How do you change a fuel pump on a 1988 Oldsmobile cutless calais?

Answer 1

The fuel pump is located inside the gas tank. It would be best to have a certified mechanic do it for you. But, in a pinch there are two metal straps that actually hold it in. They anchor in the front, usually by apposing notches cut in the ends of the straps, and two 15mm bolts on the rear (of the car). First, disconnect the battery. Then, using a floor jack and a piece of soft wood, make the jack plate (with the wood as a bumper) touch the tank. STOP! Do not try to lift the car! It will collapse the tank! Open the filler door, and remove the filer tube's three retaining bolts. (They are actually screws, but they have a head on those, 6mm I believe) Some Olds have a rubber hose resembling a radiator hose that connects the filler to the tank, with in reach. Then you won't have to remove the filler tub through the door. But, I find it easier to just remove it anyway. (You would understand when trying to get it back together!) Remove the 15mm bolts. They are long! Be prepared to work! (About 3 ½ inches fine thread) After removing the bolts, you may have to bend the straps a little to clear the anchors on the front, (don't worry, you can straighten them back with a hammer) but completely remove the straps. The weight of the tank should be on the jack now. Be careful because the tank, if it still has gas in it, will be very unstable, (gas sloshing around in there) and may slide off the jack. There is roughly 6 lbs per gallon of gas, so even 4 gallons could crush your head! (Won't kill you, but it will hurt!) Now, slowly lower the jack until the top of the tank clears about 8 inches of space so you can work. The wiring harness contains anywhere between 5 to 7 wires. You will have to depress a lock to separate the harness from the tank plug. Then, you may have two or three rubber fuel lines that are clamped onto the metal fuel lines on the car. Remove the hoses from the car only! NOT THE TANK! (you will never get them back on with the tank going back in if you remove them from the tank.) That's it! Lower the jack, and slide the tank out. The new fuel pump will come with instructions to replace the pump. FOLLOW THEM TO A TEE! Remember when going back in, before you slide the tank under the car to re-install it, to replace the hoses and clamps. (Better to do it all at once!) You could also empty the tank while you have it out. It will be 100 times easier to put it back in. Also, fire precautions. Don't smoke! Other than that, it would take a lot to get the gas to ignite. So don't be afraid of using a hammer and a chisel when removing the pump. The metal that stuff is made of won't generate any sparks when hit. (Safety laws) just no open flames! The vapors are more dangerous than the gas as a liquid. Also, do this in a well ventilated area. A closed garage, in the dead of winter is a tomb in the making. The fumes will put you to sleep, and you will never wake up! Just be careful.