Fuel pump replacement

[kdmentze]

I have a 2001 Expedition XLT 5.4 L 2WD and need to replace the fuel pump. I know the proper way to do it, by the book, but am wondering if anyone else has had success with simply cutting an access panel or installing an in-line electric fuel pump(if that would even work) ? Your thoughts ??

 

[Bedrck47]

Welcome to the Forum. Best advice Do it by the book.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I dropped the tank by myself. Wasn't really too hard. You just need several extensions (an impact is great too) and hopefully the tank is fairly empty, and a floor jack or 2. I dropped it by myself in under an hour. Even got it back up by myself.

 

[docraymund]

+++ on access panel. Most cars and SUVs' have it. Do tell us if you made one.

 

[1955moose]

The problem with cutting an access panel is you might nick the tank. Then you'd have a whole another issue. God help you if the tank is empty. Ka boom!


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[ExplorerTom]

Well it's a plastic tank so unlikely you'd make sparks.

 

[1955moose]

True, but nicking a tank will ruin your day. My neighbor was successful with his shortcut on his Chevy Astro van, but he admitted he got close, and scared. It would be too easy for Ford to do it, but then the job would be 1 to 1 1/2 hours versus 4 or more hours labor. Can you imagine if a manufacturer made a vehicle with lower hour maintenance, and advertised that, in the brochures. Sales would eclipse the competition. Well I guess we can dream, huh!


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[Bedrck47]

Well it's a plastic tank so unlikely you'd make sparks.

The tank may be plastic but the floor you would be cutting thru is metal. So what happens when you cut the metal floor and also cut into the plastic tank at the same time.

 

[1955moose]

Ka boom!


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[docraymund]

Maybe you could drop the tank first so you would do it only once. Then future replacements would be easy.

 

[tcwaltz]

Well it's a plastic tank so unlikely you'd make sparks.

The tank may not spark but the sheet metal he's cutting above can.

 

[Boose]

This is not an area where I'd recommend cutting corners. How many fuel pumps do you plan on adding to the truck? replace with a quality unit and it'll last for 10 years.

 

[1955moose]

I agree, buy either a Ford part if still available. Or at least one of the top ones available. Mine is 16 years plus. Unless you plan on keeping your SUV another 15 years, why bother with all the cutting. Siphon off fuel, if too high or heavy, and just drop tank. Total time shouldn't be more than a couple hours. Why chance cutting the hole, then you'd have to smooth out metal, to keep from cutting yourself on sharp metal, Good luck, let us know if it fixed your problem.


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[rollinstone]

I had to have my shop do it...cost was about $960 parts and labor...yuk! Shoulda taken a chance to blow myself up.

 

[1955moose]

Well look at the bright side, you didn't spill any fuel on yourself. Sometimes in life we have to allocate our time. Work and the family come first. Their will be other projects on your SUV that you can share with the kids.


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[Ale5jandro01]

I had to have my shop do it...cost was about $960 parts and labor...yuk! Shoulda taken a chance to blow myself up.

Just did the gas pump and filter replacement with a mechanic. 900 bucks!
Expy 2007. Motorcraft parts. South California. The expy left me stranded in the middle of the freeway on saturday

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[Boose]

a grand for a fuel pump replacement... that's just nuts...

 

[1955moose]

Not really. Southern California labor prices are about $150.00 an hour, $175.00 to $200.00 at dealer. The Ford pump is over $300.00 by itself. $600.00 for labor at a quality shop in California is possible. Four hours labor to diagnose and replace pump, isn't that crazy, I've heard of a lot crazier here.

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[Boose]

it is what it is... just glad I do my own wrenching.

 

[TobyU]

I cut a three sided panel on a 2001 Yukon about 3 years ago and did one. Not that much easier than pulling tank really since you have to pull the seat out and that is like 6 bolts. THe carpet just flipped back though.
Just bend it back down into place when finished and put some caulk around it.