76 camaro car

The fuel pump on my 94 accord today while driving started to make a louder than normal humming noise. The car still runs fine but the noise bothers me. Should I go ahead and replace it or try and replace the strainer or what?

MAD_MIKE

Verify the fuel pressure is within spec.
If it is low at the rail it could be from the pump failing/blocked or clogged filter.
If it is high there may some obstruction on the return line.

Verify it is just the pump dying and not due to something inhibiting flow, which may cause damage to the new pump.

I would opt to replace the pump. Use one that comes with a new strainer/O-ring kit.
Drop the tank and verify there is no garbage in the tank. Last fuel pump I replaced(known bad design) had a remarkable amount of junk in the fuel tank, quite a bit of steel metal shavings not from the pump failure.

76 camaro car

Thanks Mad Mike for responding. I am going to do as you suggest and replace the pump. It has lasted for over 300k miles so it has done its job. I have noticed the car idles lower than it used to so it may be the pump failing. About a month ago on a trip to the store the car shut off twice at idle and then on the same trip on the way home while accelerating three times the car stumbled as if it were running out of fuel. It only did it that one day. I have put 1000 to 1500 miles on the car since that day and like I said the only sign I have seen as to a problem is the lower idle. Do you have any suggestions on a good quality fuel pump to buy as a replacement? I know honda would be best but I am sure would cost more than other brands to. If need be I will spring for a pump from honda.

MAD_MIKE

Not sure if Honda still sells the pump, Spectre, Airtex, etc are fine make sure to get the kit that has at least the new O rings and sock filter, if you don't opt for the whole assembly. The pump can be purchased by itself as well, watch that pricepoint and what pump kit you are actually getting. Check Rockauto for pricing.

76 camaro car

Thank You!

76 camaro car

Ordered a spectra sp8351h fuel pump hanger assembly today. Was just a little over $81. with shipping. Got the assembly because it comes with everything including a strainer. I went out the other day and tried to start the car but it would not start although I could still hear the fuel pump making the louder noise. I went out today and turned the key on and the fuel pump is not even coming on now. My new pump is supposed to be here on tuesday. Then it will be time to drop the tank and install the new pump. Is it necessary to change the fuel filter with the pump? From what I have read it is a nightmare to change.

MAD_MIKE

It's not a nightmare, it can be a bitch.
Ideally, you would need a third hand/arm but I have done it by myself.

If you can drain the fuel from the rail that helps, I usually just pull the upper banjo bolt off the top of the filter first to prevent any excess fuel from draining back down when you crack open the lower compression fitting.
If the frame bracket is attach correctly and has not been futzed with in the past, it will help prevent the filter from turning. But it is not strong enough to loosen the compression(lower) fitting, the torque required will mangle the bracket.

Put the front of the car up on jack stands at a comfortable height, this aids in removing the upper banjo bolt without having to bend over digging into the engine bay, and it gives you clearance under the car to work the lower compression fitting.

Use a crows foot, 18" extension, and breaker bar to prevent the filter from rotating on the bracket. This is where having an assistant is helpful as they can stabilize/hold the filter while you break the compression nut free.
Use another crows foot, 18" extension and large ratchet to loosen the compression fitting. If you can get a crows foot that is hex 'flare wrench' type and not the typical open end that would be best to prevent slipping/rounding off the lower compression fitting.

Three problems in getting the filter off are;
Being able to stabilize and hold the filter body, luckily I've had success by keeping the breaker bar/extension jammed against the frame rail and tire with my forearm while breaking the compression fitting free.
Keeping the compression fitting and wrench square. With the length of the extension, it becomes a torsion spring and you can get some energy stored up in it, it doesn't feel too stable at times. I've also used several 6" extensions together, these reduce the springiness feel of the single extension, but the slop from the connections can make it a bit hard to keep the wrench square to the fitting.
Gasoline leaking down, once you crack the fitting the fuel will come piddling down the hard line, not too much, but where your line of sight is and where you are located it can be pretty easy to get petrol in the peepers.

poorman212

The crows foot line style is the way to go - 19mm and 14mm.

There was a good write up around somewhere by "hondadude" many years ago but I can't seem to put my hands on it right now

76 camaro car

Thanks MAD MIKE and poorman. Are there any specs that the lines need to be torqued to once installed or should I just go very tight? Thanks again

poorman212

I'd call it "snug" - then verify not leaks at the connections. If you have any a slight tightening should finish it off.

Bottom hard line 20~25 ft lbs. The top "banjo" bolt in the 15 ft lbs range.

76 camaro car

Finally got my fuel pump I ordered off ebay yesterday and installed it this morning. I bought it on the 12th but took this long to get it I got a spectra model sp8351h assembly. Took me about 4 hours from start to finish doing it by myself. Would have been a lot faster if I had had someone to operate the floor jack while I moved the tank into position. Anyway the car runs great again now. I can not even hear the new pump. The tank looked pretty clean inside after I drained most of the gas out of it . The white stuff is where the screen had been resting on the bottom. The screen looked pretty clean to for its age.This weekend going to change the filter