Installing a Fuel Pump

[prsoto21]

I was wondering if anyone has had experience on installing a fuel pump for a '98 3.8 Intrigue. I think I want to do it myself. Any brand better than the other? should I drive the car until the tank is close ti empty? Any special tools needed?I have looked at Master($224) and Carter($284). Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[LittleHoov]

If you dont have one already I would advise you to at least go pick up a repair manual for your car, I personally like the Chiltons for the most part, although some stuff should be taken with a grain of salt, the one for your car is #28380 and should be available at almost any auto parts store.

As for what kind of pump to go with, thats hard to say, I say go with the best warranty for the price on something like that, and you should probably buy it locally to make any kind of warranty/return claims much easier.

RockAuto sells an AIRTEX brand for 197.00 before shipping, which is the same one Oreillys sells for 263.00....so if youre looking for the cheapest one, I think you found it.

Driving the car till you are low on gas will definetely make it easier, because you will have to drop the tank...but if you can still drive the car, why do you need a new fuel pump? Is it just getting flaky or what? Also this is probably not a job for you to do alone, having someone else there to help you wrestle the tank around may prove to be very helpful.

As for special tools or anything I dont know, in fact Ive never even changed mine, im just repeating what ive read from other's experiences.

You may also want to check out that forum I PMed you about previously, they have the exact same fuel pump as you and I and may have some advice.

[BNaylor]

Np special tools are required to replace the fuel pump assembly. It is a 1.5 hour job DIY. Plus you do not drop the gas tank. There is an access cover behind the rear passenger seat in the trunk. The fuel pump assembly is removed as a complete assembly out an opening in the top of the gas tank after removing the two electricals connectors and three fuel pressure/return/evaporative emissions lines and a big c-clip fastener.

[prsoto21]

Thanks for the tips guys. I do have a Chilton repair manual, in a book sometimes things seem easier than they really are. Also, I checked around on that site you mentioned and didn't find much. I will probably go w/ the Master from Advance Autoparts w/ a new wiring harness. Any other advice appreciated. Thanks.

Reason for replacement is from a SES light tripped a code that was read at autozone and said something relating to fuel. I have been having really hard starts. Dealer looked at it and said fuel pump. They want like $600, I figure I'll give it a shot for cheaper.

[LittleHoov]

sorry for the misinformation about dropping the tank, I knew that was the best procedure for H-bodies, and just figured the W-bodies were similar, but after glancing through my own Chiltons I do see the info about the access panel, although it says some cars have it and some dont, but since bnaylor said the Intrigue has it, it probably does.

It does mention in there as well that you should have no more than 1/4 tank of gas when doing this, not really sure why, so that may be one of those grain of salt things.

Chiltons is a good resource, and yes it does make some things easier then they appear, but it can also make some things appear WAY harder than they are....for example take a look at replacing the front swaybar in the Chiltons, in actuality the old one came out by simply removing the endlink and frame bolts and sliding it out, had to pull a tie-rod end for the new one...easy job..but you wouldnt know it by looking at the Chiltons

[prsoto21]

Fuel pump went in fine this past weekend. Thanks for everyone's help.