1. Safety First!
* Disconnect the battery: This is crucial to prevent sparks that could ignite fuel vapors. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.
* Ventilate the area: Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Fuel fumes are extremely flammable.
* Eye protection and gloves: Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from fuel and sharp metal.
* Fire extinguisher: Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
2. Preparation:
* Consult a repair manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual specific to your 1985 Camaro will be invaluable. It will provide diagrams, torque specifications, and specific procedures. This is highly recommended.
* Gather tools: You'll need jack stands, a jack, wrenches (various sizes), sockets, a fuel pump pliers (to disconnect fuel lines safely), possibly a fuel line disconnect tool, and possibly a fuel pressure gauge (to ensure the system is depressurized).
* Drain the fuel tank: This significantly reduces the amount of fuel you'll be working around. You can siphon the fuel out using a siphon pump. Be extremely careful with this step – gasoline is extremely flammable.
* Locate the fuel pump: It's usually located inside the fuel tank, accessed through the trunk. Your repair manual will show the exact location.
3. Removal Process (General Steps - Consult your repair manual for specifics):
* Access the fuel pump: This often involves removing the access panel in the trunk.
* Disconnect the electrical connector: Carefully unplug the fuel pump's electrical connector.
* Disconnect the fuel lines: Use fuel line pliers to carefully disconnect the fuel lines. Have a container ready to catch any remaining fuel. Some lines may require special disconnect tools.
* Remove the fuel pump assembly: This usually involves removing retaining bolts or clamps holding the pump in place. The assembly is often a unit including the pump, sending unit, and fuel level sensor.
* Install the new fuel pump: Follow the removal steps in reverse, ensuring all connections are secure and tight. Pay close attention to the orientation of the fuel pump assembly to ensure correct operation of the fuel level sensor.
4. Reassembly and Testing:
* Reconnect the fuel lines: Double-check for leaks.
* Reconnect the electrical connector:
* Reconnect the battery:
* Check for leaks: Carefully inspect all connections for fuel leaks.
* Start the car: Listen for any unusual noises from the fuel pump and check for leaks.
* Test drive: Take a short test drive to ensure the fuel pump is functioning correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Fuel tank pressure: Some systems require relieving pressure before disconnecting fuel lines. Your repair manual will guide you.
* Fuel pump strainer: The strainer (sock) on the fuel pump often gets clogged. Replace this along with the pump for best results.
* Fuel filter: While not directly related to the pump, replacing the fuel filter at the same time is good preventative maintenance.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Working on your fuel system is potentially dangerous. If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly working on your fuel system can lead to injury or fire. Always consult your repair manual for precise instructions specific to your 1985 Camaro.
