Hello,

I am new to the forum. Thanks for having me. Tomorrow I am going to replace the fuel tank in my 2008 RX350 (a brick bounced from under a vehicle in front of me on I-75 just south of Atlanta). The car has just over 100,000 miles. I bought a tank from a salvage yard for $75. The salvage tank still has the fuel pump installed. Should I use the pump from the salvage tank or remove it and use the existing fuel pump?

Many Thanks,
Russell

 

I would use the known working existing fuel pump. , unless you can figure out a way to power and verify the pump on the salvage tank actually works. It would save you alot of headache to remove and reinstall again if the salvage pump were damaged.

 

I would recommend the same thing but I wonder if you can run the engine with replacement tank before you mount it. Run it, start and stop for various time periods until you're satisfied. Let us know what you do.

 

Thanks for the prompt replies. I've attached a pic of the pump. I agree it makes sense to use the original. I was told that the fuel pump can be accessed through a hole under the rear seat. Not sure, though. I hope I don't have to drop the exhaust or axle or any such thing. That brick hit the only place on the tank that isn't shielded. Anyone have experience removing the quick connects?

Thanks Again,
Russell

 

All I can say is, "don't try this at home". I fought that tank all day, from 10 in the morning 'til 8 at night and I'm still not finished. There's a massive heat shield/skid plate under the tank and for the life of me I couldn't get it off. I couldn't get the vehicle off the ground enough, with my floor jack, to allow the shield to swing down. I'm doing it in my driveway and I think if I had a lift I would've finished long ago. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch - I just don't have the $1300 quoted for a new tank, installed.

That pic I posted earlier of the fuel pump is not the fuel pump. Probably a sending unit. I had to take out the rear seat to access the fuel pump. It was fairly simple. Then I had to drop the three piece driveshaft. Then I had to drop the exhaust. Then I finally was able to get the shield down. And finally the tank. I never did get the shield completely off, though. Apologies for rambling. I think I have 3 or 4 hours left. I did change my rear pads while I had the wheels off.