Out of the blue - it won't start!

[98Boxster98]

Thumper - How'd you get the retaining ring off? A strap wrench? The Porsche manual references a special tool VW 3217.

[Thumper]

No fancy tools for me. I used the largest channellock wrench I could find at Home Depot. It fit over the top and without squeezing the retaining ring, I was able to catch the tabs on the side of the retaining ring with the sides of the channellock jaws and twist counterclockwise. Once it's broken loose, it spins off rather easily. Porsche does put a dab of silicone sealer on the ring and sending unit to "lock" the ring into place. It helps to remove the dab of sealer before attempting to break the ring loose.

If the channellock's hadn't worked, my next attempt would've been a strap wrench. It's pretty tight quarters, but the retaining ring isn't really torqued down very tight. Worst case, I could've broken off the ring and just bought a new one, as it's plastic (I'm amazed at the amount of plastic Porsche uses).

[peterjg]

Hi Thumper , my porshe 2003 2.7 just stopped and the mechanic has advised fuel pump, I have been quoted stating the fule pump is one with the tank and by removing the Tank and bottom supension they will replace it , this sounds sus as you have advised that its just a batery removal and the pump is separate , any suggestions , im thinking a second opinion. thanks

[Thumper]

Absolutely get a second opinion. Replacing a fuel pump has nothing to do with any suspension components. Just pull the battery, the battery tray (four nuts), disconnect the electrical connector to the fuel pump/sending unit, unscrew the large ring at the top of the tank, pull out the sending unit and there is the fuel pump. A quarter turn counter clockwise and lift out the pump. Other than having to stick your arm into a fuel tank full of fuel, it couldn't be any simpler.

Replacement is the reverse of disassembly. Sounds as if someone was trying to take you for much more than what it should cost for replacement. I'm surprised that they didn't tell you that your muffler bearings were going out as well.

[peterjg]

thanks thumper, second opinion helped and i got a third , new people servicing the car now , you were a great help regards Peterjg