Reinstalling fuel pump

[rrover454]

Hi all,

Replacing the fuel pump on my 2003 620ie. Having some issues getting it back into it's u-shaped metal clip.  It was easy-ish getting it off, but the old bladder/filter attached at the end of the pump ripped off in the process.  Essentially, I'm finding it difficult getting the pump back in without snagging the bladder.  It's quite tight in there.  Anyone who has been there/done that have any advice for finessing the pump back in?  I know it's rather straight forward, but thought there might be an angle that might work best, etc.  Thanks!

[rrover454]

Bump!  Anyone?  My arm's getting rather bruised up trying to get this thing in!

[ducpainter]

Bump!  Anyone?  My arm's getting rather bruised up trying to get this thing in!

I use the fuel line to get the pump screen past the bracket keeping my hand as close to the opening as possible.

I use rubber lube on the rubber to make it easier to push the pump into place once it's close.

It's tight in there, but it's doable.

[rrover454]

Thanks!  A couple questions: the long side of the fuel filter/bladder should be on the left side if looking down into the tank from the front, right?  with the power plug on the top of the pump and the rubber fuel hose connected to the pump on the bottom?  Just want to make sure i don't have the pump upside down.  thanks much.

[ducpainter]

Thanks!  A couple questions: the long side of the fuel filter/bladder should be on the left side if looking down into the tank from the front, right?  with the power plug on the top of the pump and the rubber fuel hose connected to the pump on the bottom?  Just want to make sure i don't have the pump upside down.  thanks much.

Yes.

The screen only goes on one way, and the electrical/fuel line orientation is correct.

I've done hundreds of them.

Some fall into place and others are a fight.

[rrover454]

Thanks, ducpainter!  I think I'll avoid further bruising and buy some rubber lube tomorrow.  Hopefully that will make things easier 

[ducpainter]

Thanks, ducpainter!  I think I'll avoid further bruising and buy some rubber lube tomorrow.  Hopefully that will make things easier 

You could use a light wipe of motor oil or grease or petroleum jelly (vaseline).

No need to buy a large quantity of a special product for one use.

[Thermite]

A quick spray of windex does a good short-term lube job as well.  I use it on the rubber bands used to secure the wire looms, electrical items and seals of all types.  I've been doing that longer than I would like to admit to without ever damaging anything.

[rrover454]

Thanks!  I'll lube it up and see how it goes!

[ducpainter]

Thanks!  I'll lube it up and see how it goes!

So...

how did it go?