theofile

I have a gas leak coming from around the fuel pump unit. Don't know if it's the tank, fuel pump unit or the seal. I need to get the fuel pump unit off. What's the best way to do that? Do I drop the tank first?

What's the easiest way to get the remaining gas out?

any suggestions? cautions?

Thanks.

djs2571

Many cars have an access panel to get to the fuel pump on top of the gas tank. Start by looking under the trunk carpet & under the rear seats. If there's a panel there to unscrew, take it off and see if that gets you to the gas tank.

1 The tank can be emptied by first running the tank low during normal driving.
2 Get a 5 gal tank or two and disconnect the fuel line, probably at the fuel rail is the easiest place (I don't have a protoge - there could be an easy inline fuel filter that is a better point).
3 Then turn the ignition on - which turns on the fuel pump. They don't like to be run dry (they are submerged in the tank to keep cool) but for a few minutes to drain the tank it'll be fine.

The only comments are the interior will smell of gas for a few days - so leave the windows open during any work you're doing to minimize that.
Also the obvious flamability - don't smoke, connect / disconnect live wires etc...

theofile

Dave, thanks. I got to the fuel pump asembly. Finally got the quick release fuel line off. Can't get the assembly out because the screws are too rusted. Need to drop the tank but can't figure out how to get to the lines that feed into the tank. How in the world can you get at them to get them off??

djs2571

Well even if you drop the tank, you may not be able to get those screws out... oil em up with liquid wrench or your penetrating oil of choice and hope for the best - otherwise you'll have to get a new tank and everything (since I wouldn't recommend grinding things).

So if I understand your problem - there is a pump assembly that is different from where the fuel lines go? They are usually in the same place.
If you can't access them with the tank installed, you have to remove the tank, have it supported and drop it slowly. Like use a motorcycle jack or something that keeps the tank from tipping while it's lowered - or use a couple people and different height blocks - just to keep the tank from falling to the ground while the hoses are attached. When it's supported but away from the car frame you can get to the fuel lines.
Sometimes it's easier to just cut the rubber portion of the line if everything is rusted on - but make sure the ends aren't a quick disconnect or some custom screw on fitting that will cost a lot to replace, since the hoses may not be splicable to a new hose easily.