Another fuel pump question!

[BrandonSho]

ok guys so i just picked up that 89 sho (needs a good cleaning lol) and did what everyone told me to do and its gonna need a fuel pump. It has been sitting for a year and a half but it did start up good with some starting fluid. Now, it does have almost 3/4 tank full of gas so should I make a access panel or drop the tank and drain the gas out of it?

 

[lowc]

if it has been sitting that long with that much gas i would drop it and clean it out and while its out i would cut the access door

 

[oldshoman]

Stop before you replace the fuel pump!

The first thing I would do is replace the fuel filter. It is the easiest fix if you are having fuel supply problems. You wouldn't believe how clogged they can get. It is under the right rear door. Here is a link with directions:
http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/mod...le=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=53

A good fuel pump will not whine or rattle when you turn the key on. It is only when they are failing that you hear them.
I have replaced fuel pumps in 2 of my SHOS and it was not big deal to drop the tank and replace it if it is near empty. It was a while ago, but I remember jacking up the car and pulling off the filler hose and syphoning gas out to gallon containers. Try siphoning out the old gas and putting in a few gallons of new gas, before you decide to change the fuel pump.
Here is a very descriptive link with pictures of fuel pump replacement. It will answer all of your questions.
http://www.shotimes.com/php-bin/mod...le=article&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0&sid=75