Fuel Tank Removal in a 2001 Honda Odyssey

Removing the fuel tank on a 2001 Honda Odyssey is not a difficult procedure, but it should be done where there is the lowest possibility of sparks. The tank removal should be done only when the tank itself is compromised. It is not necessary to remove the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump; access for it is under the rear seat. Keep in mind that you need to drain the remaining fuel.

Instructions

Remove the negative battery terminal post using a socket and ratchet. Relieve the fuel pressure by first removing the gas cap. Place a shop towel over the fuel pulsation damper next to the throttle cable bellcrank on the engine. Loosen the pulsation damper one turn to relieve the pressure. Torque the damper top 16 foot-pounds. Reinstall the gas cap.

Raise the rear of the vehicle and place a jack stand under each side at the rear jacking points. Lower it to rest on the stands. Loosen the fuel filler and vapor hose clamps at the upper end of the hoses using a flathead screwdriver.

Disconnect the canister vapor lines in the rear of the tank. They are quick disconnect fittings that need only to be pressed to pull them apart. Place the floor jack under the fuel tank between both support straps. Raise the jack to support the fuel tank. When lowering the fuel tank, take care not to tear the hoses. Twist them away from the frame when lowering the tank to avoid damaging them.

Trace the fuel pump wire toward the front of the vehicle until you meet where it plugs into the van's wiring. Unplug the fuel pump's harness from the van's wiring. Remove the two support strap bolts using a socket and ratchet. Lower the straps. Lower the tank about four or five inches to release the upper fuel filler hose from the metal filler neck.

Place the fuel container under the rear of the tank. Insert the manual fuel pump hose down through the upper end of the fuel filler hose and into the tank. Drain the fuel from the tank.

Lower the tank about three inches and disconnect the quick disconnect fuel lines and unplug the pump. Lower the tank.

Raise the fuel tank taking care not to tear any of the hoses on the frame. Align the fuel filler and vent hose with their pipes and push them on as the tank is being raised.

Connect the canister vent hoses. Position the hose clamps on the upper fuel filler and vent hose and tighten them with a flathead screwdriver. Place the support straps in position and install the two support bolts. Torque them to 28 foot-pounds. Plug the fuel pump wiring harness into the van's wiring harness.

Move the floor jack to raise the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle and fill the fuel tank with the fuel you removed. Cycle the key on for about 10 seconds, then off. Turn the key on for another 10 seconds, then start the engine and check for leaks.