How-To: Remove & Replace Fuel Pump

I initially thought the gassy smell from my 01 Spider was a result of the evap valves but removing the access covers indicated the RH fuel pump had a very small crack and fuel was welling in the valve hat (See red arrow in pic below). I ordered a RH pump from Maserati Parts USA and thanks to Dave for helping me out.... came all the way from Maranello to avoid the hazmat fee charged by Ferrari USA because it is a fuel related part... saved about $120 by doing that.

Here's how to replace the RH fuel pump but the LH should be the same except for dealing with the float arm. In principle, it is the same.

1. Access. Turn on the ignition, open the top, and stop the motor with the hatch fully up and the convertible mechanism with the forward half folded. The "pointy" ends or "sails" will be pointing straight up. Turn off and remove the key.

2. The hatch cover on my Spider lost hydraulic pressure so I had to prop it up with a length of wood about 18 inches long.

3. Using a 3mm Allen socket, remove the five machine screws securing the cover(s).

4. A spanner wrench tool is required to remove the lock ring. Many sources on the web.. Google "Fuel Pump Lock Ring Tool". Costs start at about $20 I fabricated my own using a a one-inch wide strap of .125 steel and welding a cheap 3/8-inch drive socket in the middle. The arms need to be about 5.25 inches from each other and the height enough to clear the valve hat of the fuel pump. A slot needs to be cut to straddle the nubs... a cut off wheel and a grinder did the trick... Painted it red just because.

5. Disconnect the fuel line and the electrical connector. The connector can be tucked under the deck tray. The fuel line is formed so I just dealt with it.

6. Loosen the lock ring (counterclockwise). The fuel pump is spring loaded so it will apply force upwards while the ring is loosened. Two hands are required.. one to press down to counteract that force and the other to unscrew the ring. Note there is an O-ring on the fuel tank neck. Make sure it is there and secure.

7. Withdraw the fuel pump slowly! It has a sump at the bottom that will be full of fuel. Drain some out by slightly tipping the assembly then fully withdraw the pump from the tank. Keep it vertical!

8. Compare the new pump to the old pump. Everything good?

9. Take a rag and clean the lock ring's threads. Now apply some petroleum jelly on the threads so screwing it on will be easier.... a light coat is all that is needed. Also wipe clean the fuel neck O-ring and wipe it with petroleum jelly. Note at this time that the fuel tank neck has an indexing slot which corresponds to a nub on the underside of the fuel pump top.

10. Insert the pump into the tank and allow the fuel to fill the sump. Now set the pump in the tank.. it will sit taller due to the springs.

11. Now it is time to install the lock ring. Insert your left hand through the lock ring as if it were a bracelet and also compress the fuel pump so its top is flush with the tank's neck. Allow the lock ring to drop on top of the pump... thread the lock ring using your right hand. A turn or two is all that is needed to prevent the pump from springing back up.

12. Install the lock ring tool and push down on the pump again while simultaneously tightening the lock ring. The tool will need to be reset a couple of times because the fuel line gets in the way. You'll want the lock ring snug... not gorilla tight.

13. Connect the fuel line and electrical connector.

14. Test! Fire up the engine and check for leaks.

15. No leaks? Awesome. Install the access panel and either put the top up or down...don't forget to remove the prop rod in Step 2, above.

..... hopefully this helps some of you out.
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That's what I deduce based on the comments between original (white) evap valves and newer evap valves that are orangish... not able to confirm however.

Btw, the RH pump is PN 239811 which supercedes PN 180477.

I believe it can but am not sure since under the hat are two hoses and the valve has an electrical wire coming up from the pump. And on top, there is only one fuel line port. Does that valve meter the fuel flow?

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Random question... I don't play golf but if I did I think I'd wanna take the 360 to the clubhouse... Does a bag of golf clubs even fit or would the passenger have to have them in their lap? Any insight would be... enlightening