need help in firestone

[87LaredoXJ]

I pulled my xj into the garage to take the tires off i smelt gas and gas is pouring out of my fuel pump seal I need help trying to fix it near firestone

[Jim]

Hello Michael,

I could help. It sounds like you're not stranded at the roadside at least??? Do you have a second vehicle to drive?

I'm working through perhaps 6p. Kick me a PM as I'll be at the computer (or text/leave a message at my number - it's on the rescue list).

Is anyone closer to Firestone than me?

Jim

[87LaredoXJ]

Thanks Jim I will deal with it tomorrow. I dont want anybody out late on my account. I will mess with it tomorrow after work.

[EKXJ87]

Michael what time do you get out of work? PM me I get home around 430 and help tomorrow.

[87LaredoXJ]

Updated got everything fixed

[MultiScuf]

Thats good :D

[87LaredoXJ]

New update still not fixed. Gonna have to drop the tank the seal is wedged in between the lock ring any suggestions

[tmleadr03]

New update still not fixed. Gonna have to drop the tank the seal is wedged in between the lock ring any suggestions

Yes, seals are cheap, time is expensive. Buy a new seal. If you have a floor jack you can drop the tank pretty easily. Drop the drive shaft. Support tank with floor jack and a small piece of plywood that fits inside the straps. Undo straps and lower tank slowly (there are fuel lines and electrical connectors on the tank). You can get to the top of the tank with out pulling it all the way out but you have to squeeze in. I don't know the lock ring style but I bet you can tap that off with a brass drift and a hammer, lift out fuel pump, swap o-ring (lightly lube new o ring to decrease swearing when re-installing), install fuel pump assembly and lock ring. If it is a plastic lock ring ignore the brass drive and hammer idea. That will make your day much worse.

[87LaredoXJ]

Its an 87 xj so the fuel pump is on the front of the tank im dropping the tank now but cant get the rubber lines off the filler neck they are stuck tight and I can only get a screwdriver on one side of the hose to pry

[Jim]

I can stop down later this afternoon.

As for removing lines: Try an open end wrench, large enough to fit over the pipe but small enough so that it could press against the end of the rubber fuel hose - to try to push it off - while you use hands or pliers to twist / rotate the line. The simultaneous twist-push, if you can get workingspace - could do it.

[87LaredoXJ]

Got the tank dropped and fuel pump out finally. Now to get new hoses and get it back together.

[xaza]

With an 87, if you are already that far in, might not be a bad time to just replace the fuel pump. I don't remember them being very expensive. Does that have the inline fuel filter on driver side frame rail, rear of vehicle? Would replace that too if so.

[Hypoid]

OK, DO NOT BUY AN ARITEX ANYTHING! It is junk. If anyone hands you an O-Ring with square corners, it is junk. Are we clear on that? :D

If you decide to replace the pump, buy the Bosch replacement. I bought a new lock ring and gasket at NAPA. I think they were made by Spectra, good quality. I just bought fuel injection hose for someone else's Jeep. Turns out $4 per foot is a bargain. :eek:

[Jim]

0.02

I called Michael this afternoon. His issue was removing the fuel fill / vent hoses so that the tank could be lowered a bit more for easy front mounted fuel pump access. We discussed options and I believe he ended up cutting the fill/vent hoses which would allow easy access for the fuel pump issue. With the tank lowered he thought he'd have easy access to remove the remaining (cut) hoses to replace them.

The filler neck hose clamps were loosened but the hoses would not budge. The tank ends were clamped such that a screwdriver or wrench would not connect with the clamps (screw head facing the wrong way).

If the fill / vent hoses were original, they could stand to be replaced anyway (and were not costly, from my quick look).

[87LaredoXJ]

I did cut the vent hose and filler neck hose got everything out. Had a bit more gas in than I thought so that was a heavy fall onto parts unmentionable. But got the fuel pump leak fixed. The rubber gasket was pinched in between the lockring and fuel pump. So now its a matter of getting the tank drained and put back in. I appreciate the input you guys have given me.

[teamhypoxia]

Just saw this. I'm in Firestone too and I'd love to help but I'm not sure what help I'd be. Don't know much about Cherokees but if you need logistical help like a run to the parts store or something feel free to hit me up.

[87LaredoXJ]

Want to say thanks to teamhypoxia for stopping by this morning to help me get my fuel tank back in.

[Jim]

Good to hear!

Project done?

[87LaredoXJ]

Project done

[teamhypoxia]

:thumb: