Fuel Pump Access Door in floor of 2007-2014 models
- Thread starter GoldmistXL
- Start date
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Pretty as it is, I will never agree with it. My views about this has been stated many times.
ivin74
05 NBS Nali
Looks like an obs suv, reminds me of my old 1996 2dr.
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Knowing that "access" doors exist on other vehicles for the fuel pump, the concept of adding an access door itself doesn't bother me. The absence of one originally may be simply a cost savings measure.
That said, I'd have to agree that draining and dropping the tank probably takes less time than to strip the interior, carefully cut through the floor, cut a new larger patch from a junkyard Tahoe, drill, prime, and install the patch. The patch should have been sealed with a butyl sealant as well to prevent any exhaust vapors from entering the vehicle. Also, this job is likely to be done only once in the lifetime of the vehicle.
I believe these tanks are quite light once the fuel is removed.
That said, I'd have to agree that draining and dropping the tank probably takes less time than to strip the interior, carefully cut through the floor, cut a new larger patch from a junkyard Tahoe, drill, prime, and install the patch. The patch should have been sealed with a butyl sealant as well to prevent any exhaust vapors from entering the vehicle. Also, this job is likely to be done only once in the lifetime of the vehicle.
I believe these tanks are quite light once the fuel is removed.
This mod could be a lifesaver if your pump failed far away from home like a road trip or camping trip or even during a blizzard.
My reasoning about why I do not agree with the access is documented and does have to do with physical harm.
Kylem40
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My 07 is a SLT hope its the same. I would imagine so. Thank you for posting this. I am about to do this. I know this post is old i just wanted to thank you.
KC 2013 Tahoe
Member
Yes - It's an old post but very applicable. Just got a quote for $1,593 to have mine replaced. At 128K miles don't trust it, as it's my wife's primary driver and we do use it to travel from the metro Phoenix area to Carlsbad, CA every summer along I-8 in 110+ heat. Definitely not a place I want to risk having an aging fuel pump give out on us, so doing this as preventive maintenance.
My '04 Grand Prix had an access plate under the back seat to do this. Used it to replace a faulty fuel level sending unit. Super easy.
Trying to get the wires and hoses unplugged with the tank hanging partially up there as needed to fully drop it with little to no access or leverage is extremely difficult and frustrating. Particularly if a clip breaks or the electrical connectors don't separate properly. Ask how I know. A real PITA laying on your back and under a jacked-up 5500 lb vehicle. No thanks.
An AC Delco pump/float assembly is $280, or the Delphi $230 from Rock Auto. Going to do the access panel method. I have air tools for speeding-up the seat removal. Will use a bead of silicone to seal a slightly oversized cover plate and make it gas tight. As good as any factory access panel. Shooting to do this on an upcoming Saturday and will post my results.
My '04 Grand Prix had an access plate under the back seat to do this. Used it to replace a faulty fuel level sending unit. Super easy.
Trying to get the wires and hoses unplugged with the tank hanging partially up there as needed to fully drop it with little to no access or leverage is extremely difficult and frustrating. Particularly if a clip breaks or the electrical connectors don't separate properly. Ask how I know. A real PITA laying on your back and under a jacked-up 5500 lb vehicle. No thanks.
An AC Delco pump/float assembly is $280, or the Delphi $230 from Rock Auto. Going to do the access panel method. I have air tools for speeding-up the seat removal. Will use a bead of silicone to seal a slightly oversized cover plate and make it gas tight. As good as any factory access panel. Shooting to do this on an upcoming Saturday and will post my results.
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KC 2013 Tahoe
Member
Update: Going to do an about face. A work buddy referred me to a highly recommended, family-owned shop w/50 years in business. They'll charge me 3 hours for a total of $390 to drop the tank and change the fuel pump. They're fine with me providing the parts. In light of that, went ahead and ordered the AC/Delco pump w/sender, a new Lock ring, and Charcoal vapor canister from Rock Auto. Scheduled to have it done on July 9th, will advise how it goes.
Much more down to earth than the $1,593 estimate I had received at Firestone and worth it to me in terms of not having to spend a Saturday pulling the seat, fabbing the access plate and changing the pump.
Much more down to earth than the $1,593 estimate I had received at Firestone and worth it to me in terms of not having to spend a Saturday pulling the seat, fabbing the access plate and changing the pump.
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