When I was installing the new gas tank mount, I had the opportunity to add an access for the fuel pump assembly. I chose not to do so because
I did not wish to deal with the extra job of getting it sealed and as strong as if there was no hole cut out. Basically, I was lazy because I was
already doing a lot of welding and fabrication on the rusted out areas under there. Things besides the gas tank mount were worthless
like the curved tube behind the bumper, and the tubes that hold the trailing arm mounts. I welded in frame patches too. But, I guarantee
that I could cut out a hole for a fuel pump access panel without damaging anything on the gas tank. I usually cut sheet like that with
metal cut off wheels, angle grinder and electric die grinder. I did add access to the "ping pong ball" gas tank check valve so that if I ever
needed to drain the tank I should be able to get a tube around the ping pong ball.
Yes, I would start with a new fuel filter. Even if it turns out the pump noise was caused by a worn out pump, there is no loss since if you
need to install a new pump, an old filter should be changed out too. When I changed out the fuel filter after I first got the car, I cut it open
and saw that it was packed with dirt.
I did not wish to deal with the extra job of getting it sealed and as strong as if there was no hole cut out. Basically, I was lazy because I was
already doing a lot of welding and fabrication on the rusted out areas under there. Things besides the gas tank mount were worthless
like the curved tube behind the bumper, and the tubes that hold the trailing arm mounts. I welded in frame patches too. But, I guarantee
that I could cut out a hole for a fuel pump access panel without damaging anything on the gas tank. I usually cut sheet like that with
metal cut off wheels, angle grinder and electric die grinder. I did add access to the "ping pong ball" gas tank check valve so that if I ever
needed to drain the tank I should be able to get a tube around the ping pong ball.
Yes, I would start with a new fuel filter. Even if it turns out the pump noise was caused by a worn out pump, there is no loss since if you
need to install a new pump, an old filter should be changed out too. When I changed out the fuel filter after I first got the car, I cut it open
and saw that it was packed with dirt.