have three Phillips-head screws. Remove these screws and carefully lift the hatch, being cautious not to damage the wire harness connected to the fuel-sending unit.

After opening the access hatch, the next step is to disconnect the wire harness from the fuel-sending unit. Before doing so, it is recommended to clean the area around the harness connector with a brush to remove any dirt or debris. Dirt in the fuel tank can cause performance issues with your vehicle.

Now, you can proceed to disconnect the wire harness from the fuel-sending unit by gently pulling it out. With the wire harness disconnected, the fuel-sending unit is now successfully disconnected. You can then continue with the next steps of replacing the fuel pump, such as disconnecting the fuel lines and removing the tank straps.

Disconnect the fuel lines

To disconnect the fuel lines of your 1991 Honda Accord, follow these steps:

First, remove the rear left wheel. Once the wheel is off, you can access the four fuel lines that need to be disconnected. These include two hard lines, a high-pressure line, and a brass line that connects directly to the tank. There is also a large line for fuel input.

To disconnect the lines safely and effectively, you will need to use the appropriate tools and follow the correct procedures. Make sure you have a basic understanding of automotive repair and safety precautions before beginning.

Begin by clamping the fuel lines to prevent any fuel spillage. You can do this by using a pair of line clamps or similar tools. Once the lines are securely clamped, you can proceed to disconnect them.

Use the appropriate size wrench or socket to loosen the fittings that secure the fuel lines. Be careful not to strip the threads or damage the fittings during this process. You may need to use a back-up wrench to hold the fitting in place while loosening the nut.

Once the fittings are loose, you can carefully separate the fuel lines. Have a drip pan or container ready to catch any fuel that may spill during this process. Be extremely cautious when handling fuel, as it is highly flammable.

After disconnecting the fuel lines, you may need to cap or plug the open ends to prevent leakage and contamination. Make sure to properly dispose of any spilled fuel according to local regulations and safety guidelines.

It is important to work slowly and carefully during this process to avoid any accidents or damage to your vehicle. If you are unsure about any steps or procedures, it is always best to consult a professional mechanic or seek advice from a trusted source.

Remove the tank straps

To remove the tank straps, you'll need to place a hydraulic jack with a long piece of wood under the tank. The tank straps are held in place with 14mm bolts, so you'll need to loosen these with a wrench. The exhaust heat shield may be in the way of one of the bolts, so you may need to remove this to access the bolt. Once the bolts are loosened, slowly lower the jack to relieve the pressure and then you can remove the straps.

It's important to note that this process should only be attempted with the proper safety precautions in place. Make sure the car is raised and securely supported on jack stands before attempting to remove the tank straps.

Additionally, when working with fuel and fuel lines, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents or injuries. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and that no sources of ignition are present. Wear the appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection.

Before beginning any work on the fuel pump, it is also important to release the pressure in the fuel system. This can be done by relieving the pressure in the fuel lines, which run from the fuel tank to the engine. Consult your Honda Accord's repair manual for specific instructions on how to do this for your vehicle.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove the tank straps as part of the process of replacing the fuel pump in a 1991 Honda Accord.

Frequently asked questions