82 Fuel Pump/Gas Tank removal

[Jim K.]

Hello old friends! It's been several years since my last post (sounds like an old fashioned confessional). I have been helping a good friends mother with her 1982 and have determined that the fuel pump needs to be replaced (thanks to some other good friends advice - Thanks Mr. Cataldo!). Anyway, I tried to get the sending unit and pump out through the door opening and just can't do it without damaging the paint and fiberglass, so I am dropping the tank. Of course the spare tire was easy enough but I have to find some replacement large headed aluminum pop rivets for the upper cover. And the muffler pipes won't simply swing out of the way, so I had to unbolt the rear collector from the back of the catalytic converter and managed to do so without breaking any bolts (thanks Tony). now I have the tank as empty as I can get it and lose from the straps, but before I start spinning and flipping and spilling what gas IS left in the tank, what really needs to happen? The straps won't come out all the way (it seams) and it doesn't seem like I can push the tank left or right and drop the opposite side down... so How does it come out? Shat should I do? is there a "tank sheet" to look out for? I was going to reattach the sending unit, put the cap on and plug all the lines so no gas spills out, but that might get in the way... I only have a basic 1882 shop manual and it isn't much help.
Thank you in advance for your help!!!
Jim

[Edward J.]

Re: 82 Fuel Pump/Gas Tank removal

Jim, can you tape something like rubber roofing around the opening, I am pretty sure it is suppose to be removed from the top.sometimes rotating the unit to find the the correct removal angle.

[Hugh G.]

Re: 82 Fuel Pump/Gas Tank removal

I did it both ways and you DO NOT to drop the tank. Once the sending unit is detached (hoses, elec and screws) you have to rotate the unit counterwise. Using the fuel outlet lines as a guide rotate the unit to about the 10:50 from the starting position of 3:15. You have to kind of walk it out but it saved me a lot of time. I have pictures and will hunt them down if you think they could be of help. Hugh

[Arland D.]

Re: 82 Fuel Pump/Gas Tank removal

Jim,

The pump and sending unit do come out of the top hole. As mentioned, disconnecting the fuel lines, wire and screws will make it possible to lift the unit out with some patience and a little careful jockeying. If you have an image of the unit, it will help with the 'jockeying'.

[Jim K.]

Re: 82 Fuel Pump/Gas Tank removal

Thank you Ed, Hugh and Arland. Hugh if you have the pic's it would help. I appreciate your references to the clock, that helps a lot too! I taped the edges of the hole to protect the paint and gave it a good 20 minutes of trying, but was afraid of damage so I said "forget the short cuts, do it the right way" But if out the top is the right way, then Before I wrestle the tank any further, I will give that a try again with the clock reference.
Thanks!

[Jim K.]

Re: 82 Fuel Pump/Gas Tank removal

OK So I gave it one last try on Saturday using the clocking and photos from Hugh (thanks brother!). I gave up after half an hour; all I had left on the tank drop was the 4 bolts of the minor cross member and that took about 10 minutes. I did miss the vent line and with the tank on my chest (about 1/8th full) I had to do some gymnastics to get a set of pliers and get to the spring clamp that I couldn't see. All went well and it is out and all apart. now come's the EASY part... the pump and reassembly. too damn hot in the garage so I may take the sending unit into the basement where it is only 80. If you don't hear from me, it all went well... I hope
Thanks! Jim