Changing fuel pump

[Joshv4runner]

Im going to change my fuel pump this week and was wondering if I should also change the fuel sending unit? The fuel gauge works, but everytime I go to the gas station and fill up, it takes a while for the needle to hit the full mark.Is this normal?

1994 4runner 3.0 auto 4wd with 187k

 

[77'911]

That's par for the course, I would leave it. You might get a seal for the top of the tank at the access port. The new style rubber from toyota seems more robust then the aftermarket stuff. I'm about to do this task on ours in a month or two. I'm also replacing the regulator as well.
regards

 

[foonanas]

I got an 88 with the 3.0 and the fuel pump went out this morning. Is this a difficult thing to change?

 

[77'911]

No, open access port in the back to get at some of the connectors/lines. Then, you need to drop the fuel tank. There might be a couple connections that need attention after you lower the tank a few inches. This way it gives you access to the top side. Hopefully, you don't have too much petrol in there. The R&R is pretty straight forward, but watch out for the rusted hardware. Take some pics and posting them up.
regards

 

[foonanas]

are you talking about the 94 or the 88? The 88 I have all sorts of access to..

 

[DC runner]

I believe the 2nd gen continued to have the access port for the pump. I know my 91 did at least. It is under the rear pull up seat on the fuel tank side. You should see a bit of carpet you either remove or pull, I don't remember which. It will open to just above the fuel pump. I can say it helps, kinda. Some things you just need to drop the tank, which is easier than you think. I used the physical car jack as a tank jack, so I didn't have to handle the weight at some weird angle. Placing a bit of thin sheet metal or wood to more evenly distributed the load on it made is work very well. It also allows you to stop the tank at that critical 3 to 4 inches down, just low enough to get access to the connections and tubes, but not low enough to rip them out.


Having a lift would work in a similar manner, if you have a second set of hands. Alas, I do not have one... yet.

 

[foonanas]

I was told by a guy at work that if the fuel pump is working i should hear it when I turn the key. Is this true? I do not hear anything..

 

[ToyoTech]

i think on the 88 you can change the fuel pump just from the access hole.

you can hear the fuel pump prime but it can be hard to hear. it maybe easier to get near the tank and have someone else turn the key to ON. or even better open up the access point and turn the key to ON and listen for it. its a start but the best way is to open the fuel lines at the fuel rail. put tube in bottle and turn key on. it should fill up really fast. if its slow or none, most likely be a dead fuel pump.

those that are dropping your tanks. if it still can start and run. burn up as much gas as you can so the tank is lighter. they are not had to drop if you can disconnect as much as you can from the access hole under the rear seat