Replacing The Fuel Tank In A 2000 Nissan Sentra

If you're looking to replace the fuel tank in your 2000 Nissan Sentra, there are a few things you'll need to do. Firstly, make sure you have the necessary parts, which include a replacement fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel hoses, and clamps. You can find these parts at most auto stores or online. Once you have the parts, the process will involve draining the fuel from your tank, disconnecting the fuel lines and hoses, removing the old tank, and installing the new one. It's important to work carefully and follow safety precautions when handling fuel, and you may also need to refer to a repair manual for your specific vehicle. This process can be complex, so if you're not comfortable with it, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.

Removing the fuel tank

Step 1: Safety First

Before starting, be sure to read the "General Precautions" section in the Nissan Sentra Service Manual. Working on the fuel system can be dangerous, so it is important to take the necessary precautions.

Step 2: Open the Fuel Filler Lid and Release Pressure

Open the fuel filler cap to release the pressure inside the fuel tank. This will make it safer to work on the fuel system.

Step 3: Check and Drain Fuel

Check the fuel level and, if necessary, drain the fuel from the tank until it is half full. This will make the tank lighter and easier to handle.

Step 4: Disconnect Rear Components

Disconnect the park brake rear cables and position them aside. Remove the tunnel stay, front exhaust tube, and sub-muffler. Refer to the relevant sections in the service manual for detailed instructions.

Step 5: Remove Interior Components

Remove the trunk floor carpet, rear seat cushion assembly, and inspection hole cover. This will give you better access to the fuel tank and its components.

Step 6: Disconnect Fuel System Components

Disconnect the harness connector, fuel feed hose, and quick connector from the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly. Be sure to follow the proper procedure for disconnecting the quick connector.

Step 7: Remove Fuel Tank Protector and Disconnect Rear Cables

Remove the fuel tank protector and disconnect the rear cables, positioning them aside. Again, refer to the service manual for detailed instructions.

Step 8: Disconnect Fuel Lines and Vent Hose

Disconnect the return line from the filler hose and remove the fuel filler hose. Also, disconnect the vent hose from the fuel tank.

Step 9: Support and Secure the Fuel Tank

Use a suitable jack to support the center of the fuel tank. Secure the tank with a piece of wood to prevent it from moving. The tank may be unstable due to its shape, so it is important to secure it at all times.

Step 10: Remove Fuel Tank Mounting Bands

Remove the fuel tank mounting bands on both the right and left sides.

Step 11: Lower the Jack and Remove the Fuel Tank

Carefully lower the jack to remove the fuel tank, being sure to support the tank by hand. Again, the tank may be unstable, so handle with care.

Step 12: Remove Lock Ring and Fuel Pump Assembly

If necessary, remove the lock ring for the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly by turning it counterclockwise. Be sure to use the correct tool for this step.

Step 13: Final Removal

With the fuel tank and related components removed, you can now proceed with the replacement or repair. Remember to handle the fuel tank with care and take the necessary precautions when working with fuel.

Disconnecting the fuel filler hose

Step 1: Open the fuel filler lid and the filler cap to release the pressure inside the fuel tank. This is an important safety precaution to prevent any accidental spills or injuries.

Step 2: Check the fuel level and drain the fuel from the tank if it is more than half full. This is done to reduce the risk of fuel spillage during the disconnection process.

Step 3: Disconnect the park brake rear cables and position them aside. Refer to the vehicle's service manual for specific instructions on this step.

Step 4: Remove the tunnel stay, front exhaust tube, and sub-muffler. Again, refer to the service manual for detailed instructions and diagrams.

Step 5: Remove the trunk floor carpet and the rear seat cushion assembly. This will provide better access to the fuel system.

Step 6: Remove the inspection hole cover to access the fuel system components.

Step 7: Disconnect the harness connector, fuel feed hose, and quick connector from the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly. Follow the instructions in the service manual for the correct disconnection procedure.

Step 8: Now, you can disconnect the fuel filler hose from the fuel filler tube. This may require some careful maneuvering, as the hose may be tight.

Step 9: Insert fuel tubing into the fuel filler hose to drain any remaining fuel from the tank. This ensures that there is no fuel left in the system before proceeding.

Step 10: Disconnect the return line from the filler hose. This step may vary depending on the configuration of your vehicle's fuel system.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively disconnect the fuel filler hose when replacing the fuel tank in your 2000 Nissan Sentra. Always refer to the service manual for specific instructions and safety precautions, and ensure that you have the necessary tools and equipment before beginning any work on your vehicle's fuel system.

Draining the fuel tank

The following steps outline the process of draining the fuel tank of a 2000 Nissan Sentra:

• Open the fuel filler lid and the filler cap to release the pressure inside the fuel tank.
• Release the fuel pressure from the fuel lines. Refer to the "Work Procedure" in the Nissan Sentra Service Manual.
• Check the fuel level with the vehicle on a level surface. If the fuel gauge indicates more than half full, proceed to drain the fuel from the tank until the gauge reads half full or below.
• If the fuel pump is not operating, insert fuel tubing with a diameter of less than 25 mm (0.98 inches) into the fuel filler tube through the fuel filler opening. This will allow you to drain fuel from the filler tube.
• Disconnect the fuel filler hose from the fuel filler tube.
• Insert the fuel tubing into the fuel tank through the fuel filler hose to drain the fuel.
• As a guide, if the fuel tank is full, the fuel level will reach or be less than the level indicated on the fuel gauge when approximately 6-5/8 US gallons (5-1/2 Imp gallons) of fuel is drained from a full tank.
• Disconnect the park brake rear cables and position them aside. Refer to the "Exploded View" in the Nissan Sentra Service Manual.
• Remove the trunk floor carpet as per the instructions in the manual.
• Remove the rear seat cushion assembly as per the manual.
• Remove the inspection hole cover.
• Disconnect the harness connector, fuel feed hose, and quick connector from the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly.
• To disconnect the quick connector, pinch the square part with your fingers and pull it out by hand. If it is stuck, push and pull it gently until it comes loose. Ensure the tabs are completely depressed before removing it. Do not use any tools for this step.
• Cover the connecting portion with plastic bags or similar coverings to keep them clean and avoid damage and foreign materials.
• Disconnect the return line from the filler hose.
• Remove the fuel filler hose.
• Disconnect the vent hose from the fuel tank.
• Support the center of the fuel tank with a suitable jack and secure the tank to the jack. Additionally, support the tank with a piece of wood to ensure stability.
• Remove the fuel tank mounting bands.
• Carefully lower the jack to remove the fuel tank while holding it securely.

These steps will help you safely drain and remove the fuel tank of a 2000 Nissan Sentra. Always refer to the Nissan Sentra Service Manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions when performing these tasks.

Removing the fuel tank mounting bands

To remove the fuel tank mounting bands, you must first ensure you have read the "General Precautions" section of the Nissan Sentra Service Manual. Next, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the return line from the filler hose.
• Remove the filler hose.
• Disconnect the vent hose from the fuel tank.
• Support the centre of the fuel tank with a suitable jack and secure the fuel tank to the jack.
• Securely support the fuel tank with a piece of wood.
• Remove the fuel tank mounting bands.

The fuel tank may be unstable due to the shape of its bottom, so be sure to secure it at all times.

Installing the new fuel tank

To install the new fuel tank in your 2000 Nissan Sentra, follow these steps:

• Securely support the new fuel tank with a piece of wood.
• Connect the rear cables. Refer to BR-42, "Exploded View" (Drum brake) or PB-9, "Exploded View - Disc Brake" (Disc brake).
• Connect the return line to the filler hose.
• Connect the vent hose to the fuel tank.
• Install the fuel tank mounting bands (RH/LH).
• Carefully raise the fuel tank with a suitable jack while holding it by hand.
• Install the lock ring for the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly with Tool (A) by turning it clockwise.
• Install the fuel level sensor unit, fuel filter, and fuel pump assembly (if necessary). Be careful not to bend the float arm during this process.
• Ensure that the inside of the fuel tank remains clean and free of residue. Draw out the fuel while supporting the tank with a cloth to avoid inclination.
• Avoid causing any impacts, such as dropping the tank during handling.
• Follow the reverse order of removal for installation.
• Do not use any lubrication to aid with the installation of tubes and hoses.
• Before tightening the fuel tank mounting bands, install the filler hose to a length of 35 mm (1.38 in), and all other hoses to 25 mm (0.98 in).
• Tighten the clamps until the head of the bolt is on the paint mark on the clamp band.
• Tighten mounting band bolts 1 and 2 to specification. Hand-tighten mounting band bolt 3. While pushing the tank in the indicated direction, tighten mounting band bolt 4 to specification, and then mounting band bolt 3.
• Connect the quick connector as follows: Check the connection for damage or any foreign materials. Align the connector with the tube, then insert the connector straight into the tube until a click is heard.
• After connecting, perform a visual check to confirm that the two tabs are connected to the connector. Pull the tube and the quick connector to ensure they are securely connected.
• To check for fuel leaks, turn the ignition switch "ON" (with the engine stopped), and then check the connections for leaks by applying fuel pressure to the fuel piping.
• Start the engine and let it idle to check for fuel leaks at the fuel system connections.

Frequently asked questions