M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

FAQ / REFERENCE => How-To's => Topic started by: jrw21 on October 17, 2009, 10:51:03 PM

Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: jrw21 on October 17, 2009, 10:51:03 PM
1991 318is Fuel Pump Replacement. This DIY is based on the in tank fuel pump.

Tools Required for job:

Phillips Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver
8mm Socket and driver
Dremel or die grinder
Soldering gun and wire
Nitrile or Latex gloves

Replacement fuel pump is the TRE 340. http://www.treperformance.com/FuelPumps/TRE255FuelPumps.html#340

Step 1:

Locate your fuel pump. Remove your rear seat. Under the seat/insulation you will find a panel with four phillips screws. Remove these screws to reveal your fuel pump assembly.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2145.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2147.jpg)

Step 2:

Remove the four  nuts on the VDO fuel guage sender and pull the fuel sender out.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2148.jpg)
Step 3:

Turn the fuel pump assembly then pull out. This may require some "tweaking" to pull out.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2149.jpg)

Step 4:

Remove the old fuel pump.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2150.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2152-2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2153-2.jpg)

Step 5:

Use your dremel or die grinder and grind the lower section of the fuel pump housing to fit the fuel pump for the new TRE 340.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2156-1.jpg)
Step 6:

Fit the new TRE 340 fuel pump into the housing, cut the supplied fuel hose to fit the space between the pump and housing. Zip tie the pump to the housing. Do not forget to attach the filter to the pump!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2158-2.jpg)
Step 7:

Solder the new fuel pump wire to the existing fuel pump housing plug.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2159-2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2161-1.jpg)
Step 8:

Reassemble the fuel pump into the tank.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/whitebred21/100_2159-1.jpg)
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: quinn11m20 on October 18, 2009, 08:09:29 AM
Good Job. I replaced mine over 10 years ago. And it was just like that.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: Wizard on November 25, 2009, 02:51:03 PM
Great write up....Did this to mine a couple weeks ago...This article was a life saver..

Thanks...

Dan
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: LeanE30 on November 27, 2009, 12:31:17 PM
Quinn, So did you install this exact pump when you did it?

I'm thinking i'm gonna order this pump.. unless anyone has found something even better yet?

any other input or vital info you guys want to share about this option?
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: LeanE30 on December 03, 2009, 01:21:46 PM
tick-tock,... waiting on the USPS to bring me my pump.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: fabe on December 05, 2009, 02:08:52 AM
I've used a fuel pump made for a Mitsubishi 1.8 Lancer... Currently running Walbro pump...
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: benji_e30 on December 13, 2009, 04:17:49 PM
Would this work for the early model (84-87) E30s? Since these models have a dual fuel pump set-up; one under the rear seat and one by the rear/left tire.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: nickmpower on December 13, 2009, 05:57:02 PM
anyone know the stock LPH?
Title: Moar pics
Post by: LeanE30 on February 06, 2010, 05:26:40 PM
jrw21, your writeup inspired, originally I posted this one without comments, only pictures, but other e30 people finally convinced me to add some captions.

But cheers! I hope this provides useful to others, i know yours did to me

NOTE: Submersible fuel line should be used if you question the supplied fuel line (submersible line truely is much tougher and more difficult to cut than the line that is provided with the pump.)

Quote
Fuel Pump DIY for $80 - Install in Pictures


Car: 1991 318i 4-door - my current "Lazarus" e30 project, M42. All later e30s with the single in-tank fuel pump would follow the same procedure. Don't cross wires or leave exposed wires within arching distances. I take no responsibility for your actions, this is mere documentation of the process that I performed on one of my own cars. I have used a Walbro HP255LPH before external and internal and have been very pleased with them, for this one however, i decided to try out the TRE340 unit, slightly less expensive than the Walbro, both are obviously superior to the OEM unit when you compare flow charts. I love the Walbros and am looking forward to seeing how well this TRE performs in comparison.


What is needed:
8mm wrench or socket
Set of screwdrivers
Wire cutters
Wire Strippers
Soldering iron/gun, Solder & basic skills
Dremel or mini grinder & basic skills
$80
Quote
~ 2 inches of submersible fuel line - check with your local marine motorsports shop, according to a couple other members, if you have to resort to getting it from an autoparts store such as NAPA, they sell it in 1-foot lengths for ~$20 a pop.

2 hours, probably less.


(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/reciept-TREperformance.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/1203091632.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/1203091639.jpg)

The rear seat of most e30s simply "pops" up, grab and lift, install is reverse.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4639.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4640.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4641.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4642.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4643.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4644.jpg)

Using a screw driver for leverage as shown, rotate the pump assembly counter-clockwise.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4645.jpg)

Pay attention to the manner in which you must move the pump to remove from the tank, this will speed the process of re-install.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4646.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4647.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4648.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4649.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4650.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4651.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4652.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4653.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4654.jpg)

Make note of positive and negative terminal positions, do not cross your wires while soldering.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: LeanE30 on February 06, 2010, 05:28:19 PM
Part#2
Quote
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4655.jpg)

Do not use the supplied fuel line. the supplied line is not designed to be submersed in fuel and is for external applications, such as on early high-arch e30s with the external main and in-tank supply.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4657.jpg)

The following picture displays the area from the base of the pump which must be removed so that the pump may seat low enough for the pick-up sock filter to attach.

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4659.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4661.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4663.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4664.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4665.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4667.jpg)

...Bet you were thinking that my grinding job looked butchered huh? ;)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4669.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4670.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4671.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4672.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4673.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4675.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4676.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4677.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4678.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4679.jpg)

(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh64/PC853/DIY%20Tech%20Write-Ups/TRE340%20Fuel%20Pump%20Install/IMG_4680.jpg)

Any Questions?
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: fabe on February 06, 2010, 11:13:30 PM
I've also replaced mine with the walbro fuel pump...
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: Rich86 on February 08, 2010, 01:29:19 PM
Nice write up. I ended up doing mine a couple years back on the side of the road. Wasn't too bad. I think I had replaced the whole unit though and not just the pump itself.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: AtlBMW on February 10, 2010, 06:09:24 PM
Wow, glad I found this. I just bought today, a '92 and there is a buzz/whine going from the gas tank area. I assume it is the pump. Thanks for the write up. What are the signs besides not functioning that is is time to change?
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: Chalino on February 10, 2010, 06:37:44 PM
I've read E30 fuel pumps hum/whine noticeably even when perfectly ok...mine does.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: AtlBMW on February 10, 2010, 07:31:54 PM
Oh it IS noticeable, though intermittent.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: browntown on February 22, 2010, 02:40:59 PM
Anyone have one of these fail? Seems to be a couple posts between r3v and e30tech that say the tre's are crap.  I can live with a little more noise of walbro if it's a better quality unit.  

Also, does anyone have pictures of retrofitting a bosch 040 (intank version of 044) onto the intank assembly?
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: quinn11m20 on February 22, 2010, 03:42:50 PM
I will be doing that not too far into the future. My baby's pump, relay and CPS all apparently went bad. IDK?
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: Rich Dixon 91is on October 03, 2010, 04:09:17 PM
I'm suspecting my fuel pump is why I'm not running. I died while running and I've got spark but no gas. I've got the cover off the fuel pump. Should I hear anything out of it if I click the key back and forth?
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: DesktopDave on October 03, 2010, 06:16:53 PM
Check the crank position sensor & FP relay before you condemn the pump.  The car will not energize the pump relay if the CPS is giving no signal.  It's a safety feature, admittedly a dumb one.

You should see about 680 ohms IIRC on the crank sensor.  You can test the pump by pulling the relay & jumping terminals 30 & 87 with a short bit of wire.  It should start running with the ign. switch in pos. I or II.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: Rich Dixon 91is on October 03, 2010, 09:25:31 PM
Quote from: DesktopDave;97104
Check the crank position sensor & FP relay before you condemn the pump.  The car will not energize the pump relay if the CPS is giving no signal.  It's a safety feature, admittedly a dumb one.

You should see about 680 ohms IIRC on the crank sensor.  You can test the pump by pulling the relay & jumping terminals 30 & 87 with a short bit of wire.  It should start running with the ign. switch in pos. I or II.

I've got 12v at the pump plug when I turn the ignition on to start. Newb with a multimeter, but it looks like 800 ohms on the crank sensor and 1800 on the cam sensor. Those readings with 12v at the pump when I turn the ignition tells me the sensors and the relay are working, and the pump is bad. I guess I need to put power straight to the pump and see if it does anything.

Hope this wasn't a thread hijack...never hurts to bump a DIY!
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: Simon S on April 19, 2011, 05:32:24 PM
First off: big thank you for all the information and pictures – BIG help !!

After swapping in a TRE pump, my #11 (7.5 amp) pump fuse consistently fails.

At first – fuse would fail after ~60 seconds.
After cleaning/replacing connections at fuel pump – and cleaning ground point behind rear seat, fuse would fail after 20-30 minutes (some improvement)

I contacted Nick North of TRE – and was informed that the pump typically draws between 10-12 amps.

I’m going to try a 10 amp fuse – if it works, great – otherwise I really don’t want to jump up more than 5 amps on factory wiring. Can’t find anyone that makes a 12A mini spade fuse – which would be ideal. Installing a 15 will be my last, LAST resort..


Couldn’t get a hose clamp on assembly – it wouldn’t fit in tank opening – reluctantly used a zip tie.


Also – I contacted Nick regarding supplied fuel line being submersible – he assured me it was (fwiw).
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: Simon S on April 20, 2011, 10:30:14 PM
Follow up: put 1-1/2 hours run time on today with a 10 amp fuse. Ran fine. I'm happy.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: sbarton on April 25, 2011, 09:09:16 AM
great write-up.

-Scott
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: Drewdown on May 31, 2011, 03:42:48 PM
Great write up.  Thanks.

Anyone have anything definitive on TRE vs Walbro?
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: rac3r on June 04, 2011, 04:24:44 PM
I put in a new fuel pump assembly, but I replaced the entire assembly instead of just the pump. Is only changing the pump a lot cheaper?

Don't forget to disconnect the battery too. I also like to move the car out of the garage when dealing with the fuel system so that the house doesn't burn down if the car catches on fire.
Title: DIY Fuel Pump Replacement
Post by: blalor on July 05, 2011, 05:30:37 AM
Quote from: rac3r;104386
I put in a new fuel pump assembly, but I replaced the entire assembly instead of just the pump. Is only changing the pump a lot cheaper?


Yes.  The pump seems to be between $60 and $100.  The OEM replacement assembly is at least $240 (from what I've been able to find).