Draining tank for pump replacement

[tgwright]

My fuel pump finally failed after 131,000 miles on my '99 4DR 2WD Tahoe. I have read the threads here and found the correct part number for the pump module, and that should not be a problem. However, I'm stuck on how to drain or remove the 25 or so gallons of fuel in the tank. I'm doing this in my garage so I will have to have the tank empty before dropping it down. Can anyone offer ideas or experiences?

[jdl]

I had a similar problem on an older chevy suburban. The tank had just been filled, when the vehicle quit, 30 something gallons we drained out it, 2 gallons at a time. Topped off the tanks in four different vehicles and started on a fifth, when the tank ran down. I was lucky, the pump would run, just not much pressure.

I took the fuel line loose at the fuel filter, used a short length of fuel line hose on the fuel line, aimed the hose into a two gallon can, ran B+ to the prime connector for the fuel pump, drained the tank.

If the pump won't run, I have seen a siphon-tube mechanism for sale at the auto stores, it looked fairly cheap. I guess you might try to remove the fill cap and siphon it out. goodluck

[tgwright]

Thanks, jdl. I thought about that but I'm concerned about any arcing while the garage is full of vapors. I have been using a hand pump, and it's not going to take long. But, another question.....how much does the empty tank weigh? Can I lay under the jacked up vehicle and lower the tank by hand after I remove the straps or will I need to use a floor jack? This one is a 30 gallon capacity polypropylene model. Thanks.

[rhandwor]

Use a floor jack it probably won't be clear empty. You also need to lower it somewhat so you can disconnect the fuel lines,fill tube hose and electrical connections.

[tgwright]

OK, thanks for the advice. Now, I remember one more thing. Is there some special tool or technique I need to disconnect the fuel lines? I can't see the connections without first lowering the tank, but I assume they're not simply using hose clamps.

[rhandwor]

KD or calvan make tools for this I think you will need a 5/16 and a 3/8 quick disconnect tool. They are made like an x with fittings for both size fuel lines.
Pep Boys or O'Riley's should have them. Advance or Auto Zone may have them.

[tgwright]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I finished the job yesterday and the old Hoe is back up and running. Not a technically difficult job, but an inconvenient one. The cheap quick release tools the parts stores sell need to be modified so that they will clamp down on the plastic outlet where there is some additional plastic filler for support. Otherwise the tool won't close enough to insert into the line clamp. And why in the world did they have to make the fuel lines so short? But this pump is considerably quieter than the old. Should be good for another 130,00 or so. And Rock auto provided the pump to my door two days after I ordered it. That's a good group.

[WHATDIDYOUBREAKNOW]

I SUPPOSE IT'S TO LATE TO TELL YOU A WAAAAY EASIER WAY...

[mmoss10]

Originally Posted by WHATDIDYOUBREAKNOW

I SUPPOSE IT'S TO LATE TO TELL YOU A WAAAAY EASIER WAY...

You might as well explain the easier way just in case there are more than three people reading these posts.

[WHATDIDYOUBREAKNOW]

cut an access panel in the floor.....i've done it on every vehicle i've owned that needed a fuel sender or pump changed...screw dropping tanks

http://i23.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/c4/fd/3d40_1.JPG

[16th hippy]

great idea, but what do you do about the added noise? turn up the radio a bit more?

[WHATDIDYOUBREAKNOW]

WHAT NOISE? you cover it back up.....i just silicone a sheet of aluminum over the hole..that way i can pull it of again and its watertight

thats why it's called an access panel..not a hole

[mmoss10]

No offense, but that is the most Redneck sollution I have ever heard of. Do you use the old "Smoke wrench" on it? Sounds like a recipe for a big BANG!

[WHATDIDYOUBREAKNOW]

They Invented These Things Called Tin Snips...THE TAHOE FLOOR IS AS THIN AS A TIN CAN

It's Actually Called Common Sense...not That Common Unfortunatly Though

[tgwright]

I was going to do that, but then I remember the problem I had when trying to replace the hole I cut in the transmission pan last time I changed the tranny fluid...I hate all those bolts. The darned thing just kept leaking. But I will try that approach next time I change the differential grease.