Great video. I really appreciate you taking the time to put it together. You saved me hundreds of dollars I would have wasted at the auto mechanic. He quoted me $800 for this job. I was able to complete the work myself AND kill some weeds in my driveway. Cheers
This video was great! I used it to help me change out my fuel pump successfully. I'd never tried that type of job before and this video was incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Great video! I was doubly impressed you did the job one handed while using your camera...you even held it steady! I like your voice and you don't do things too fast or talk too fast. Very informative. I feel like I can do it myself now but if I get someone else to do it, I know what's going on.
I don't remove the exhaust or shield because you can flex the shield enough to work around it. I treat the two like a shelf that can even help support the tank momentarily as it comes down. When I developed my technique for this job, I had to to produce about 18-20 flat rate hours a day to keep up with my daughters medical bills. It was all about doing it right the first time as fast as possible. I didn't want to risk exhaust issues or take the time with the rivets etc.
I just did one last week on my 84 Cimarron. Some similarities but still very different from changes over the years. No quick connects or even pump wiring connectors. At least much cheaper as the pump comes separate from everything else. No snap ring either, a big metal ring you either hammer or use a tool to twist it around. Still a big PITA like previously stated with having to drop the tank. Glad I got it done before the temps dropped and the snow came down here in SLC.
OK, but I learned by watching a lift truck that was being held by a jack and a jack stand teeter and kicked that jack stand out when jack failed and pinned the tech under it for 30 minutes until another lift lifted it enough to free him. Better safe than sorry especially if your working alone. Your safety tips a couple of videos back were great and the knowledge you have is truly amazing I would hate to see something go wrong. In computer science I also learned Murphys law.
I work on cars from Edmonton, Alberta south to Tuscon, Arizona and sometimes California. I pretty well have the Rocky Mountains covered. I have a thing for places with mountains.
Great video. Help out a lot. I had a little trouble dropping down the tank to gain access to fuel pump, but I eventually got it. Your video was very helpful, keep up the good work.
On many cars you can. On these turn of the decade cavaliers you can't though. Please come back here and correct me if your findings are any different. I've done about 50-60 of these and haven't seen an access panel yet. I have seen that on Volkswagen and Subaru vehicles though.
Brian, thanks for taking the time to make this; I know you saved me an hour or so in doing this job. Great job! Couldn't have been simpler, thanks to your excellent video.
Been going back to your video to check what I missed was looking for the suggestion to use silicone spray on the O ring tried it dry and stopped didn't want to break anything Thanks for the video helped alot. The only thing I did different was to buy spray paint with rust inhibitor one can did the whole tank and some underbody spray for under the floor pan gave it a good pass to protect and slow down the salt damage.
I was looking at that quick disconnect wondering HTH am I going to get that thing off. Did not know there was a special tool. You probably saved me a few hours there. Great video! I give you points for the camera work. That must have been tough trying to film that.
First of all, I'd like to thank you for posting this extremely comprehensive and helpful video brother! My only comment besides that, you mentioned about halfway in that you screwed yourself by putting a hose in the wrong place, it would be nice to have seen you go back and after you reinstall everything take that hose off again and put it in the right place.. lol Great tutorial! 😁
You're welcome! Those Q connects fill with dust, gravel and dirt. You have to WD-40 them into submission and you often have to use compressed air to flush the debris out of them.
Awesome, thanks for the Vid, I am going to be doing this to my daughters 05 Cavalier this coming weekend. I would not have known that I needed the disconnect tool had I not watched.
You're welcome! I'm glad you like it. I must say, when I read that and look at the expression given in your thumbnail. I have to lol as it seems like a sarcastic line from a Leslie Nelson film. He was an amazing "straight man" in many comedies including the "Naked Gun" series.
Repair men who climb and repair radio towers don't clip in at all times because it slows them down, wears them out and makes them fatigued and more prone to accidents. OSHA finally came around to this. When I have to transfer weight from the jack to a stand there is risk. When I have too many implements under the car there is also risk. (especially when you're bald like me ; ) Old undermined cement can collapse under the concentrated area of force from a stand. It's all relative.
MY 02 F150 IS STILL RUNNING THE FACTORY PUMP 250,000 MILES THUS FAR....THE ONLY THING I DO IS RUN LUCAS GAS ADDITIVE EVERY OTHER OIL CHANGE.....I GUESS THE ADDED LUBRICITY HAS KEPT IT ALIVE ALL THESE YEARS
Maybe you just got lucky. If I were you, I'd change it now in my garage so I don't have towing and some Jabroni who is 100+ miles from my home working on my car. You know it will go out at worst possible moment.
I didn't see any stabilizer bar on the rear of this car, how come? My 84 Cimarron has a 22mm rear bar with a similar design to front ones. Had to change the bushings as they were falling apart after 347K miles and 28 years. Thanks for your videos, and as you hinted a few times and my recent pump replacement, I have no idea how you can do this and film at the same time. You're much more coordinated than I will ever be. Thanks for your hard work!
Nice swap! You did a nice correct job and I like how you were very patient and clean while recommending how to keep things clean and correct as well.. Allot of people would jump in a cut those plastic lines, big no no! Those are hard plastic molded factory lines with built in seals so when they clip the o rings built in to them make the seal....I am in the process of having to probably change my mothers car that has 160,000+ miles on it... It's going to be a job due to the years of mileage on the Cavalier. Just wanted to say well done and keep up the nice correct video's man! Adam
The one in the link I know works for GM- it is the same tool I have. As for compatibillity, it's the size that makes the difference. It may have been an inexperienced person with a connection full of grit. That is common of GM's that get driven on dirt roads a lot.
Thank You for taking the time from your demanding schedual to produce and share these Valuable Videos! I have a 91 Cavalier 2.2 over 200,00 Miles Great Cars!
Hey Brian! A couple of questions. Did you remove the exhaust shield to provide clearance for the tank to drop? When I did this job I had to remove it, as well as let the exhaust hang on the trailing axle, otherwise there wasn't enough room. Also, would it be worth it to JUST buy the pump and not the whole sending unit?
I poured a little gas in the center resivour of the fuel pump when I did my truck and it helped with the priming. If the metal retainer spring is too rusty you may need to replace it to get a good seal.
Would this same process be applied to my 92 chevy lumina 3.1L V6? I'm trying to find a video on replacing the power steering pump, filter and lines. I figure if I'm going to do one thing on it I might as well do it all. Since winter is almost done it'll be ready for next winter.
hey brian i was wondering if you could do a vedio on on a sunfire fuel line replacement or even if you have some ideas and pointers you could give would be a great help its a 2000 sunfire with a leck in the fuel line just under the driver door. well i hope to hear back thanks sam
helped me a lot. my fuel pump went out in my 02 cavalier and I need to replace it. they only sell the full assembly so after watching this I think it should help me replace it. might even help with the check engine light that says I need a new gas cap even though I just replaced it lol
Very dangerous practice to ly under hydraulic jacks alone. Seals fail. When I was a young man I trusted and was laying under my Camaro with one corner jacked up to tighten a header flange. I suddenly felt a little preasure on my chest and quickly realized the jack was slowly leaking down. I bolted out and have never gotten under a car again w/o at least one stand. The simple act of placing a stand under the frame can save your life. I once watched a man die at a self service salvage yard trusting only a jack, all be it a scissor jack, same potential outcome. Please be safe when dealing with 3000+lbs of steel. I emplore you to discourage that practice for the influnce you may have on eager young mechanics out there. 25+ years in the industry and witnessing that one life lost still haunts me.
+darter1075 Absolutely agree, it's very irresponsible to suggest working under a car supported entirely or partially by only a jack. Never work under a vehicle unless it's on correctly-positioned, good condition jack stands placed on flat & level concrete.
I agree, Jack stands are always the way to go. Although, as long as you service your tools and take care of them, using two relatively new hydraulic jacks isn't that bad of a practice. If one fails, the whole car isnt coming down on top of you, and its likely that it won't fail all at once. However, jack stands arent expensive, and they are more reliable. The big thing is just to never have a single point holding the vehicle in the air. Always have as many secured lift points as possible also making sure they are on structurally sound points like the frame or lower control arms.
Good video, but the bottom of my '99 (2.4) looks a little different. There is a sealed-up metal box, about the size of a small power inverter, mounted on the frame, that one of the fuel lines goes into, along with various wires. It almost looks like an on-board computer box, but why would that be down there, and why would the fuel line be going into it? Also, would one be able to hear a (working) fuel pump turning on when you turn the key, or just the relay clicking under the hood?
great video helped out is it the same method on a Chevy astro 94 and 2nd question i seen people cut a hole on the inside to get to the fuel pump what tools do i need to cut that hole and how do i know the exact location of the fuel pump
hey thanks lol im about to be doing this job in a 2002 sunfire and your video has given me answers to all my questions lol thanks for the help and the great video
Thanks. Just before my fuel pump quit, a clogged sunroof drain left an inch of rain on the driver's side floor (before I fixed it and dried everything out). Is there any chance that the power wires for the fuel pump run below the carpet, and messed up the power? Or just a coincidence (the car ran for several days after this incident)? The fuel pump relay clicks and the FP fuse is fine, but I can't hear FP when turning the key to ON. Also, the fuel gauge had been getting progressively erratic.
if you trust your life to hydraulic valves you close with a screwdriver. I am very surprised he does not use jackstands. its such a good explanatory video.
Did not know you were in Alberta. Lots of folks from around here move to Alberta for work and travel back and forth frequently bringing with them cars that have spent their entire lives out there - They're usually in better shape than that one. I'd wager it spent a bit of time further east.
hey, hope you are still answering questions on this... how do I tee-in to a fuel line to check the fuel pressure...I do not have a shraeder valve on my 96 chevy cavalier 2.2l.
My dad and I followed your steps to the T, on his pontiac sunfire. The whole time we kept saying that guy did it in 15min on the video. Three days later, after fixing the hill billy repair job from the previous owner, we got the job done. they chopped off the original metal line and slapped a nylon hose on the metal and stuffed the new chopped rubber fuel line in the nylon and used hoes clamps. Next time we do it, it shouldn't take three days.
My fuel pump is starting to make an odd noise when I start the car so I think a fuel pump replacement may be in my future. How high off the ground should the rear wheels be when attempting to drop a fuel tank this way? Would ordinary jack stands be high enough?
To remove the fuel fill and vent? hoses (large rubber hoses), I use a cotter pin remover that looks like the 90 degree end of a scribe but is more robust and larger than scribe with typical screw driver handle on other end. I just run the pointed end strait in between the rubber and metal and move it around the diameter to break the "sticktion" between the two. Easier on the rubber hose than gripping with pliers/channel locks. Good vid. I'll be doing this job on 2002 Cavalier this week.
I went to a wrecker and got a replacement gas tank. Looking at the video the fuel pump assembly looks identical. Even the top of the tank looks the same...but the bottom shape of the tank is different. Mine is a 97 Cavalier..same as your video. You know much about the models...if the tanks work between models? Wrecker when I admitted he did not know the year of the car he took it off. Of course I am going to take the old one out and simply try it...but thought I would ask.
Hey I got a question how do you know you feel pump goes out?? Because my car turns on but I got to be present to gas and when I'm running it will turn on by self
One of the product reviewers on the Amazon link you provided for the fuel-line disconnect tool says the tool is "not for GM." What would make a tool non-GM-specific?
a trick for getting that circlip off is taking two allen keys that fit in the holes, putting one in each hole and squeeze with regular pliers its much easier, its less stressful on the circlip.
Remove the gas cap to relieve pressure in the tank. Get a Actron CP9680 code tester. It checks live, record, graphing, emission readiness test, transmission test, ABS, SRS, and MORE! It's well-lit! It has code-connect to diagnose codes. It is updatable with a USB cable from EBAY. It uses 4 aaa batteries for under the rear cover. It comes in a black pouch. EBAY has it.
OK, all done. Center tube on pump is NOT fuel out line. It is EVAC line. In order to get enough angle on the tank to pull it out on passenger side, I disconnected the last 2 rear exhaust hangers. I had to use snips to cut off the rear corner of the heat shield where it is riveted to under floor pan right where pipe starts to curve up to go over the rear "axle". Only about 3sqin. The rest came down when I disconnected the exhaust pipe hangers. put jack stand under rear exhaust pipe for support. Remove the passenger side tank strap completely. Turn it 90 degrees and pull from slot. This made it much easier to remove the tank and especially to put it back up after install of new pump. I squirt some WD40 into the rubber hanger/isolators where the rod goes through them and use LARGE channel locks to slip rubber hanger off of rod. They make a special tool for this purpose but that's all it's good for. Big channel locks have been very handy over the years for many things. I think the real key to this job is be patient and thoughtful about your sequence. If you find yourself Muscling something, STOP. Take a brake, think about your next move and don't be in a hurry. This tank assembly is really in there tight so finesse is your friend and too much muscle is your enemy.
hello Brian have a problem , 95 xlt explorer i went through 4 fuel pumps 2 ran for 1 day started sputtering while driving went to pass a car step in to it that's when it sputtered like crazy then got home smoothed out. then no fuel when went to start and 2 never worked at all ...i replaced filter, computer ..checked all relays . connections.some one told me they went through several before they got one to work ????
Is there any way to remove the gas out of the car without lowering the tank my car has old gas and I want to remove it because it doesn’t start or if he does it’s rough idling that gas is more than three years old. I haven’t used it for a while.
Hi Brian. I liked your video BTW. I have a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. I noticed you said Airtex fuel pumps suck, so what brand do you recommend? What did you use in the Cavalier/Sunfire video?
On the ring (yours is rusted) that hold the springs of pump down into the tank. You used a flat tip screw driver to pop it in into the slots, there are two smalls holes in near the gap. if you get a needle nose plyers and pinch the rings by grapping the holes it is easier to get the ring on that way. the ring will "shrinks" and make it easier to get on. :)
My fuel pump on my 2004 sunfire was replaced but now its leaking. I had a mechanic change it im wondering if there is anything i can tighten up to fix the issue? I dont want to go back to them and they mess something up
Since Dr Kevorkian has been out of the picture, many new alternatives for suicide have been implemented to end suffering a little sooner. I suppose smoking while doing this job, although painful, would work OK to end things on a tight schedule.
briansmobile1 I had a guy do this for me and now when I fill the tank it and it reaches full the gas spills out of the tank. Also I am running a p0440, are the two related? Did he install the rubber o-ring wrong? any help is apppreciated
Ty Brian, I have to have a new fuel pump put in. I was told it was in the tank and well wasn't exactly sure what that mean't now i know what it entails. great video.
Brian, I love your videos, very well done and professional. Question: what kind of gloves do you use? The kind(s) that I buy don't seem nearly as durable, they tend to tear easily. Thanks again.
Hey, I was wondering if there is a way to just clean the pump? Mine seems to be cloogged. Ran outta gas and once filled up again she wouldnt start. Checked the filter and the pressure and that seems to be fine... Any suggestions?
Simon Aufderheide If it's got more than a 100K miles on it- I would replace it. You might be able to just replace the strainer, but for the work I would just replace the sending unit complete.
On this vehicle the pump is cheap so just replace it. Since the gas acts as a coolant for the pump, running out was probably last straw for high mileage pump.
great video. I will use this one a lot when Im putting my new pump in. the most important part is when you are showing off the new pump (begins at 11 min) but it is off the camera. I cant really see the new pump and what to do with it.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 91 | คู่เอก "คมอาวุธ vs อเล็กเซย์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/V0RkEfYFsgM/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video. I really appreciate you taking the time to put it together. You saved me hundreds of dollars I would have wasted at the auto mechanic. He quoted me $800 for this job. I was able to complete the work myself AND kill some weeds in my driveway. Cheers
Infc yzyour d
This video was great! I used it to help me change out my fuel pump successfully. I'd never tried that type of job before and this video was incredibly helpful. Thank you!
The O-rings used for fuel (and many other components on cars) can handle spray silicone, fuel, alcohol, etc pretty well.
Great video! I was doubly impressed you did the job one handed while using your camera...you even held it steady! I like your voice and you don't do things too fast or talk too fast. Very informative. I feel like I can do it myself now but if I get someone else to do it, I know what's going on.
Nice informative video, plus a nod to Scotty Kilmer. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
I don't remove the exhaust or shield because you can flex the shield enough to work around it. I treat the two like a shelf that can even help support the tank momentarily as it comes down. When I developed my technique for this job, I had to to produce about 18-20 flat rate hours a day to keep up with my daughters medical bills. It was all about doing it right the first time as fast as possible. I didn't want to risk exhaust issues or take the time with the rivets etc.
I just did one last week on my 84 Cimarron. Some similarities but still very different from changes over the years. No quick connects or even pump wiring connectors. At least much cheaper as the pump comes separate from everything else. No snap ring either, a big metal ring you either hammer or use a tool to twist it around. Still a big PITA like previously stated with having to drop the tank. Glad I got it done before the temps dropped and the snow came down here in SLC.
Thank you man. You deserved the like, cause the way you explain things and mainly working with just one hand...
OK, but I learned by watching a lift truck that was being held by a jack and a jack stand teeter and kicked that jack stand out when jack failed and pinned the tech under it for 30 minutes until another lift lifted it enough to free him. Better safe than sorry especially if your working alone. Your safety tips a couple of videos back were great and the knowledge you have is truly amazing I would hate to see something go wrong. In computer science I also learned Murphys law.
Ha ha! Ya at 12:50. You've gotta give that man props! He does a great service and with a great attitude.
How long did it take start to finish
I work on cars from Edmonton, Alberta south to Tuscon, Arizona and sometimes California. I pretty well have the Rocky Mountains covered. I have a thing for places with mountains.
I have a thing for being away from large metropolitan areas.
Great video. Help out a lot. I had a little trouble dropping down the tank to gain access to fuel pump, but I eventually got it. Your video was very helpful, keep up the good work.
On many cars you can. On these turn of the decade cavaliers you can't though. Please come back here and correct me if your findings are any different. I've done about 50-60 of these and haven't seen an access panel yet. I have seen that on Volkswagen and Subaru vehicles though.
briansmobile1 Chrysler as well..
Brian, thanks for taking the time to make this; I know you saved me an hour or so in doing this job. Great job! Couldn't have been simpler, thanks to your excellent video.
That box on the frame is your EVAP charcoal emissions canister. You SHOULD be able to hear a fuel pump coming on.
Been going back to your video to check what I missed was looking for the suggestion to use silicone spray on the O ring tried it dry and stopped didn't want to break anything Thanks for the video helped alot. The only thing I did different was to buy spray paint with rust inhibitor one can did the whole tank and some underbody spray for under the floor pan gave it a good pass to protect and slow down the salt damage.
I was looking at that quick disconnect wondering HTH am I going to get that thing off. Did not know there was a special tool. You probably saved me a few hours there. Great video! I give you points for the camera work. That must have been tough trying to film that.
First of all, I'd like to thank you for posting this extremely comprehensive and helpful video brother!
My only comment besides that,
you mentioned about halfway in that you screwed yourself by putting a hose in the wrong place, it would be nice to have seen you go back and after you reinstall everything take that hose off again and put it in the right place.. lol
Great tutorial! 😁
You're welcome! Those Q connects fill with dust, gravel and dirt. You have to WD-40 them into submission and you often have to use compressed air to flush the debris out of them.
I like this dude ! I like how your attitude is and that your funny ! Thanks for helping me know to work on my cavalier !
Awesome, thanks for the Vid, I am going to be doing this to my daughters 05 Cavalier this coming weekend. I would not have known that I needed the disconnect tool had I not watched.
You're welcome! I'm glad you like it. I must say, when I read that and look at the expression given in your thumbnail. I have to lol as it seems like a sarcastic line from a Leslie Nelson film. He was an amazing "straight man" in many comedies including the "Naked Gun" series.
You make this look so easy.....I wish my husband would've seen your video first before attempting this "alone"......*shaking my head*
This was Mrs. David Longo posting, lol
great job----you are really good doing it one handed----I know how hard it is to work and film at the same time
Repair men who climb and repair radio towers don't clip in at all times because it slows them down, wears them out and makes them fatigued and more prone to accidents. OSHA finally came around to this. When I have to transfer weight from the jack to a stand there is risk. When I have too many implements under the car there is also risk. (especially when you're bald like me ; ) Old undermined cement can collapse under the concentrated area of force from a stand. It's all relative.
MY 02 F150 IS STILL RUNNING THE FACTORY PUMP 250,000 MILES THUS FAR....THE ONLY THING I DO IS RUN LUCAS GAS ADDITIVE EVERY OTHER OIL CHANGE.....I GUESS THE ADDED LUBRICITY HAS KEPT IT ALIVE ALL THESE YEARS
Maybe you just got lucky. If I were you, I'd change it now in my garage so I don't have towing and some Jabroni who is 100+ miles from my home working on my car. You know it will go out at worst possible moment.
Great video, looks simple enough. How much gas was in the tank when you did the replacement? Mine currently is about half full.
Nice job, only I wish there was a way to get at them from the top without dropping the tank.
I didn't see any stabilizer bar on the rear of this car, how come? My 84 Cimarron has a 22mm rear bar with a similar design to front ones. Had to change the bushings as they were falling apart after 347K miles and 28 years. Thanks for your videos, and as you hinted a few times and my recent pump replacement, I have no idea how you can do this and film at the same time. You're much more coordinated than I will ever be. Thanks for your hard work!
Nice swap! You did a nice correct job and I like how you were very patient and clean while recommending how to keep things clean and correct as well..
Allot of people would jump in a cut those plastic lines, big no no! Those are hard plastic molded factory lines with built in seals so when they clip the o rings built in to them make the seal....I am in the process of having to probably change my mothers car that has 160,000+ miles on it... It's going to be a job due to the years of mileage on the Cavalier.
Just wanted to say well done and keep up the nice correct video's man!
Adam
The one in the link I know works for GM- it is the same tool I have. As for compatibillity, it's the size that makes the difference. It may have been an inexperienced person with a connection full of grit. That is common of GM's that get driven on dirt roads a lot.
Ha! I also have that box full of saved electrical connectors!
Saved me a lot of time/grief on more than a few occasions.
Thank You for taking the time from your demanding schedual to produce and share these Valuable Videos! I have a 91 Cavalier 2.2 over 200,00 Miles Great Cars!
Hey Brian! A couple of questions. Did you remove the exhaust shield to provide clearance for the tank to drop? When I did this job I had to remove it, as well as let the exhaust hang on the trailing axle, otherwise there wasn't enough room. Also, would it be worth it to JUST buy the pump and not the whole sending unit?
I poured a little gas in the center resivour of the fuel pump when I did my truck and it helped with the priming. If the metal retainer spring is too rusty you may need to replace it to get a good seal.
I agree, have one that my grandparents bought new. Gets driven nearly daily and runs like a champ.
Just out of curiosity, couldn't using silicone spray on the fuel system cause an issue with the o2 sensors if any of the spray gets in the gas?
You did a pretty good job because most videos I saw they skipped what I needed to see
Would this same process be applied to my 92 chevy lumina 3.1L V6? I'm trying to find a video on replacing the power steering pump, filter and lines. I figure if I'm going to do one thing on it I might as well do it all. Since winter is almost done it'll be ready for next winter.
hey brian i was wondering if you could do a vedio on on a sunfire fuel line replacement or even if you have some ideas and pointers you could give would be a great help its a 2000 sunfire with a leck in the fuel line just under the driver door. well i hope to hear back thanks
sam
I was just wondering do these cars have a opening through rear seat it might be Lil easier that epway
they do not
I read that you can get to the fuel pump from under the mat in the trunk is that true instead of having to drop the tank?
helped me a lot. my fuel pump went out in my 02 cavalier and I need to replace it. they only sell the full assembly so after watching this I think it should help me replace it. might even help with the check engine light that says I need a new gas cap even though I just replaced it lol
Very dangerous practice to ly under hydraulic jacks alone. Seals fail. When I was a young man I trusted and was laying under my Camaro with one corner jacked up to tighten a header flange. I suddenly felt a little preasure on my chest and quickly realized the jack was slowly leaking down. I bolted out and have never gotten under a car again w/o at least one stand. The simple act of placing a stand under the frame can save your life. I once watched a man die at a self service salvage yard trusting only a jack, all be it a scissor jack, same potential outcome. Please be safe when dealing with 3000+lbs of steel. I emplore you to discourage that practice for the influnce you may have on eager young mechanics out there. 25+ years in the industry and witnessing that one life lost still haunts me.
+darter1075 Absolutely agree, it's very irresponsible to suggest working under a car supported entirely or partially by only a jack. Never work under a vehicle unless it's on correctly-positioned, good condition jack stands placed on flat & level concrete.
darter1075 so true! It only takes once to learn a hard lesson.
I agree, Jack stands are always the way to go. Although, as long as you service your tools and take care of them, using two relatively new hydraulic jacks isn't that bad of a practice. If one fails, the whole car isnt coming down on top of you, and its likely that it won't fail all at once. However, jack stands arent expensive, and they are more reliable. The big thing is just to never have a single point holding the vehicle in the air. Always have as many secured lift points as possible also making sure they are on structurally sound points like the frame or lower control arms.
The "S"
...in Science stands for safety 👍
Good video, but the bottom of my '99 (2.4) looks a little different. There is a sealed-up metal box, about the size of a small power inverter, mounted on the frame, that one of the fuel lines goes into, along with various wires. It almost looks like an on-board computer box, but why would that be down there, and why would the fuel line be going into it? Also, would one be able to hear a (working) fuel pump turning on when you turn the key, or just the relay clicking under the hood?
Nice thanks just wondering why my fuel gage stays on full afterwards.. Did I miss a step
Bad news is you won't know until you take it back apart. Sorry, been there.
Do the Jack's have a mechanical lock on them so they won't leak down while you're under there?
HELLO! Before seeing the entire video already clicked like great job with this car.
on my 96 sunfire, there's no access door. I cut one and made a patch, drilled it, sealed it with silicone. so next time, no dropping tank required :)
Poppa Cherry that sounds real tempting haha
great video helped out is it the same method on a Chevy astro 94 and 2nd question i seen people cut a hole on the inside to get to the fuel pump what tools do i need to cut that hole and how do i know the exact location of the fuel pump
Should you unhook the battery? Love your attitude. Keep up the good work.
I love it. Nice and clean description. Easy to follow instructions. And very nice commentary makes is fun to listen to ...
I wonder if its possible to make a access panel on these cars to access the fuel pump/ sending unit assembly? I've always hated dropping gas tanks,,
I have done this before, but it was very helpful to watch this video as it reminded me of what to do & made the job much easier. THANKS!
hey thanks lol im about to be doing this job in a 2002 sunfire and your video has given me answers to all my questions lol thanks for the help and the great video
Thanks. Just before my fuel pump quit, a clogged sunroof drain left an inch of rain on the driver's side floor (before I fixed it and dried everything out). Is there any chance that the power wires for the fuel pump run below the carpet, and messed up the power? Or just a coincidence (the car ran for several days after this incident)? The fuel pump relay clicks and the FP fuse is fine, but I can't hear FP when turning the key to ON. Also, the fuel gauge had been getting progressively erratic.
if you trust your life to hydraulic valves you close with a screwdriver. I am very surprised he does not use jackstands. its such a good explanatory video.
Did not know you were in Alberta.
Lots of folks from around here move to Alberta for work and travel back and forth frequently bringing with them cars that have spent their entire lives out there - They're usually in better shape than that one. I'd wager it spent a bit of time further east.
hey, hope you are still answering questions on this...
how do I tee-in to a fuel line to check the fuel pressure...I do not have a shraeder valve on my 96 chevy cavalier 2.2l.
My dad and I followed your steps to the T, on his pontiac sunfire. The whole time we kept saying that guy did it in 15min on the video. Three days later, after fixing the hill billy repair job from the previous owner, we got the job done. they chopped off the original metal line and slapped a nylon hose on the metal and stuffed the new chopped rubber fuel line in the nylon and used hoes clamps. Next time we do it, it shouldn't take three days.
My fuel pump is starting to make an odd noise when I start the car so I think a fuel pump replacement may be in my future. How high off the ground should the rear wheels be when attempting to drop a fuel tank this way? Would ordinary jack stands be high enough?
Hi. Good video. I'm trying to troubleshoot a replacement. New fuel pump in tank with an intermittent start. Any ideas?
5:25 Two means of support is plenty. You will not have both fail together at the same time.
To remove the fuel fill and vent? hoses (large rubber hoses), I use a cotter pin remover that looks like the 90 degree end of a scribe but is more robust and larger than scribe with typical screw driver handle on other end. I just run the pointed end strait in between the rubber and metal and move it around the diameter to break the "sticktion" between the two. Easier on the rubber hose than gripping with pliers/channel locks. Good vid. I'll be doing this job on 2002 Cavalier this week.
Well done Brian , cant see any way to improve on that job. Just getting caught up on your vids, been away deer camping, lots of snow and -10 deg .
I went to a wrecker and got a replacement gas tank. Looking at the video the fuel pump assembly looks identical. Even the top of the tank looks the same...but the bottom shape of the tank is different. Mine is a 97 Cavalier..same as your video. You know much about the models...if the tanks work between models? Wrecker when I admitted he did not know the year of the car he took it off. Of course I am going to take the old one out and simply try it...but thought I would ask.
Hey I got a question how do you know you feel pump goes out?? Because my car turns on but I got to be present to gas and when I'm running it will turn on by self
One of the product reviewers on the Amazon link you provided for the fuel-line disconnect tool says the tool is "not for GM." What would make a tool non-GM-specific?
Great as always.
You made my life easy with the 1500 chevy truck fuel pump video .
Sweet
a trick for getting that circlip off is taking two allen keys that fit in the holes, putting one in each hole and squeeze with regular pliers its much easier, its less stressful on the circlip.
YES. Less splashing weight shifts- more control
Remove the gas cap to relieve pressure in the tank. Get a Actron CP9680 code tester. It checks live, record, graphing, emission readiness test, transmission test, ABS, SRS, and MORE! It's well-lit! It has code-connect to diagnose codes. It is updatable with a USB cable from EBAY. It uses 4 aaa batteries for under the rear cover. It comes in a black pouch. EBAY has it.
OK, all done. Center tube on pump is NOT fuel out line. It is EVAC line. In order to get enough angle on the tank to pull it out on passenger side, I disconnected the last 2 rear exhaust hangers. I had to use snips to cut off the rear corner of the heat shield where it is riveted to under floor pan right where pipe starts to curve up to go over the rear "axle". Only about 3sqin. The rest came down when I disconnected the exhaust pipe hangers. put jack stand under rear exhaust pipe for support. Remove the passenger side tank strap completely. Turn it 90 degrees and pull from slot. This made it much easier to remove the tank and especially to put it back up after install of new pump. I squirt some WD40 into the rubber hanger/isolators where the rod goes through them and use LARGE channel locks to slip rubber hanger off of rod. They make a special tool for this purpose but that's all it's good for. Big channel locks have been very handy over the years for many things. I think the real key to this job is be patient and thoughtful about your sequence. If you find yourself Muscling something, STOP. Take a brake, think about your next move and don't be in a hurry. This tank assembly is really in there tight so finesse is your friend and too much muscle is your enemy.
hello Brian have a problem , 95 xlt explorer i went through 4 fuel pumps 2 ran for 1 day started sputtering while driving went to pass a car step in to it that's when it sputtered like crazy then got home smoothed out. then no fuel when went to start and 2 never worked at all ...i replaced filter, computer ..checked all relays . connections.some one told me they went through several before they got one to work ????
Is there any way to remove the gas out of the car without lowering the tank my car has old gas and I want to remove it because it doesn’t start or if he does it’s rough idling that gas is more than three years old. I haven’t used it for a while.
I have a 99 sunfire and cant remove the a fitting attached to a canister . The normal fuel line removal tools wont work.
7 lears later, is your Airtex pump still working? I've never gotten more than 2 years out of them.
Havent saw a video of yours that i didnt like, thanks for putting out the helpful info even if its nothing that Im or anyone else is doing.
How long does the whole job take to complete?
would u happen to know if the return line back to the tank is high pressure or low pressure(just a return to the tank). thanks for your time.
***** The return line is lower pressure.
Hi Brian. I liked your video BTW. I have a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. I noticed you said Airtex fuel pumps suck, so what brand do you recommend? What did you use in the Cavalier/Sunfire video?
will this be the same procedure with a 1992 cavalier if not could u make a video of one if u can
steven arenz yes, very similar, but the connections are more simple.
Great video! My fuel pump is out as well & this video is a great step by step tutorial on my 200 Sunfire. Thanks!
I don't currently live in Cardston, Alberta- nor Raymond, Lethbridge, McGrath, or Waterton.
On the ring (yours is rusted) that hold the springs of pump down into the tank. You used a flat tip screw driver to pop it in into the slots, there are two smalls holes in near the gap. if you get a needle nose plyers and pinch the rings by grapping the holes it is easier to get the ring on that way. the ring will "shrinks" and make it easier to get on. :)
Thank you for this video Brian, you save my family a bunch of money!
You're welcome- YOU saved your family money- way to go!
Brain..thanks, great video..got a 2000 Sunfire GT Convertible & now I can get it back on the road....Thanks again.......
awesome vid Brian. kudos for one handing most of the project. i felt like I was right there with ya. lol
My fuel pump on my 2004 sunfire was replaced but now its leaking. I had a mechanic change it im wondering if there is anything i can tighten up to fix the issue? I dont want to go back to them and they mess something up
Thanks Brian. Since you drain most of the gas first is it ok to smoke while you do this?
Since Dr Kevorkian has been out of the picture, many new alternatives for suicide have been implemented to end suffering a little sooner. I suppose smoking while doing this job, although painful, would work OK to end things on a tight schedule.
How'd you end up working on a car from alberta? Could have sworn you were in the US.
briansmobile1 I had a guy do this for me and now when I fill the tank it and it reaches full the gas spills out of the tank. Also I am running a p0440, are the two related? Did he install the rubber o-ring wrong? any help is apppreciated
Ty Brian, I have to have a new fuel pump put in. I was told it was in the tank and well wasn't exactly sure what that mean't now i know what it entails. great video.
Brian, I love your videos, very well done and professional. Question: what kind of gloves do you use? The kind(s) that I buy don't seem nearly as durable, they tend to tear easily. Thanks again.
Hey, I need some help on how to change the fuel filter for the same type of car
is the gas tank the same on a 2000 cavalier ls 2.4 as a 1998 cavalier 2.2? both are 13 gallons.
Hey, I was wondering if there is a way to just clean the pump? Mine seems to be cloogged. Ran outta gas and once filled up again she wouldnt start. Checked the filter and the pressure and that seems to be fine... Any suggestions?
Simon Aufderheide If it's got more than a 100K miles on it- I would replace it. You might be able to just replace the strainer, but for the work I would just replace the sending unit complete.
On this vehicle the pump is cheap so just replace it. Since the gas acts as a coolant for the pump, running out was probably last straw for high mileage pump.
My car is a 2004 Cavalier. Is there any major differences I should be aware of?
great video. I will use this one a lot when Im putting my new pump in. the most important part is when you are showing off the new pump (begins at 11 min) but it is off the camera. I cant really see the new pump and what to do with it.
+Jeremiah Martin Thanks- good luck!