Fuel pump change

[Grov3]

I have a 2006 explorer XLT with 4.0l V6 2wd and 3row seating. The fuel pump stopped working and I plan on changing it myself. I was looking at the option of creating an access panel through the floor. I've tried finding pictures of the tank so I can figure out where exactly that I need to cut for the fuel pump. Any help would be appreciated. I've purchased a new fuel pump from rock auto dot com. For half the price of the major auto parts chains in my area so I would like to extend out my savings by doing it myself. I didn't like the $300-$400 quotes. Any help much appreciated.

 

[waskly]

do not cut an access hole, worst thing you can do.

just drop the tank its held up by 2 15mm 1 is a nut the other is a bolt.

 

[Grov3]

do not cut an access hole, worst thing you can do.

just drop the tank its held up by 2 15mm 1 is a nut the other is a bolt.

Why would you say its the worst thing to do? I have removed the seats and pulled back the carpet now. I'll try to post the pictures later. But I found a rubber plug and pulled it out. After looking in the hole I can see the top of the fuel pump and sending unit. My plan now is to measure accurately and drill a few 1/4" holes. I will use a drill stop set to 1/8" to prevent from hitting anything on the back side. I have a pair of aviation snips and I will trim an opening. Then I will fabricate a new panel and using sealant make a form in place gasket. Using self tapping screws to reattach.

 

[Grov3]

I have removed the two back seats and the front seat as well. I had to remove a few trim pieces to gain access but that was no big deal. Seems like the newer vehicles are made with better clips than the older ones. They hold up better.

Here are the pictures so far... <div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://pic2.pbsrc.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf" flashvars="rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed1336.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo658%2FTim_grov3%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" /><a href="javascript:void(0);" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s1336.beta.photobucket.com/user/Tim_grov3/library/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" alt="Tim_grov3's album on Photobucket" /></a></div>
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[Town]

Dropping the fuel tank on an Explorer involves a few unusual steps, but is the normal way of accessing the fuel pump and fuel level sensor. This is because the unit is usually quite compact and straight except for the fuel level float that sits quite far from the maint unit. There needs to be clearance close to the tank to ease the unit and float out.

I looked at the diagrams of the pump/sensor unit and it appears that the float level sensor is where the problem will likely be for you too. It extends from the body of the unit significantly and looks as though it will need to be manouvered to get it out undamaged.

It is hard to see many of your pictures, so no comment there.

Good luck.

 

[waskly]

Why would you say its the worst thing to do? I have removed the seats and pulled back the carpet now. I'll try to post the pictures later. But I found a rubber plug and pulled it out. After looking in the hole I can see the top of the fuel pump and sending unit. My plan now is to measure accurately and drill a few 1/4" holes. I will use a drill stop set to 1/8" to prevent from hitting anything on the back side. I have a pair of aviation snips and I will trim an opening. Then I will fabricate a new panel and using sealant make a form in place gasket. Using self tapping screws to reattach.

and take 2 bolts, 1 filler neck that comes with ease, and the tank is accessable to install a fuel pump.

or put a big hole in the body.......

 

[Flag Gibby]

and take 2 bolts, 1 filler neck that comes with ease, and the tank is accessable to install a fuel pump.

or put a big hole in the body.......

But the hole in the floor is so much more fun.