Fuel pump question 328

I'm going to be changing the fuel pump on my 328. Do I need to drain the fuel tank? I'm hoping not....because my tank is 3/4 full. Some advice is appreciated. First time I'm doing this on a Ferrari.

Thanks,
Dan

 

The pump is fed by gravity so certainly you will have to drain them or seal the driver's side outlet very quickly when you remove the hose to the fuel pump.

 

Any ideas on the best way to seal the right side? Or the best way to drain my tank?

Thanks,
Dan

 

The O.D. of the outlet on my Euro driver's side tank is 15.0mm and I would suspect it's the same on a U.S. model. So I suppose you could look for some kind of cap to seal it. I think you would be better off draining the tanks either via some siphon method or putting the car on jack stands and draining into a large container. I think, no matter what, it's going to be a bit nasty/messy/wasteful.

 

What I thought would be a quick 1 hour project is now turning into a messy nightmare project. UGH.

 

And a tank of gas is probably worth as much as a new fuel pump! If you're really careful and "clean" about everything you should be able to re-use the gas even if it's in a lawnmower. Still, it won't be fun.


Wanted to add........ you should replace all the fuel hoses while you're at it if they're of unknown age or feel hard/brittle. At least the big, lower hoses as a minimum. It will add to the displeasure but you will gain in peace of mind.

 

That's what I was thinking....lawnmower. Fun Fun Fun....

 

Certainly you could re-use the fuel in the Ferrari or other car. The fuel filter should take care of any crap that may get added but I'd prefer to use it in a non-Ferrari/lawnmower.


This, in the photo, is what I used to seal the driver's side crossover inlet/outlet pipe when I decided to eliminate the passenger side fuel tank. Of course it's a different size from the fuel feed to the fuel pump.
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I'm hoping that I can get a bolt in there to stop the flow. Has anyone tried that?

 

if your fuel hose to the pump is relatively new and flexible, try pinching it off with vicegrips or
similar clamping tool.
that should let you remove the hose from the pump at which point you can insert a rubber
stopper into the open hose end without the hassle of draining the tanks.
if you are concerned about vicegrips chaffing the hose, wrap electrical tape around the jaws
before clamping down on the hose.

 

Check out this clever way Gatsby drained his tank. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70509&highlight=fuel+pump+diy I just replaced my accumulator, but didn't have to drain tanks.