Cannot Get Fuel Pump Into Tank Correctly - Help!

[Lemonnuff31]

Hi Guys,

I've gone and screwed up my fuel pump unit when I pulled it out to clean the fuel level sensors.

When I went to replace the unit in the fuel tank I appear to have gotten something caught inside the tank (i suspect the floater) and now I cannot get the unit to fit back in.

Any thoughts on what I can do to rectify this? Can I remove the float arm at all perhaps?

The car is now not drivable because I cannot seal the bloody fuel tank.

[Seano350GT]

Take a picture and post it up, it should fit straight back into the tank no problems

[scotty nm35]

Did you replace the Oring?

[Lemonnuff31]

Can't take a photo, as it is caught inside the tank. The unit keeps wanting to settle about 45 degrees round from the direction it started at, and about half an inch higher then when I started. Thinking on it further now, could just be sitting on the fuel pipe, does anyone know how to remove this? If I can get this off then I might be able to wrangle the pieces where they need to go.

Worst case scenario is I remove the float arm. Do you know what sort of consequences this will have?? Will my fuel guage work with only one float level?

[scotty nm35]

No, the fuel gauge will show empty-half tank with one removed.

The hose you have tangled is the suction from the other side of the tank, this definitely needs to stay and is not able to be removed without damaging the hose. Did you twist the pump assy around or something?

The float sits beside the bowl in the tank, I assume you waited till the tank was empty to start the job? Perhaps you bent the float arm?

[Lemonnuff31]

Haha, whoever said violence never solved anything was wrong! That float was jammed in good on something, but some accidentally high force got it dislodged. Then just replaced the o-ring as mine was rooted (not an easy item to find) and she's all good to go.

Scott, the hose can be removed without damage, its just two plastic tabs that get pushed in and it slides off. One good strong shove to click it back in place and it's just fine, thankfully.

[scotty nm35]

Ah, on the pump end, right. Don't try and remove it from the metal pipe coming over from the passenger side, or the plastic part you removed. That plastic is quite brittle also.

The Oring is a 350z part, any Nissan dealer will be able to supply it. You will need to replace it every time you enter either side of the tank, they don't like being re-used and will leak.

[Seano350GT]

yeah Scott's right about the o-ring, i had to replace mine as i had a nasty fuel leak under the car after doing the diy fuel sending unit fix. went into my local nissan and asked for a large o-ring for the fuel pump to suit 350z and they had it on the shelf. $15 it was.

[Lemonnuff31]

Sorry Sean, you got ripped off. I went to a local plumbing wholesalers and got two new o rings for $5 total perfect fit too.

[scotty nm35]

Lol, are they fuel safe? Nissan ones aren't expensive...

Not a part I would be skimping coin on.