Mazda wants ~$200 and approx 3-4 weeks to get this tool which removes the ring housing the fuel pump. rgonza had suggested that Snap-On makes a tool that will do the job but I couldn't find anything that actually worked (already tried the Ford fuel filter wrench).

Does anyone have any ideas or know where I can get something that will work?

 

pm sent

 

I am 19,000 miles away from mazda's recommended replacement of the fuel pump. Please keep us posted on your DIY fuel pump change.

 

Use a rubber mallet and a wide bladed flat head screwdriver.

 

+1

 

Wow, does that really work without widespread destruction?

 

I figured it would be better to break that ring and buy a new one when ready to put back together.... But is that ring a buyable part from mazda? Any ideas?

 

it better be made from something other than carbon-based steel (aluminum, stainless, brass, etc.) because sparks and gasoline vapors do not go well together

 

I've never seen a fire started this way but you want be completely paranoid about it use a brass screwdriver.

Taking the ring off I wouldn't be too worried anyway. If you have any fuel on the outside of your tank before removing the fuel pump module you have other issues that need to be addressed first.

Angle the screw driver so that it is almost sideways so that when you hit it will give it a turning motion. Well sideways as much as possible anyways, it can be difficult inside the access hole. It a lot easier if the tank is sitting on the floor.

 

or try wrapping it in electrical tape, that's what I do when I pry interior plastics

 

I went to the dealer with donuts and coffee.....and they let me borrow it for a few minutes...and did my mods in the parking lot.......

 

I'll be doing it on the car, I guess I'll give it a shot and see what happens...the ring is cheap anyway!

 

It's SOP when dealing with flammable materials. Like with any safety procedure, it always seems like a waste of time/effort until something goes terribly wrong ...

 

Point taken. Kind of like a "famous last words" scenario.

 

Well this didn't work at all; I ended up destroying about 3 of the tabs trying to get some sort of rotation on the thing. I guess I'll need to order the special tool!

EDIT: I ordered a couple of replacement rings through Mazdaspeed @ $24/pc. I figure I'll just break this one off (or dremel it out or something) and replace with the new one. I can order 8 rings for the price of the tool!