Don't Ruin Your Car or Truck With This Fuel Pump Hack!
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Some cars and trucks have inaccessible fuel pumps, because they are mounted inside the fuel tank, and there is no way to reach them without removing the tank. Don't be tempted to take shortcuts! In this video, Andy shows you what happens when you take a shortcut instead of doing the job the right way!
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While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.
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If you know what you are doing then this is not a hack. Did this myself, and it was easier than paying some shop to do it. Multitool can cut safely with no sparks.
when your broken down on the side of the road, that access panel hack is perfect and makes a quick replacement so you can continue on your journey vs paying $1000+ which most dont have. Some butyl and a sheet metal cover is perfectly fine
blame the lazy manufacters for not putting in an access panel like they have in some cars
Sheet metal metal nibbler. No sparks, no risk of anything. If you're doing it right, you are using a silicon gasket sealer, you're reattaching a 1/8th peice of sheetmetal ontop of the existing cutout peice and using short self tapping screws to reaffix the panel back on for any future access to the fuel pump.
All the “scary warnings” yet plenty of companies put access panels above the fuel pump location. If you’ve got this style and have to replace the pump, you can buy the access panel from another vehicle and have that put in above the fuel pump while you’ve got the tank dropped and then any future pump replacements will be as easy as a few bolts under the seat. The pumps have gaskets so it’s not going to let fuel vapors into the truck like the man states in the beginning of this video. Like others said, this makes the labor charge a lot less for the shops to charge therefor less money for them to charge for the job!
God bless~
If they can put an access panel in a car then there's no reason they can't put one in an SUV or truck. They just don't.
Whatever, Mr. Safety, I'm getting ready to do a. Cut out on my suburban. After replacing 3 fuel pumps by removing the tank, with over 250k miles, a hole is acceptable now
This hack will save you a lot of money. I paid about $100 for a pump on eBay and did this to my Tahoe.
Mechanics are not always right and most in Dallas will rip you off given an open checkbook and a parts cannon.
+Art Painter Thanks for the feedback!
You cant make this video and proceed to use a lift 😂 most people have a dirt driveway with a stock car jack
+devin bradford We appreciate the feedback. Sometimes there are multiple ways to accomplish the same repair.
Which is exactly what they proved by cutting a whole in the floor. They just didn't reseal it properly.
I cut the hole in my Tahoe. Sealed it with JB weld and flashing tape and no problems at all. And if a fire gets to that point you have bigger problems.
Not all us have a lift to remove the fuel tank . I had a PT cruiser and cut a square out and made the job 10x easier , I'm alive today to tell the story.
Lol exactly
Lol I did the same to a chevy Tahoe
He's mad because he not getting that fee to remove the tank
This actually is very smart. He made the correct measurements and cut accordingly and didn't cut any hoses. I'd do this to my vehicle in a heartbeat
Yes I did it to my 96 explorer and made a correct metal patch and and rivet it back . Saved a big Hassel. 😮
Should have used Flex Tape.🤣
This is excellent advice. However, I would do it to my vehicle, if I ever have to drop the tank, that's the only time I'm dropping it, because with the tank out I would go ahead and do a really good job of cutting the opening and getting a larger plate to cover it. I'd make sure I put rivnuts in for threads and a rubber gasket. Basically, I'd create the same type opening that other vehicles come with in the first place.
The dealer will do it to you. Also us simpletons don't have a nice lift in our garage. I'm cutting the hole
What a bunch of bull! They just don't want do it yourself first to get it done the easy way because of course they want you to take it into a shop so that they can make money! That's all this video is about. There's plenty of room between the floor panel and the gas tank and all the connections for it, the reason why they don't have access panels in cars made in the US is because this is a gimmick so that they can make money and charge you an arm and a leg when it could be much easier to do. Anyone who's ever bought a European car knows that the European cars have access panels for the fuel pump. So yeah this guy is feeding you all a bunch of garbage!
I agree however, modern day engineering is done on purpose so the average car owner can no longer maintain there own car. Like adding pressure regulators and fuel filters to the fuel pump instead of it being separate. Ill stick with my trusting 2003 Suburban with 249,000 miles still rocks ✊🏼
0:16 2:01 those hacks can be done safely, if you get a section of sheet metal from an identical donner chassis, like from a salvage yard. It just needs to be larger than the hole you cut in the floor pan, a 2" boundary around the hole will have plenty of surface area. Afterwards, you can epoxy and rivet the donner section over the hole you cut in your chassis, it can be secured with the right technique. Or get a friend to tack weld the donner section to the floor pan, or DIY it.
There are automotive grade sealants and epoxy, that can hold that sheet metal secure for the life of the car. 🤔
I did this on a 1990 Lincoln Continental, it didn't have a access port for the fuel pump. So I took some measurements, and cut a round hole to access the fuel pump. I started with a small pilot hole, to verify the location of the fuel pump that's underneath the rear seat. Afterwards I went to specialty automotive supply house, and bought a heavy duty patch to cover up the hole. They actually make an automotive grade patches to cover up the holes in cars. It's a very heavy duty patch, like a 20 or 30 Mil thick patch. It's tougher than any Flex seal patch.
I believe the actual unsafe thing would be Chevy not putting an access panel into begin with is the best unsafe thing. Those were not good reasons to not have an access panel. The correct application of duct tape could seal vapors.
You made some great points, But that access panel that I cut in my truck made my life a lot easier buddy!!!
it is very clever hack
I wish more manufacturers use a access port like most Japanese cars
I plan to cut the hole, replace the pump, seal around the hole with fuelproof silicone sealant, and rivet an oversized plate over the hole. The pump lasts 150k miles... when it goes again, I'll just drill out the rivets, pull up the plate, and replace it again. It's essentially the same thing the auto companies do with their own access panels, for those vehicles that have them. So, what's the difference?
It's 750 plus to drop tank and put new pump in. New pump is less than 160 and to seal the cut out is less than 10 dollars.
Use metal tape or a donor vehicle panel. Did this on my ss camaro well worth the time and head ache
Good video. The manufacturer easily could have put an access panel right where this guy gut a hole.
My thoughts exactly! Its a very simple solution. A no brainer in fact.
@@dkaudu74 They want people buying new cars instead of fixing old ones. By forcing the tank to be dropped to service it safely, the manufacturers force mechanics to charge much more.
thank you... but no thank you... I already save $500 bucks on labor and put a $50 pump myself, of course I did cut very carefully and resealed the hole with fireproof sealer from home depot.. in the end if the mechanics were more understanding with their labor prices , they would have much much much work and FRIENDS (my FRIEND mechanic wanted $800 for the job)
Your friend knew what his time and effort was worth.... If he's actually your friend you would understand that.
I've "ruined many vehicles doing this and I've never been happier. Here's the key. Once you have the hole made, take your cutout and if you can find a donor vehicle make cutout that is about an inch bigger all around. That way you can screw the plate down with either silicone or some kind of weather stripping to make it air tight. Sure you gotta be careful cutting the hole but if you are good with an angle grinder you can use a cutoff wheel to slowly go over where you want the cut to be instead of plunging the blade in and risking hitting something vital. But I understand why you are telling folks not to do it since it does take a fair amount of skill and a great deal of care and patience to do it right.
Use a multi tool or pneumatic snips for sheet metal.. no sparks 🚫
Thx for the tip brother.
Many SUVs do have an access port for the fuel pump, just not any made by GM. In fact most European cars and SUVs have fuel pump access panels. I’ve done a Land Rover discovery and several Volvos that had fuel tank access doors for easy access. It should also be noted that there are aftermarket fuel pump access doors with a frame that bolts into a hole that you cut providing future access and a safe, professional sealed hole that doesn’t allow vapors or dust into the cabin and will look factory installed of installed correctly.
I'm guilty in cutting a hole in the floor of my 2001 Chevy Suburban. I made 3 cuts and resealed it using a adhesive tape that's made for RV's. No problems at all.
You've got to do what you've got to do to get the job done not everbody has a lift or the right tools did do the job but the job still needs to get done don't fault the guy for getting the work done regardless of what you might think. And yes I know what I'm talking about I've been a mechanic for 20 years
You don’t need a lift. Just a floor jack & an empty spot on the driveway.
If you buy your fuel pumps online for 1/5 the part store price then that cutout might be worth doing.
What's the point of placing the pump inside such an inaccessible location? Why do trucks and SUVs not have a portal like some other cars? In the life of the vehicle, how often will one need to service or R/R aa fuel pump?
I thought it might be a neat workaround till you outlined the dangers. Thankx for that!
So that you'll take it to the dealer instead of trying to fix it yourself. That's the ONLY reason.
Thanks for sharing a pattern for cutting my hole in my Escalade. I do have a lift and will still cut a hole in my truck. I wish they would have put a access hole. Wish me luck and thanks for the advice also.
Brilliant idea. Fixing to cut a hole in the bed of my truck to replace the fuel pump. I did it correctly in the past. Vehicle manufacturers though adding a hole for the fuel pump removal was smart. I think it is smart. As long as you are smart about it. After cutting a hole. Take a cordless grinder to a junkyard. With the piece you cut out and you it as a template adding a inch or two for a sealing lip. Prime and paint the edges . Buy some butyl rubber tape or windshield sealing tape. . Rivets would be best but pointed self tapping screws will work. Obviously just like the grinder wake sure there is plenty of clearance for screws, and cutting tools. This is a great idea if you plan on keeping the car and buy cheap parts that work for short periods of time.
If a car rolls over gas leaking into the vehicle is a problem or running in deep water is a problem.
The video a good idea started but incomplete. Had there been a good attempt to put some sort of sealed metal plate over it.
To keep water out of the car. I would say fantastic job.. had the metal cover came from a similar car, a great sealing job and painted close to the same color to the factory. I would have said genius, effective, intelligent and artistic.
This is not just about a fuel pump access, this is about being able to get to parts, and fixing it in a pinch sometimes. Having to buy cheap parts from non OEM parts manufacturers, junk yard parts that you know you will eventually have to do it again.
It is not just a fuel pump issue on many and most vehicles. It is replacing fuel level sending units as well as fuel lines, fuel return lines, wiring that goes to the fuel pp and fuel level sending units as well. Not likely on vehicles with less than the vehicles warranty or under 60 to 80 thousand miles.
If I buy another vehicle with over 90,000 miles with no fuel pump access hole. It will be my first project . Remove the tank, clean it out, check clearances, cut a access hole. And make a sealed cover that can be removed.
This is bullcrap that is a good idea to fix it he just didn't do it right you put weather trimming around where you cut at and you seal it with clear couk Then you put a little latch on it with little hinges But 1st you spray were you cut it at with primer and then Repaint it so it won't rush and then you have your latch access to your Fullpump this is a great idea it is not harmful they don't want you to know this ideal because they lose money a lot of people don't have the money to
drop a gas tank or have the tools Most garage companies have. They do not want you to know this trick cause they lose money.
Retards are gonna retard
Did my nismo frontier couple of years ago , dropped the tank with a jack. I siphoned out as much as I could so it’ll be lighter . Took me couple of hours due to my many smoke breaks 😂.
That is an awesome way to install a fuel pump on a tank that you have to remove
After listening to Scott Adams' explanation, putting a hole in the car seems like the right thing to do.
Thanks for talking me into it!
+@fixinstuff9662 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Recently changed the fuel pump on my Dodge Ram Quad Cab. Simple: 4 bed bolts, 1 ground strap, remove tail-lamps and disconnect harness, and disconnect fuel neck. Lift bed 6 or 8 inches suspended from my shop rafters, roll truck forward about a foot to expose the fuel pump. Easy peasy.
Lol you guys use a lift and also show the absolute worse example of this method. Guys in a driveway with a full 31 gallon tank of gas aren't going to see it that way. Use your brain, figure out a way to turn that cutout in to a hinged access door for that job in the future, with weather stripping around it. Or cut a bigger piece out from a junkyard and use that. It's not hard folks.
I do not have $1500 to replace a fuel pump for shear labor alone. I think this a very good idea. Especially for an older vehicle.
You’re not ruining anything…good grief.
My 2000 Nissan Xterra has an access under the rear seat which made changing the pump easy. My 2007 Xterra does not 🤔 But dropping the tank really wasn't hard. It's just a little awkward to maneuver down. But i was also lucky because the tank was nearly empty so just had to siphon a little gas out. Like the gentleman mentioned in the video, I'd rather not cut the floor out but that's just me.
Very good hack to save time
I made an fuel pump access panel on a 2014 Expedition. It was not that difficult to do. Spend some time to make a nice access panel that is screwed down securely and sealed up. The carpet covers it like it was not there. I carry a spare fuel pump and if the fuel pump goes out it can be repaired on the road with a few tools. If your gas tank is on fire, you are going to have a lot more problems than a access panel to worry about.
Great if you have a lift. I don't and dropping the tank in the driveway is even more dangerous. I actually changed a Dodge Caravan fuel pump in a parking lot using only the jack that came with the vehicle. I'm lucky to be alive today. I would have cut an access panel if I'd had a saw with me
Tack weld and put a gasket maker and done
waring if your not safety minded not very mechanically inclined dont cut a hole in your floor to make an access for you fuel pump
If you make an access panel, that'd be smart just use some hinges and a door, it won't hurt nothing
That's risk I'll take to make fuel pump work a million times easier.
You guys are best. Greetings from dubai
Yes making your own access panel is the only way to go My situation was I have a $1,200 car and the mechanic quoted me $1,100 to switch out the fuel pump so it was either junk the car or cut an access panel cut the panel switched out the fuel pump for about 50 bucks duct taped it back together and I've been driving it for 3 years now no issues
if you are careful with cutting...using a wood chisel very carefully ..you can do this..I had to on my gmc yukon..I fully sealed the opening with insulation and a new 18ga sheet steel panel then put in self tapping 1/4" screws.. works perfect..
+@jdstewart9689 Thanks for the feedback!
So what’s the difference in the factory cutting a access panel and an owner cutting an access panel other than the factory is a lot neater ?? Did the factory ruin all the vehicles they cut access panels for ??
I like to live dangerously 🤫🧐
I thought it was an absurd when i I saw that for the first time, but there are a bunch of videos showing" the expertise 🙄" on how to do that stupid cut in cab to to access pump. You're totally right, SAFETY, AS LADIES, FIRST.
Today is Thursday, not overreaction Tuesday?
if cars do it from factory you can do it as well , i did my suburban and expedition have them both after several yrs guess what my suburban fuel pump just went up again thank GOD i dont have to drop that tank lol, just know what your doing and put back the cover you cut out correctly
Would happen to know the measurements to cut an access hole for the fuel pump on an 06 Chevrolet equinox because I'm not removing the exhaust system and drive shaft to do it any information would be greatly appreciated thank you
The person cutting it did not use a knife to hack it up and down it was more like an scissor side way cut so he wouldn’t be able to poke holes or cut anything else while lifting the soft cover up while cutting it around safely
I worked as a mechanic on vehicles for over 30 years. Auto manufactures should have designed a better way to get to the fuel pump assembly then having to drop the tank, which can be dangerous if not done correctly, i.e. draining the tank first. Compromising the cabin is not a good idea. If you own a vehicle that has know issues with the fuel pump having a service life from 60,000 to 100,000 miles, then check your fuel pressure every four to six months and change it when you get close to the end of their known service life. For example, I change my alternator and starter every 100,000 miles on all of my vehicles. They are electronic components and this is a reasonable service life for them. Better to replace at home then have one fail on vacation. I call this reasonable preventive maintenance. Brakes and Tires are the same. They have a service life. You do not wait until they fail to replace them. Tires are easy, you know how many miles are on them, and you can easily see how worn they are, or if they are wearing unevenly. Thank you 1A Auto Repair for making this video.
+@tjhulsey5837 Thanks for the feedback!
My neighbor has an 02 dodge he removed the box/bed bolts on driver side and backed off bolts on passenger and lifted then wood for support to change his fuel pump
I almost did it, my explorers is used for work and my pump went out and I just wanted to be quick and only keeping it 6 more months
But decided to just drop the tank which was almost fuel I drained it but honestly the hardest part was the strap mounting stud striped out from it's channel that took awhile to finally get out from the ground but everything else smooth was worth not damaging the floor board
Ever worked on vehicles from Northern Ohio? Remove the straps and you'll NEVER get them back on.
Literally the 1 % people who's reading may ur parents live more than 100 years with happiness and smile 😍😘😘😍😍
and to you as well
The world needs more people like you in it. ❤️🙏🏽
what nobody has mentioned so far about the dangers of cutting out a hole in your suv, not per say a truckbed, is that you are permanently destroying and interrupting the integral strength and overall protection from impact and rollover incidents. the roof and the floor are both significantly stronger as well as the door posts and door/window corner posts. you cut or bend them in any fashion you ruin the safety factor that the vehicle was rated for. you are also inviting rust and other corrosion that wouldnt otherwise exist. I agree that the car maker of these suvs and trucks but more exclusively the blazers were boneheaded in not providing a removable doorway to have easy access to the pump without dropping the tank but the truth of the matter is youre gonna do whatever youre gonna do anyways so this was an elaborate and lengthy comment to just put my 2 cents in lol
Use silicon a gorilla tape did this to my Tahoe super easy would recommend
I was watching videos on people cutting the hole. I was going to try and do the same until I saw your video. It might take a lot longer but it is safer.
But apparently an oversized cover with some screws and a little gasket is alright
Yes Sir, same metal from a donor truck out oversized.
A little piece of stainless steel and some self tappers works wonders
I saw that guy’s video when researching venture issues and thought “he MUST be really proud of his cutter because there’s NO WAY tearing up the carpet and cutting the floor is going to be quicker, easier, cleaner than jacking up the van, removing 3 straps bolted down with a single 10mm bolt each, and dropping a plastic tank 🧐🤔🙄😵💫😂🤫
I’ve used your videos quite a bit to complete my projects AND I have saved a lot of money 💰 purchasing parts from you too, thanks 🙏 🤑🥰😎
I just replaced my fuel pump in my 1998 K2500 7.4l Suburban. I did it the right way & it only took about 5 hours to do it. That was the correct way to do it.
Drop your tank first, then do your measurements and cut. Put the tank back there, you go. Now. You have an access port without damaging your tank. Go to your local junkyard, find a donor car. Cut the same piece that you cut out. But an inch longer, so you have an access door
Me tip toeing out to my garage to cut a hole in the back of my car. Why tf didn't they put an access panel on 2nd gen Saturn's?
I totally agree with this comment section. Guys that know what their doing save allot of hassle and allot of time not to mention some cash. I realize the proper way would be tank removal, but the engineers don't give a rats ass about your time and money or they would/should have included an access port. Mr. Do it properly in the video has to cover his own back, but down talk down to others and act like this is going to cause imaginary issues in the future. Cover it back up properly and it's a non-issue, period. Even rivet the damn thing and spray foam it if you feel insecure.
Most cars I’ve worked on or have seen have an access port under the rear seat to the fuel pump assembly. That’s cars in Australia.
You want them to weld it closed? They're not ruining it. But it's not that hard to drop tank. Try to have your fuel pump die when low on gas. (It will likely). It's probably feasible to do it on ramps or an incline. If it's empty you can lift it alone. Put a jack under it with good wood board to save tank. Use a long board to spread the weight. That's all. I'm not a good mech. Don't listen to me.
I remember when the gm fuel pumps were mounted on the engine,never went bad,and we're easy and cheap to replace ! But this is PROGRESS ?
+Kevin Hardin Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Best is buy a classic where u can change a few pump by ur lonesome at a walmart parking lot (if a renter.) fast, easy, cheapo !!! Later model version designers are creeps who create things 2 be harder, and more expensive 4 us all !
What tool is need to pop off those tubes I have a 2004 Cadillac cts I am restoring and I can seem to get it off
Seeing the video makes want to do this hack but after taking the tank down and making a proper sealed cover with some welding to bolt it down
That kind of defeats the whole purpose of the "hack" though.. it's meant to get around dropping the tank
I don't understand what you just said
Or you could use a multi tool with carbide blade . Did he fabricate it back on properly ? No , but there's definitely a way to cut a door and professional reinstall it
I hear him but this is way better then drooping a tank, but make a bigger panel by using the one you cut out and drill small screws and put RTV sealant down and seal it up that way that's what i did in my f250, i can always get to it when needed, nobody have 400 to 1500 dollars do pay that, do what you need to do to get on ya way, BUT DO IT RIGHT
+@mikesmoot1090 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
I have done this before but after watching this, it makes a lot of sense to just do it the right way
He's right folks. Ductape is not good enough. Just use some rv sealant or like heavy duty flex seal type tape. Cheers. Us obs guys know
So, should I sue the manufacturer for putting an access panel in the sedan? Can't have anyone changing their own fuel filter, can we?
When all these connections are so brittle they break when touched
Obviously it's a risk, so you would have to lower it, it's not good in an accident that's for sure. He's right it might be a lil dangerous.
Yea right,
My Volvo XC60 requires the removal of the exhaust, rear axels and diff just to access the tank.
I seal it with fuel resistant gasket maker all the way around.
What a dramatic queen
Work smart not hard
you got a cigarette??
seems like the gas tank was removed first then the hole was cut out i dont see much issue with that. but duct tape is just sloppy but meh it works fine
I appreciate recommending my vehicle 🤣. Hey. Point being if the car is worth 10$ then why not go ahead and make life easy and if you have to drop the differential etc. might as well make a door. If done right then I would 100% do it as long as you seal it up properly.. juts watch the spark.
glad I watched this show safely first
سيارات جي ام سي فيها عيب كبير وهو عدم وجود فتحة داخل السيارة لتسهيل عملية تبديل مضخة الوقود وهذا أمر سيء جدا أدى الى فقدان الرغبة في شراء هذه السيارات
It's easy with a lift and gm should've been smart enough to put an access in the floor
And if it is too late for this advice? What do you recommend?
Just to clarify I have replaced the fuel pump twice. The first time I put the truck on jack stands and dropped the tank which was about half full. I did it laying on asphalt and by myself. It was not a fun experience. The second time I saw a guy on youtube cut out the hole and he made quick work of it. I had never used an angle grinder so I went to harbor freight and bought the cheapest one they had along with a cut off tool. With lots of patience and almost no skill I cut a fairly nice square out and quickly replaced the pump. Now I am trying to decide the best way to seal up the hole.
@@jmontman you're fine, don't listen to this dude
@@jmontman Find a donor vehicle, junkyard/craigslist/etc.
Bring your cut out piece, and use it to cut a slightly larger square from the same place in the donor car, to cover the hole in yours, and use some silicon sealer in a tube to create a watertight seal.
or if its just a flat square, use a piece of diamond patten plate metal
I dropped the tank 3" and cut the metal thin enough to finish with a screwdriver and hammer. Yes there's wires and fuel lines just below.