CHILTON'S manual mistake - Beware

Alfonso Gomez · 05-06-04, 07:26 AM

Recently, my 1987 Coupe needed the fuel pump replaced. So, after towing the beast home, I took out my trusty(?) Chilton's manual to find out how to replace the fuel pump correctly. I was horrified by the instructions I found. I read them twice to see if I was reading correctly. These instructions are found on chapter 5-9 and state that the fuel tank has to be removed from the car. Anyone that has done this will know it is a PITA. It said to raise the car, remove the spare tire carrier, remove the rear Y-pipe and mufflers, the rear fender braces, the inner fender panels, the antenna ground strap, remove the rear lamps and other assorted parts, then remove the fuel tank from the car

. I just could not believe it. So I took out my HAYNES manual to verify these instructions and, to my relief, I found out the CORRECT way of replacing the pump. It takes less than one hour to do the job properly.
I post this in order to warn anyone out there not to follow the instructions on the Chilton's manual. It will save you a lot of unnecessary work, bruised knuckles and a lot of swearing. The people at Chilton's deserve

.
Cheers

rrubel · 05-06-04, 12:28 PM

I *HATE* Chiltons manuals. Had one for my old Subaru, and it was wrong more often than it was right. If you can't get a factory book, then Haynes is the way to go...
[RICHR]

Edmond · 05-06-04, 12:33 PM

I've got Haynes here myself. But to be honest, I usually start taking things apart before I consult the manual!

Ken · 05-06-04, 01:24 PM

Helm - the only way to fly!

tnovot · 05-06-04, 08:07 PM

I'm with Ken. Ditto on the Helm.
I'm not impressed with Chilton OR Haynes. They are good on generalities but both have errors and appear to not have verified many of their vehicle specific procedures.

UB2 SLOW · 05-07-04, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edmond

I've got Haynes here myself. But to be honest, I usually start taking things apart before I consult the manual!

I usually dont pull out the manual until I hit a snag or cant figure something out!

dburgjohn · 05-07-04, 10:58 AM

What manual, I just search or post on CAC

gmhowe · 05-09-04, 05:52 PM

Chiltons is no good, I bought a complete service manual for my 85. The fuel pump comes out very easily since you only have to take off the gas cap cover and remove the bolts on the top and it all comes out.

gray85 · 05-11-04, 11:40 AM

I have an 85 also, I was pleasantly surprised with how easy the fuel pump comes off. I wish it was that easy to change value cover gaskets

86PACER · 05-12-04, 04:12 AM

Fuel pump replacement is a 10 minute job, and having to remove the fuel tank is rediculous. I seen other similar mistakes in the Chiltons manual about replacing the door handles. It calls for removal of unnecessary items. All you need to do is remove the door panel, not all the BS it says you need to remove. The Chilton's procedure for removing the side panel to pull the battery is also inaccurate. I replaced it in favor of the GM Shop Manual.

I feel sorry for anyone who has actually dropped the fuel tank to replace the fuel pump upon consulting the Chiltons. Un necessary PITA.

86PACER · 05-12-04, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken

Helm - the only way to fly!

I agree. Worth every penny. I got mine on ebay for $42 and is in great condition.

It has paid itself and saved me un nessesary work in the short time I've had it. If you can't get one of these, the Haynes is your next best choice, but still a far cry from the Shop Manual.

SSTibet · 05-12-04, 05:24 AM

I bought both Chilton's & Haynes manuals to learn how my car works and also to grow my skills in preiliminary troubleshooting. You see I live far from USA and technicians here use their common sense in fixing things; manuals / special tools / spare parts are always short here.

Haynes is quite good in nerrative description of how this stuff works although illustrations are very poor. At first glance Chilton's is impressive with its layout, illustrations etc etc. However, neither one of them is good enough for a professional mechanic, and the manuals for professionals is far too complicated for people like me anyways... So, use them for reference only but do not bulls..t with the car based on what they say folks. When I need a part I either ask my mechanic or search it in Ecklers web site. Eckler's delivery performance is simply excellent...