bigwhite

My 93 SC400 recently would not start after a long drive, so Im going to change the orig. fuel pump. My rear seat area has been upholstered in tweed, so I would like to see some pics. of which panel is the fuel pump access panel. Looked through the DIY section and all I see is about the fuel pump ECU.

bigwhite

I have a pic of the area and there is a small round circle with no bolts and a larger square panel. This is an old pic, its all covered in tweed now.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Pry that circular panel off and you'll see the fuel pump (tank) cover behind it. Once you unbolt the inner cover, you'll be able to fish the pump out. Which is somewhat easier said than done, due to the tight space and having to disconnect it.

bigwhite

So is it any easier if you remove the big square panel?

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Doubtful. That would make for a little less depth to reach through, but only like half an inch. The opening into the tank would still be the same size.

soarer13oy

iTrader: (13)

Theres no need to remove the square panel doesnt make it any easier. Just get a flat head a pry the circle panel open. Bolts that are holding the pump in are 8mm bolts.

bigwhite

That is such good news, I had my upholster guy make a removable square panel over the round door. Wasnt sure but thought it was covering the fuel pump. I would have been sick to cut my tweed.

bigwhite

Fuel [pump replacement complete, if you have over 1/4 tank of gas you'll need a piece of flexible vinyl hose and siphon out the gas until it gets to 1/4. Before you remove the fuel pump cover.

bigwhite

UPDATE...Drove the car after new Denso fuel pump, thought it was running better than ever. After my second stop with car nice and hot, car would not drive off but only stall. Jumped the fuel pump ECU and drove fine. Lex wants big bucks for new ECU so is it really OK to bypass the ECU with no downsides?

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

As far as I know, there's no real downside to running with the pump ECU bypassed. It just keeps the pump from running at low speed when okay (not really an issue since much of the gas is recirculated, anyway), shutting off the tank in an accident, etc.

I've been meaning to ask this, and here might be as good of a place as any. With how common pump ECU failure supposedly is, has anyone opened theirs up to see if it's simply a capacitor leakage issue like with the engine ECU? bigwhite, do you have your side panel out currently to get at the pump ECU for an inspection?

If that's all it is, a couple bucks for new capacitors might solve the problem.

bigwhite

Yes, Ive got the ECU off of the car, but it looks epoxy sealed. Ill go to garage to verify. Impressive looking ECU with aluminum cooling fins and all. No wander its so expensive.

bigwhite

Just looked at it, I dont think anyone will be repairing it. I called Toyota since it says Toyota on it, hoping they would sell it cheaper but no go. Some comp[any may make it aftermarket.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

What makes you say you don't think anyone will be repairing it? Too difficult to open?

You can buy used ones fairly cheap, but there's no guarantee they'll last much longer...

bigwhite

The ECU is a sealed unit. Since I have replaced my fuel pump and my car is still not fixed i finally searched the forumn for fuel pump ECU and there is a lengthy thread called SC300 12V. fuel mod w./ pictures. 15 pages and Im only 1/2 way through. One of the subjects of doing the bypass is that I got a fast idle when I first started the car and put it in gear, nearly running over someone. It seamed to go to reg idle after 1/2 mile.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Damn, that sucks. I'd be curious to hear if anyone knows if there's a good reason why it's a sealed unit...