Fuel pump access hole

[blueboss]

I've got the fuel tank out repairing a small hole to the spare tire wheel well and had a thought. Has anyone added an access panel for the purpose of servicing the fuel pump without dropping the tank? Any pics? Just curious.

[dagenham]

Thats not a bad idea. If done correctly I cant think of any problems it would create. A simple plate made to fit over the hole with a couple screws and some sealant should do the trick.

[thomp22]

Everytime I have had to drop a tank out of any vehicle, it crosses my mind. When dropping my 30 gal tank from my Tahoe, I seriously considered it... I always say to myself, " This one should last, shouldn't need to do it again", yeah right!

[Erics SVO]

SHO guys do it all the time. It's a real pain to do that tank. But the panel is under the back seat.

[dagenham]

My second thought to this is how often do you have to replace the fuel pump??

[Meotchh]

My second thought to this is how often do you have to replace the fuel pump??

At least once. But if/when it needs to be relaced again you will save yourself from having to drop the tank & possibly having to drain it as well.

[Ken Potter]

I'm guessing Ford designed it the way they did to keep raw gas from possibly entering the passenger compartment in the event of a collision? I just wonder what the liability might be if there was an accident and somebody was burned to death because of a modification like this?

I'm just thinking out loud here... no offense intended.

I do like the idea of an access panel. Just wondering about the consequences that might arise and all that stuff

[Meotchh]

I don't know Ken, there are cars that have access panels.

[1fastII]

SHO guys do it all the time. It's a real pain to do that tank. But the panel is under the back seat.

I'm going to keep this in mind.

[rschonegg]

My brothers and I have spent many hours under our Fords and Dodges and have said a few bad things towards automotive engineers. We have often wondered why there are not access panels for the fuel pumps on more than just Mustangs. We have always said that all Auto Engineers need to intern at a car repair facility where they see firsthand what mechanics run into on repairs. Ford is no stranger to putting bolts in some very awkward places or not having an access hole in a part where there is a bolt right behind it. Causing you to remove more than just the part that needs replaced.