Strainer in fuel system - '78 280Z

[76Datsun280z]

If the '78 is the same as the '76, it's mounted just infront of the fuel tank on the right side.

Man, I think it needs a pressure washing under there...

[hls30.com]

Unless you have a picture of a 78 fuel pump mounted on the car:)

Do'oh!

Tomo,

it is the only blob back there mounted with what amounts to an insulated 3" diameter tube clamp, and with a large hose going in the small end, a small hose coming out at 90 degrees to the large hose, and two wires connecting to it. if you folow the large hose from the tank, it will end at the fuel pump. Follow the fuel lines, you can't miss it!

Will

[sblake01]

None of the manuals show you where it's mounted- only a diagram of the fuel system. All the crud and undercoating make it hard to tell what is what. There was no mention of removing the one wheel to get at the one end either, so thanks at least for that bit.

You don't really have to remove the wheel to get at the fuel pump. It just gives you a little more room to work with.

[Marc_P]

If you are careful and use a stubby flat head screwdriver you can gently remove the filter...I'll see about posting a pic of the filter in a few minutes. The strainer is about 1 inch long, and about 1/4" in diameter(it has to fit in the pump inlet).

Will

So is the idea to twist the strainer out? I attempted to remove mine by twisting a screwdriver against the little plastic tabs on the strainer, but the screwdriver started bending the tabs without the strainer moving any, and so I quit. I didn't want to break them off... I did notice that there might be a small tear in my strainer's mesh - are these parts replaceable?

Marc

[sblake01]

From what I understand, the strainer is NLA.

[Neumeier]

To remove the strainer, take a small screwdriver and gently pry it out. Don't try to do it all in one shot, gradually work your way around the inlet prying a little on each side till it frees up. Then you will have to gently pull it out with the screwdriver since prying on one side will press in the other side if you leverage on the pump inlet itself.

To finish this thread, the original fuel pump on my '78 was shot (112,000 original miles on the car). It developed only 15 psi, which could not even get the car up the driveway. Originally, I thought something was plugged up since the problem started right after tanking up.

I replaced the pump with an Airtex pump purchased at our local O'Reilley's auto parts store ($120). Needed to make up some jumpers for the wires, but otherwise it fit in very well and the car runs fine. Also took the opportunity to replace all of the old high pressure fuel hose with some new hose. I opened the old pump up and it was severely worn inside. There was lots of metal filings from the impeller working its way into the neighboring parts.