[cmassey_2006]

Hey everyone, I think it's about time to replace my fuel filter because my XJ is experiencing long startups and runs crappy when the fuel level gets around 1/4 tank or less. And my fuel gauge has never worked right ever since I bought the XJ 4 years ago, so I am going to replace the sending unit as well (OBDII code confirms this). And since my XJ has 141K miles, I figured it wouldn't hurt to replace the original fuel pump while I was at it.

So, my first question is for those of you who have had to drop the fuel tank what was the easiest method for you? If I get the fuel level down to at least 1/4 tank before lowering it will the plastic tank then be light enough for me to lower without the aid of another person? Or do I need to use some sort of combination of floor jacks and a flat platform of some sort?

Also, I've read XJ99's write-up (pics don't show up anymore) in the Tech FAQ sticky and he mentioned that he used a fuel pump and filter you can buy off Ebay from a guy named Mike. He also says that these are OEM. What is everyone's opinions on these? Are they really OEM or just junk? I don't wanna have to do the job twice.

And since I need to replace the sending unit too, where can I buy a new replacement?

XJ99 also mentioned that the dealer sold the whole fuel pump module (fuel pump, filters, regulator, sending unit) as one unit for $350. Is this my best bet?

Thanks in advance for all your help/advice!

-Chris

EDIT: Pics are now working in XJ99's write-up.

[OHIOMAN]

i have a 4" lift so there is enough room for me to get under there and drop it all by myself. i just lay on my back and hold it up with my knees until its unbolted and slowly lower it down. getting it back up was a bit tougher as i had to have a buddy route my filler lines and hand me stuff while i was repositioning the tank. after doing it a few times, i can now drop my tank in about 15 minutes and put it back up in just a little while longer. (took me about an hour my first time though.)

as far as what fuel pump is best for you, i dont know. i just got mine from advance auto. good luck, its not too difficult.

[cmassey_2006]

Thanks for your reply OHIOMAN. I have 3.5" of lift, so there's plenty of room for me to get under there also. And the 97+ XJ fuel tanks are plastic and yours (pre-97) is steel I believe, so mine should be lighter. I'll have to find some help with putting it back up if I run into the same trouble as you, but at least after I drop it I can empty the rest of the gas out to make it lighter.

Anyone else have an opinion about where I should go to get my fuel filters, pump, and sending unit? I don't mind paying more if it's for high quality parts (equal or greater quality than the OEM parts). I just don't want to buy junk that I will have to replace in a matter of weeks or months. If all else fails, then I'll go with the whole fuel pump module unit from the stealership.

[OHIOMAN]

well, once you get your tank off, maybe you want to use the old pump to get the rest of the fuel out. i tried to dump it, but there must be a check valve in there so it wont work. or you could siphon it. either way, the tank really isnt that full. ive changed mine at about half full with minimal headache.

[FrankZ]

You might want to see if your rig has any open recall notices regarding the fuel pump. I got a new sending unit installed for free.

[firefighter1c57]

I do know that some of the 97 Cherokee's do have a fuel sending unit recall. Mine never worked right either. Check with the steallership to see if your s might be one of them too. Also, search the stickies, I believe there is something in there about it. I changed my fuel pump in the parking lot of the barracks at Ft. Sill all by myself in about 2 hours with crappy hand tools and about half a tank of gas. Getting it back in was a pain in the but, I just propped it up with my knees and and fought with the straps. Of course, I'm kinda a big boy, so..... Good luck

[cmassey_2006]

Thanks guys. Where did you all buy your replacement fuel pump and fuel filter? And how long did it last? I looked at Advance Auto's site and found the entire assembly for about $300:
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=CTR&MfrPartNumber=P7504 0M&PartType=52&PTSet=A

From the picture it looks like it includes everything (pump, filters, sending unit). The only thing is that it only has a 3 month warranty. Anyone buy their replacement pump/filters from Advance?

Someone mentioned in XJ99's write-up that the ones from NAPA are crap and won't last long.

Originally Posted by FrankZ

You might want to see if your rig has any open recall notices regarding the fuel pump. I got a new sending unit installed for free.

Hmm, I'll have to call the dealership and ask if mine's a recall too. Seems pretty common for the sending unit to go bad on XJs, at least the 97+ years.

[JGriff99xj]

i just replaced the filters in my 99. it wasnt too hard i have 4.5 inches of lift and 33s so it wasnt hard. i had the same problem when i took corners from a stop the jeep wanted to stall. The filters were very dirty when i changed them. just take your time. It was a pain in the butt to get the big plastic nut off the tank, but other than that pretty straight forward.

[JGriff99xj]

oh i forgot to add that i got my filters (theres two) from autozone

[MattS]

I dropped my tank and replaced the whole unit a few weeks ago. It isn't hard. I bought my unit off of a guy on Ebay. I got the entire unit brand new, OEM, for $100. I had to change out the plug from the old unit though. My advice, take the gasket off and put it on the tank first, then slide the unit down in the tank.

[cmassey_2006]

Thanks everyone for all your advise. I PMed XJ99 and he said the fuel pump + filters he bought off Ebay 2 years ago is still working great, so that's where I'm going to try to buy mine. It's cheaper than the stealership and apparently OEM parts.