Fix It

The 1979 Cadillac Eldorado had an eight-cylinder 5.7-lilter engine with fuel injection that required a low-pressure fuel system. The fuel pump in the 1979 Cadillac Eldorado pressurizes fuel to between 9 and 13 pounds per square inch. The fuel pump in this vehicle attaches to the fuel tank, requiring the removal of the fuel tank to install the fuel pump.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable on the negative terminal for the battery with a socket wrench to prevent the unintentional discharge of electricity. Open the door to the fuel tank filler, and disconnect the electrical connector for the fuel sending unit.

2

Remove the protective cap for the pressure fitting on the fuel line, and connect G.M. tool no. J-5420 to the pressure fitting. Wrap a shop rag around the pressure fitting, and slowly open the valve on the tool to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Disconnect the tool from the pressure fitting, and replace the protective cap.

3

Siphon the fuel from the fuel tank into a gasoline container. Raise and support the rear of the vehicle with jack stands, and disconnect the ground wire for the fuel sending unit with a screwdriver. Detach the fuel lines from the fuel tank, and support the fuel tank with a wooden block on top of a jack. Remove the screws for the support straps of the fuel tank. Lower the fuel tank slightly, so you can disconnect the electrical connector for the fuel pump. Lower the fuel tank completely, and remove it from the vehicle.

4

Remove the nuts that fasten the fuel gauge unit to the fuel tank with a socket wrench. Turn the locking ring for the fuel pump counterclockwise with a brass punch and hammer. Remove the locking ring, and lift the fuel pump from the fuel tank.

5

Install the new fuel pump by performing steps 1 through 4 in reverse order. Tighten the screws for the fuel tank retaining strap to 25 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Start the engine, and check for fuel leaks.

A vehicles rear springs are part of the suspension system. A cars suspension must be kept in good working order, or the ride will be bumpier and rougher for passengers. The suspension also keeps the undercarriage from coming into contact with the ground; so when a suspension has been compromised there is a greater risk for "bottoming out" and causing damage to the vehicle. Repair or replacement may involve removing and reinstalling the rear springs.

Parts

1978 or 1979 Corvette rear spring replacement parts can be used for the 1979 suspension Multi-leaf composite springs are the most durable and can be found included in a complete spring replacement kit.

Removal

Removing the springs involves jacking the rear end of the car, compressing the spring and attaching a chain to the spring. Then the link bolt, cushions and retainers are removed before lowering the car back onto the jack stands. The spring is then caully removed and replaced.

Installation & Torque Specs

Once the spring has been returned and the center clamp properly positioned, the mounting bolts can be replaced. They must be tightened to between 55 and 75 foot-pounds of torque. The rest of the parts are then replaced in the order in which they were removed. Then the car can be lowered and tested.