Now, I haven't gotten my repair manuals for my new LS yet, but can anyone verify if the LS430s have an access hole for the fuel pump, or if they require you to drop the tank out of the car?

LS400s were kind of nice with the fact that even though the tank was in the trunk and ate up a bunch of space, they were pretty easy to access in case the pump needed changing.

Even my 04 GX still requires the tank to be dropped. And I know that the fuel pump is not supposed to be designed to be a common maintenance item, but EVERYTHING with an electric motor is going to fail at SOME POINT and need to be replaced.

What really irked me was my old 89' Landcruiser, which had an access panel for the fuel sender, but not for the pump.... like.... come on guys, you couldn't make that panel just a LITTLE bigger?

 

Glad to see this didn't blow up.

1) Chevy trucks are notorious for blowing their fuel pumps because they use bargin-basement components.

2) Fuel pumps do use the gasoline to cool themselves, so you shouldn't drive around with the low fuel light. Once the light comes on, head directly to fuel.

3) The fuel light comes on with about 2 gallons left in the tank, that's a pretty big safety margin. But when you cut into the safety net, the wear on the fuel pump increases. Additionally, it's important to consider the fuel flow rate. Idling the car through city traffic is easier on the fuel pump than autocrossing the car or driving at 80 mph. 80 mph / 22 miles per gallon = 3.63 gallons per hour; 10 miles per hour / 15 miles per gallon = .67 gallons per hour.

4) Thank the lord that our cars are Japanese built. Look at how seriously Denso takes the component

If you want your fuel pump to last as long as possible just follow these simple steps:
-Don't drive around with your fuel light on
- Don't use E15 or E85 'gasoline'
- Don't drive an American or European vehicle

 

Looks like you do not have to drop the whole tank to replace the 430's pump. Unlike the Chevrolet...

http://www.import-car.com/step-step-...p-replacement/

 

The fuel pump is under the rear seat. Easy DIY.

 

I always keep my tank at least 1/4 full.

Just this weekend I went to the track and a buddy burned out his FP because he didn't have enough gas to keep it cool with all the sloshing around.

 

Anyone happen to know how much fuel is left in the tank when the warning light comes on?

My Land Cruiser has a pretty good reserve with exactly 5 gallons when the light appears (25 gallon tank)

 

2-3 gallons is what I understand.