Replacing Fuel Pump Strainer: Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

The fuel pump strainer is an oblong filter made of fine mesh material that is fitted over the fuel pick-up tube at the bottom of the fuel pump, which is inside the fuel tank. It keeps contaminants out of the fuel pump to protect and prolong its life. When the fuel pump strainer gets clogged, it restricts the flow of fuel into the pump, which can lead to fuel pump failure. Therefore, it is important to know when and how to replace the fuel pump strainer. This involves disconnecting the negative battery cable, removing the fuel pump from the engine, placing it in a catch basin, disconnecting and removing the strainer, and then cleaning or replacing it.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is an essential step before starting any work on your car. This is because it helps prevent any accidental sparks that could cause a fire. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to disconnect the negative battery cable when replacing the fuel pump strainer:

• Locate the negative battery terminal: The negative terminal is usually marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover. It is often on the opposite side of the positive terminal, which is marked with a "+" symbol or a red cover.
• Prepare the necessary tools: You will need a few basic tools for this task, such as a wrench or socket wrench that fits the battery terminal. You may also need a pair of gloves and eye protection for safety.
• Loosen the negative battery cable: Using the appropriate tool, loosen the nut or bolt that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal. Be careful not to touch any other parts of the battery with your tool to avoid short circuits.
• Detach the cable: Once the nut or bolt is loosened, carefully detach the cable from the terminal. Make sure that the cable does not touch any metal parts of the car, as it could cause a spark.
• Insulate the cable: After detaching the cable, it is a good idea to insulate the end of the cable to prevent accidental contact with any metal surfaces. You can use electrical tape or a cable insulator for this purpose.
• Secure the work area: Ensure that the disconnected cable is placed away from the battery and any metal components. You may also want to mark the cable or the battery terminal to indicate that they are disconnected, so you don't forget to reconnect them later.
• Work on your fuel pump strainer: With the negative battery cable safely disconnected, you can now proceed with the rest of the steps to replace the fuel pump strainer, such as removing the fuel pump from the engine and placing it in a catch basin.

Remember, working on a car's electrical system can be dangerous, so it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or seek advice from a trusted source.

Remove the fuel pump from the engine

To remove the fuel pump from the engine, you will need a ratchet and socket set. Before starting any work on your car, it is important to disconnect the negative battery cable. This will prevent any accidental sparks that could cause a fire.

The fuel pump is held in place by a few bolts, which you will need to remove with your ratchet and socket set. Once the bolts are removed, carefully pull the pump out of the engine. It is important to place the fuel pump in a catch basin or container to prevent any fuel from spilling out and causing a mess or a fire hazard.

If your vehicle is a Ford EFI pickup or Bronco from the late '80s to the mid-'90s, you will need to take additional steps to access the fuel pump. These vehicles have their fuel pumps located inside the tank. For pickups, you can remove the bolts holding the bed to the frame, disconnect the battery and fuel filler hose, and tilt the bed upward to access the tank. For Broncos, you will need to drop the tank by removing the filler hose, tank straps, and protective skid plate.

Once you have accessed the fuel pump, you can proceed with removing the bolts and carefully pulling it out of the engine. Remember to place it in a safe container to catch any spilled fuel.

Place the fuel pump in a container

To replace the fuel pump strainer, you will need to place the fuel pump in a container. This is because the strainer is located inside the fuel tank, and you will need to remove the pump from the tank to access and replace the strainer.

Firstly, locate the fuel pump inside the fuel tank. It is usually found at the bottom of the tank, and you may need to remove the fuel tank to access it. Once you have located the fuel pump, you will need to disconnect any electrical connections and fuel lines that are attached to it. Be careful to note where each connection goes so that you can properly reconnect them later.

Place the fuel pump in a clean, dry container. This will catch any fuel that may leak out of the pump during the strainer replacement process. You may also want to place a piece of cloth or paper towel underneath the pump to absorb any fuel that drips out.

Now that the fuel pump is in a container, you can begin the process of replacing the strainer. The strainer is an integral part of the fuel pump assembly, so you will need to disassemble the pump to access and replace it. This may involve removing screws, bolts, or other fasteners that hold the pump together. Keep track of which screws go where, as some may be longer or shorter than others.

With the fuel pump disassembled, you should now be able to see the strainer. It is an oblong-shaped filter made of very fine mesh material. Carefully remove the old strainer, taking note of how it is attached to the fuel pump. Now, take your new strainer and install it in the same way as the old one. Ensure that it is securely attached and that there are no gaps or spaces around it.

Once the new strainer is in place, you can begin to reassemble the fuel pump. Follow the reverse steps of disassembly, making sure that all screws and fasteners are tightened securely.

After the fuel pump is reassembled, you can now place it back into the fuel tank and reconnect all the fuel lines and electrical connections. Ensure that all connections are secure and properly sealed to prevent any fuel leaks.

Finally, test your work by starting the engine and checking for any leaks. If there are no leaks and the engine is running smoothly, then congratulations! You have successfully replaced your fuel pump strainer.

Disconnect the strainer from the fuel pump

Disconnecting the strainer from the fuel pump is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to ensure no damage is caused to the strainer or the pump. Before beginning this process, it is important to have removed the fuel pump from the engine, placed it in a catch basin or container, and disconnected the negative battery cable to prevent any accidental sparks.

The strainer is connected to the fuel pump at two points, one at the top and one at the bottom. Using a pair of pliers, carefully disconnect each of these connections. Take care not to apply too much force, as the strainer and its connections are delicate and can be damaged easily.

Once the connections have been carefully disconnected, you can then remove the strainer from the fuel pump. It is important to be gentle during this step as well, as any damage to the strainer could result in debris or particles entering and damaging the pump when it is reinstalled.

After the strainer has been successfully removed, you can choose to either clean or replace it. If cleaning, use a degreaser to thoroughly remove any built-up dirt or grime. If replacing, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.

Remove, clean or replace the strainer

The fuel pump strainer is located inside the fuel tank, fitted over the fuel pick-up tube at the bottom of the fuel pump. It is an oblong filter made of fine mesh material. To remove the strainer, you will need to take apart the fuel pump assembly. This can be a tricky process, requiring skill and some luck with old plastic parts.

Once you have removed the strainer, you can clean it with water. No solvents are needed as what builds up on the strainer can be washed off with water.

If you are experiencing fuel starvation, you can try blowing air backwards into the tank outlet as a quick fix. This should clear the strainer, at least for a while, until the crud migrates back to the screen.

If your strainer is too clogged to clean, or if your fuel pump has failed, you will need to replace the entire fuel pump assembly, as the strainer is an integral part of this assembly and cannot be replaced on its own. A good quality fuel pump should last about 100,000 miles or more, and a new fuel pump will come with a new strainer.

Frequently asked questions