DIY Tutorial: How to Replace a Fuel Pump

Photo: NAPA Canada

How to Replace a Fuel Pump: A Step By Step Guide

The mechanical fuel pump provides fuel to the carburetor and is actuated by an eccentric on the camshaft through the rocker arm or push rod. When you replace a fuel pump, you should also install a new fuel filter. (Here’s how to change a fuel filter in four easy steps.) Check the fuel line running from the fuel tank to the pump, and replace it if it’s cracked or leaking. If you replace the fuel line, you should also install a new hose.

Tools Needed to Change a Fuel Pump

Before you begin changing fuel pumps, you’ll need to have the following at your fingertips:

• Ratchet wrench set with universal joint
• Tubing or open-end wrenches
• Hose clamp pliers or screwdriver
• Bolt or wooden dowel to plug fuel line from fuel tank

Photo: NAPA Canada

How to Remove the Old Fuel Pump

• Disconnect the fuel tank hose at the fuel pump, and plug the hose with a bolt to keep fuel from flowing out.
• Disconnect the outlet line to the carburetor.
• Use a wrench on the fuel pump fitting and another on the line nut.
• Disconnect the two attaching bolts and remove the old fuel pump.
• Clean off old gasket material from the mounting surface of the engine.

Find out the essential car maintenance tools no home mechanic should be without.

Photo: NAPA Canada

How to Install the New Fuel Pump

• Coat a new fuel pump gasket with gasket sealer. Do this on both sides.
• Put the attaching bolts through the new pump and slip the gasket over the bolts.
• Install the new pump on the engine. Make sure that the rocker arm in the pump is against the eccentric inside the engine, or that the push rod is correctly installed in both the engine and the fuel pump.
• Attach the fuel outlet line that runs to the carburetor.
• Connect the line to the pump, and then reattach the other end to the carburetor. Use a wrench to hold the pump fitting and tighten the line nut with another wrench.
• Attach the fuel inlet hose from the gas tank, and the vapour return hose (if the vehicle is equipped with one).
• Tighten all clamps.
• Reconnect the battery ground cable, start the vehicle and check for leaks.

For more great tips on how to maintain your car and to find the parts you need, visit NAPA Canada.

Next, check out 100 car maintenance jobs you can do yourself.