Dropping the tank

Pioneer · December 28, 2004

I need to replace my in-tank fuel pump. I got everything loose (skid plate is off, straps are off) but the tank won't come loose. It's like there's adhesive on the foam padding between the tank and subframe.

I already tried gentle coersion w/a 2x4.

Any tips on how to get it loose w/out making a hole?

Truck specs are below...

Shaners · December 29, 2004

I'm guessing you already have the filler pipe disconnected?

Pioneer · December 29, 2004

Yup - good q though .

Tank is stuck to the fn foam padding.

It's cold as h and it wont separate.

Ddexter · December 29, 2004

Good luck ....

I just had to get my tank and fuel pump replaced. The tank was FULL, and would not budge. They had to use crowbars to pry it off the truck.

The tank was slightly damaged during removal, but that's OK. It had to be replaced, since there was too much rust to repair it.

budhayes3 · December 29, 2004

Every time I've run into that, I usually support the tank with a jack and some wood, and either carefully pry the tank or hit it with a rubber mallet...(then it'll usually fall when you're taking a break and not expecting it )

Pioneer · December 29, 2004

I finally got it down w/a BFC (big fn crowbar) and managed not to damage the tank. I slid the bar between my hitch and bumper and twisted it against the rear edge of the tank. Once the rear let go the front did too.

The rust on the fuel lines looked pretty scary but I was able to get them unscrewed easily.

Darn wiring harness would not release so I cut the wires and put male/female bullet connectors (just in case). Covered it all in conduit and elect tape to deter corrosion.

All the hoses were a pain in the sub 30deg weather but there wasn't much of a choice since I would not do this job in my attached garage!

I siphoned 12 gallons out before working on the tank but there was another 5 I had to empty by tilting the tank.

GM sealed the locking ring with some waxy crud. Took me 30 minutes to scrape it off and clean the surrounding area before breaking the seal and lifting everything out.

The pump is replaced and she's running again.

What a pain that was - I give it a 8.5 on the PIA meter. Note to self: never do this again.

Thanks for all the advice!

intruder217 · December 29, 2004

My local mechanic did the job for $100 plus the pump. Sounds like I made the right decision...

tfpary · December 30, 2004

I just did mine in Novermber - same issues that you had.

Tank wouldn't pop loose - I left the jack in place and used my steel toed boot for some persuasion, not only did the tank come loose, I felt better!

I spent considerable time on the connector, the one ON the tank, only to get it apart and find out that one should disconnect the harness right in front of the cross member above the rear axle - there is a nice gm weather pak connector there. I managed to get the plug back together at the fuel sending/pump unit and sealed, thank the lord, don't know what that would cost.

Why do these things always happend when its cold out and the tank is full? Well at least my tank was low (shoot, thats probably why the pump fried, run too much with too little fuel to cool it).

Glad you got it fixed!

tad