How to install fuel pump ?
 

I have searched for a thread on installing a fuel pump, and didn't find one.

Is this something that a novice could do?

I see a picture of the fuel pump at www.thebenzbin.com and it looks like it just plugs in to the fuel line, and needs a power supply wire plugged into it somewhere.

The pump is $200, and I want to save some $$$, but I don't want to get in a bind by installing incorrectly, or dousing myself with gasoline, and then causing a spark while installing the wires or something. :rolleyes:

Advice appreciated. Thanks ~
:cool:

You can do it if you have the tools and persistance.

One trick is to use hose pinch-off pliers to clamp the fuel line off {near the tank}. That way you do not have to drain the tank.

The fittings can be stubborn to remove. Sometimes you need to remove the entire pump/filter/accumulator assembly from the car to get enough leverage on them, but that is not such a big deal...

Your car may have 2 fuel pumps.

Certainly replace the filter at the same time.

I just used those wood working clamps, they worked fine, clamp both hoses to and from the pump/filter assembly.

The module is attached to the chasis by 4 rubber hangers, better remove the whole module and do the rest on a bench, better prepare some copper gaskets as it's not a good idea to reuse the old ones. I remember there are two sizes of gaskets, large ones are the same size as the oil drain plug gasket, the ones on the check valves are smaller, I got mine only when I ordered check valves.

I ordered a check valve, only to find that the Bosch pump came with a new one.

I did this on our 89 300TE this fall. There are two pumps. One is by the fuel tank and comes out easily. As stated, cut some rubber tubing and gently clamp the large hose coming out of the fuel tank. You'll still want to collect fuel that comes out of lines when you break them.

The other pump is with the filter/etc. under the plastic cover a bit forward of the first pump. You'll want to remove the entire fuel pump 'package', put it on a bench, and then R/R the pump. You should do the filter as well.

You have some miles on your car, as we do - take a look under there, including removing the plastic cover, to see the condition of the existing rubber fuel lines. You will want to replace some of them, I guarantee it. Phil can help you as he did me. Might as well do it right while you're in there.

Not a bad job, disconnect the battery (!), use proper flare wrenches, take your time.

Brian

2 fuel pumps at $219 = $440
:eek:
I'll have to install myself. Can't afford to pay labor rate of $65/hour.
Thanks for the info ~

Right, be very sure that is the problem. I assume you checked the relay...

Also, are you sure both pumps have failed? That would be odd timing...

Pulling the battery ground strap as mentioned above is a very good idea - safety issue.

It helps to back the rear end of the car up on ramps - improves accessibility.

My pumps were *very* loud, at least one of them was, and they were ~195K miles and 14 years old ... I lived with the loud and often intermittent buzzing for quite a while, in part based on feedback from this forum. What did it for me was (I assume this is related) the fuel pump relay going out, didn't want the new one stressed by failing pump(s).

I think it was pretty apparent which one was bad, the one in the pump/filter assembly. More scary, it was leaking! So, probably could have only changed one but hope to keep the car a while longer so bit the bullet and did both.

As I said above, don't forget to check your fuel lines/hoses!

Brian