In order to replace the fuel pump on my 90 Civic? I have a Haynes manual that says I do, but I've been told by other people (including the previous owner) that I shouldn't have to. And if I do, what tools do I need in order to do so?

 

No need to remove the tank. Work on it through the access panel under the back seat. You should only need a socket set, pliers, and a philips screwdriver. Ideally the tank should be less than half full when removing the pump.

 

Thanks. That's what I thought. The gas tank has less than 2 gallons in it.

 

One thing I forgot to mention: the wiring for my fuel pump doesn't have a plug connector. I bought the car from a friend who got it from his ex wife because she stopped making payments on it. When he went to get the car, the ex-wife's boyfriend ripped the wires out in an effort to sabotage the car. So it was "jerry rigged" and the wires were re-connected with butt connectors:


I've never had a problem cold starting the car until recently. I'll test the relay and the pump this weekend before I do any work.

So I went to U-Pull-It today to find a relay and fuel pump. I found 6 Civic's ranging from 89 to 91 but no relays. Two of the cars had fuel tanks that were untouched so I proceeded to pull the pump on the 1st. I removed the cover that's screwed down underneath the seat and pulled out what I thought was the fuel pump. But no fuel pump. Just what looks to be a floater. 2nd car, same thing. Is the fuel pump somewhere else? According to my Haynes manual, the fuel pump is inside the tank and the tank must be disconnected to replace the pump. What am I missing here?

 

In a 91 or earlier civic you DOOOOO need to remove the fuel tank if you need to work on the fuel pump. If you just need to look at the sensor, that is whats under the seat.

 

Thanks for the reply. If the fuel pump is the problem, I'm not messing with that. I'd rather pay a mechanic to deal with it.

 

if you just need to replace the fuel pump its fairly easy for a weekend mechanic. just removing a few hoses and two straps and its down and the fuel pump is a quick swap. Its just time consuming.

 

Yeah I'll give a try if I have to. Doesn't even sound all that time consuming, either. Couple hours, max.