Tech Tips: Fuel Pump Float Arm Assembly – UnderhoodService

Tech Tips: Fuel Pump Float Arm Assembly

In some cases, float arm assemblies have been damaged after the fuel pump has been tested. Shipping, mishandling and pump insertion/removal from packaging are causes for potential damage.

float-arm-figure-1Models: All

The Problem

In some cases, float arm assemblies have been damaged after the fuel pump has been tested. Shipping, mishandling and pump insertion/removal from packaging are causes for potential damage.

The Solution

The float arm is shipped loose to avoid unnecessary damage and disruption during installation. The undamaged float arm assembly should be properly mounted to the fuel level sender before installing the pump module into the fuel tank.

Float Arm Installation

NOTICE: Handle the fuel pump module, fuel level sender and float arm assembly carefully. Any damage, bending or distortion will adversely affect the accuracy of the fuel level readings.

Identify Components

The following components will be referenced during the assembly process (Figure 1):

1. Fuel pump module

2. Fuel level sender

3. Pivot hole

4. Float arm assembly

5. Float arm retaining clip

float-arm-assembly-figs-2-5

Assemble Float Arm

1. Insert the float arm into the pivot hole of the fuel level sender (Figure 2).

2. Carefully push on the float arm until it snaps into the fuel level sender.

The float arm will now be in place (Figure 3).

Install Float Arm Retaining Clip

Position the float arm retaining clip over the float arm as shown (Figure 4) and push it into the fuel level sender housing until it snaps into place (Figure 5).

Courtesy of Airtex 

You May Also Like

Alternator Testing For No Charge Conditions

Many alternator problems turn out to be nothing more than a bad connection at the alternator or a bad wiring harness.

If only battery voltage is present at the battery on a running engine, does this mean the alternator is “bad?” No, it does not. It only means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why. Therefore, it does not point to a faulty alternator. All too often, the alternator is condemned by technicians due to this test alone. The cause could instead be a module that distributes the power to the vehicle and regulates the alternator.

Understanding Coolants

All-season coolant used inorganic acid technology and worked great for almost 30 years.

Ignition System Do’s and Don’ts

Why do ignition systems give technicians problems when diagnosing ignition-related misfires? The answer is that some technicians use tests that might give inconclusive results or do damage to the coil or drivers inside a module.

Tools To Service Serpentine Belts

Servicing the serpentine belt on some vehicles is a tough task.

Battery Charging and Diagnostics

Here are six tips to use when diagnosing a vehicle with a dead battery. 

Other Posts

Why Do Timing Chains Stretch?

As the timing chain wears, it can change the timing of the camshaft and crankshaft.

The Impact of Fuel Type on Engine Performance

When fueling, consider engine design, manufacturer recommendations and usage.

Carbon Deposits and Direct Injection Engines

The primary cause of these problems is that fuel and added detergents are not hitting the back of the intake valves.

Acura Turbo Engine Service

It is important to check the operation of the solenoids that control vacuum to the actuators.