Sorry for all the questions today, but it's a good day to do some work on the car. I searched the forum for this term and it didn't come back with anything, though I suspect someone must have asked at some time.

I need to replace my fuel pump, and I have the service manual, but it doesn't mention how to take the pressure out of the fuel system. I don't want to get a gasoline bath or end up a human torch. The fuse-box cover didn't have a fuse directly assigned to "fuel pump." I have read that you need to pull the fuse out and run the car until it stalls. Other explanations, though not RX7 specific, have you doing something with pushing a button on the pump or a shut-off valve in the fuel lines.

What's the best way to insure I don't end up soaked in gasoline while doing this?

Thanks!

 

Okay, I figured out how to use the "advanced search" to get better results, and I see some answers to this question, but none are 1st generation specific. Now I don't feel like such a tool for asking.

 

Just open your fuel filler cap. That will vent all the pressure from the fuel system. It's a low pressure system with a return line, so there shouldn't be any pressure in the lines.

 

If you're not running fuel injection, vapor pressure is all that's left within a minute or two of shutting the car down. Opening the tank as OneRotor said will eliminate that possible issue too, though if your vent system is working properly you shouldn't have standing pressure to speak of after the engine's been shut down anyway.

You'll still get some fuel spillage, though - - gravity and the fuel in the lines will see to that. Only a couple of ounces usually, though, and it doesn't 'spray.'

 

Thanks a lot! I was just worried, though, because when I changed the fuel filter I got quite a stream of fuel coming out and got covered in the stuff. Of course, I didn't take the gas cap off.

 

To prevent a fuel leak like you described above, just take a rag (to protect the hose) and a pair of vice grips. Use it to gently squeeze the hose closed.

You live in my city, but we haven't met yet


.

 

Yeah, I don't get out much. The car is sort of my hobby. I drive it like a grannie and just for fun. I like to keep it as stock as I can and so don't do much with mods. GR only seems to have a few RX-7's but I see them from time to time. Seems like I've seen a dark gray one in the Kentwood area and a creme colored one out on the Beltline.

 

Check out the Midwest section. Thinking about setting up a meet in GR.