Fuel pump issues: should I replace the fuel tank now?

[jlpierce70]

I hate to start a new thread but I'm not finding my issue searching the other fuel pump threads.

I have replaced my fuel pump a few times now owning my 1999 TJ Sahara so I know how to do it. But my problem is the last time I couldn't get the old locking ring to stay on the tank. So I went to the Jeep dealer and bought one since they had it in stock. Put it all together and less than a year later I'm having hard starting issues again.

I drop the tank and find the ring isn't on straight, higher on one side.

I'm wondering if the threads on the tank maybe are deformed or shot and not going to hold any lock ring on? Has anyone had this issue?
If so did you replace the tank, and if so, did you go OEM (if they even still sell them) or aftermarket?

 

[jlpierce70]

Bump

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Having had difficulty getting that locking ring on straight or tight enough before my bet is it was like that after it was last screwed down. I'd just do it again but just be extra careful about getting it threaded on straight and then use a big strap wrench to cinch it down.

 

[P man]

Having had difficulty getting that locking ring on straight or tight enough before my bet is it was like that after it was last screwed down. I'd just do it again but just be extra careful about getting it threaded on straight and then use a big strap wrench to cinch it down.

They are a bastard to get started straight sometimes like Jerry said..those threads are pretty forgiving my bet is if you get it started straight and cinched down you will be fine.

Worst case scenario you buy a used tank which every part reseller will have used for $100 or less

 

[98TxTJ]

My experience is the tank will spread when it's sitting on the ground or bench. This makes it "shorter" which means the sliding expansion mechanism on the fuel pump pushes up. End result is that the ring is harder to get started.

The last time I replaced mine, I threw a ratchet strap around the skid plate and tank and tightened it so the tank didn't spread so much. It was much easier to start the ring that way.

 

[jlpierce70]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll just use the same fuel tank and ring as before and see it it holds this time. It made it about a year so maybe it did just work its way loose.

 

[Moglocker]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll just use the same fuel tank and ring as before and see it it holds this time. It made it about a year so maybe it did just work its way loose.

I just did this how I got it on was I started it and screwed it most of the way down without the pump in it ,left it for a while then took it off and started it with the pump in,make sure to use plenty of grease so it can get tight,when I did my savvy skid I got a new nut from mopar,not available now,I went to buy a spare