After being scolded by Grant for delaying fuel line maintenance (needed it! ), I am trying to get to fuel sump tank filter so that I can clean it

First, I got the metal ring (that locks the cover disc with the fuel line connected to it) removed. That was easy

Now, how do I open up that metal cover disc (after which, I assume, I will get to the filter)?

I tried pulling it, but it is not moving. Is there a trick to get the metal disc open? Or should I just apply more force and wiggling technique?

Also, I think I read that there will be a rubber seal underneath that will need replacing. Is it one of the common seals I can get at a regular Auto parts store, or should it be ordered from Jaguar supplier?

 

From memory, the 'disc' should just wriggle off after you removed the lock ring. It's probably just stuck against the rubber seal. Wriggle harder.

BUT......first.....

You HAVE blocked off the fuel supply from the main tank to the sump tank, right?

Cheers
DD

 

The rubber seal is part number ARA1502J. Works on lots of Jags. Not sure if your local auto parts store would have an off-the-shelf match...but it's worth a try. If not, any jag supplier will have one, I reckon

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks for the part number!

Surprisingly, they are listed in local auto part stores:

https://www.autozone.com/fuel-delive...472873_18889_0
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...985/jaguar/xjs

But unfortunately not in stock in my area. Will have to order
.
O'Reilly carries it at the whooping price of $0.49

 

Regarding blocking the fuel line to sump tank.

i was planning on clamping the inlet hose. Or is there a better way?

i don’t need to depressuarize the whole fuel line when dealing with the sump tank, correct? (I know I would need to depressuarize when doing fuel pump and filter.)

 

My recommendation:

Remove the battery.
Drain the main tank.
Get under the car, and look for the rubber bung in the boot floor, just under that sump tank, REMOVE said bung, and there is the sump tank drain spigot staring right at you, 5/8 tube spanner, done.
EMPTY the boot, and I mean carpets and anything else, there WILL BE fuel spillage, and it only takes a drop to stink the car out.
You have that ring out, now wiggle that tube, AGE (not mine I know I'm old) has "welded" that rubber ring to the mating metal bits.

The rest is simple.

I am NOT a fan of clamping that 1/2" supply hose, they are old also, and the inner lining will be degraded, and the clamping will damage that llning, and cause fuel to leech thru that hose later in time, and stink the car out.

 

Hello v1rok

Strangely enough - just did this yesterday

To remove the spout - I placed a screw driver down the pipe and levered up - the tabs you see in the photo's let it only be installed in the right orientation.

Cleaned the little tank with metho and a paint brush and then swirled metho around it until I was happy.


The filter itself had come free of the tube - so she has been running without a pre-filter for a little time - might explain a new pump that was installed in 2016, and the current one not sounding right. Those 2 probes position the tube in the surge tank

Even though the filter was not attached - still filthy

New filter just before reinstatement - parts are very cheap and is highly recommended

Cheers
Steve

 

After thinking a bit more, I decided to postpone opening the sump tank for just a little bit. Instead replace all three related components -- fuel pump, fuel filter, and in tank filter -- all at once. Either next weekend or the weekend after the next.

I will drive the car a little bit locally, to burn the remaining gas. (It is already below half mark.) Then, per recommendations, I will drain the remaining fuel through the sump tank spigot. And then replace all three components and clean the sump tank. I think it make sense.

Do it all, do it once, do it well!

In the meantime, I will be ordering all the pieces: new pump, filter, etc.

Any recommendations? (I will be ordering in US.) Any bad experiences/brands to avoid?

 

OK,

I would look now at the integrity of the fuel hose, sump tank TO pump inlet. It will need to be removed from the sump tank pipe to do this task, and it might be a bright idea to replace it.

Doug has used Marine Grade fuel hoses in his S3, and reports no smells.

The In tank filter is Genuine only.

The rest I wills stay out of, as our brands dont work up there.

That supply hose is 1/2" Lo pressure fuel hose.

 

Just another thought from me

When I reattach the main tank to the sump tank - I am going to install an isolation valve between the two.

From what I have thought through
Advantages
Next time I change the in tank filter - or need to change the fuel pump - I don't need to drain the main tank (minimum fuel to deal with)
Nice added security feature when I park in an unsecured area

Disadvantage
Extra joins in the fuel line (in the boot) where I wanted to minimise joins
Might forget to turn it on after isolating it in the above car park
But I would rather lose a fuel pump over losing my car

Pretty sure not everyone will agree with my idea - but I am going to give it a go

Cheers
Steve

 

Steve,

Had the same thoughts waaaaay back, ditched the thought fairly quickly., to many joins now, and 2 more, nope.

I moved the fuel filter from behind the spare wheel, to the engine bay. It sits nicely on the chassis rail, just outside the A/C idler pulley.

Looked at moving the pump outside the boot, there is a spot in the rear cradle, but still on the "to do list", and the car has gone.

 

Got the sump tank out today. I took it off my donor car, so that I can take my time to clean it and prep it properly.

Indeed, as Grant said, there was no need to remove the battery tray. After disconnecting enough fuel lines around the tank, there was enough space to access three bolts holding the tank and then take it out, using "fiddly motion".

Below are the pictures, including pics of the insides. Pretty messy. And rusty. What is the best way to clean it? Bez74 mentioned using "metho". What is metho? Don't think I ever used it. Can I use standard rust remover solution? Such as Metal Rescue or similar? No harm because of its gas tank?

 

I remember reading somewhere later models didn't have this sump filter at all, may it be true?

 

Hello

Photo of metho below - brought from the local hardware shop

Benefits is that it flash dries - leaves no residue

From the photo's it doesn't look like the sump tank itself has rusted - just has loose particles

I personally would not use rust remover solution as it introduces a chemical that may react with fuel

 

As usual, internet knows everything. This is the first hit from startpage.com: https://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Remov...rom_a_gas_tank

 

I see. So it is just like rubbing alcohol. Just different kind of alcohol.

I did not pay attention to them previously, but I assume we probably have them in hardware/home improvement stores over here. Likely in the paint section. Will check it out. I remember there are all kind of different cleaners in there. Azeton, etc.

Wonder if some of them are better than the others for cleaning residue inside the sump tank.

 

I've tried alcohol myself, I find both ethanol and methanol ineffective against rust. Why don't you read the article I linked to?

 

Yes, I read the article and found it very useful and informative. Of I go to get a gallon of vinegar...

 

Here is an update on sump tank cleaning.

I thoroughly read the web article provided by Segfault (thanks!) and decided to try vinegar+salt route. Locally Costco sells a box of 2 gallons of white vinegar for $3.xx -- what a deal! (Though only one gallon is really needed, which is about the size of the sump tank.)

I followed the directions. Filled it with vinegar, added some salt, and left it for 24+ hours. Well, it works!

Here is the progression documented in pictures:

Inside the sump tank immediately after draining (old) gas and removing the tank:


After thoroughly rinsing gazzilion times with water to remove dirt and particles:


Condition inside after treating with vinegar and brushing/rinsing afterwards:


probably as good as it can be. (And better than I expected).

So, I would recommend this technique: cheap and it works!

 

In trying to eliimnate the gas odor in the trunk of 89XJS, I removed the sump tank, cleaned it and decided to replace the rubber gasket. AUTOZONE part URO-009006 is a perfect fit. Not available in stores near me but they ordered it, it arrived next day. All for $0.79 !!!!! included tax. The happiest moment of the job so far.