On y 1990 XJ, I have a fuel leak. At the fuel pump cover on the circular plate that has the inlet and outlet tubes exiting, the tank, along with the wire connector, I have a lek from the return pipe. The entire pipe can be moved in and out about 1/2 and inch by pulling or pushing on the attached hose. The pipe also wobbles side to side.

Is there an internal oring or seal for this pipe, how is it secured inside? If so where and what to buy?

I want to figure if this is a repairable thing after removal of the pump assembly from the tank, or is it totally broke and I should replace rather than repair by order a new pump assembly before proceeding with removal of the one with the loose return pipe?

Please advise.

 

see the pipe is able to be pushed in, and pulled out.

 

Pretty sure those tubes are swaged or soldered. Maybe you could try to solder it back together? But at that point I think I would just buy a new pump

 

My vote is with 89Laredo. Just for my knowledge, is there a brand of fuel pump that is trusted over the others? I have two fuel filters coming for my 96. When I was clamboring around under it searching for rattle...I saw it and thought it needed to be changed...which got me thinking about a fuel pump.

 

The loose return pipe likely needs a new O-ring or seal where it enters the fuel pump assembly. If the pipe wobbles a lot, the fitting might be broken, necessitating a full replacement of the pump assembly. Remove the assembly to inspect it; if the fitting is damaged, it’s best to replace the entire unit. Have a new assembly ready just in case. Good luck.

 

Fuel pump assembly broken weld on return pipe.


The busted weld allowed the return pipe to move around, thus compromising the seal of the pipe at the cover plate. That seal appears to be some hard filler, like an epoxy or such material. Once that pipe could wiggle around, that seal couldnt hold up.

New pump installed, the old one, I may try to weld the pipe back and use a fuel proof epoxy to reseal. Then I will have a nice spare pump. Heck maybe a good hose clamp around the pipe and bracket may do the trick.

 

New fuel pump

close up of return pipe seal The length of weld on pipe to bracket is longer than on the old pump where the weld had failed.

That is some sealer or adhesive around the pipe where the pipe passes through the plate.