How do i take the fuelpump out of the plastic casing without breaking the plastic on a 2001 chevy prizm"?"

Take the bottom strainer off first.then you notice two clips that lock the bottom cup like piece of the housing and the top plastic which has the two steel fuel lines running to the top steel mounting plate while prying the clips apart (they will flex) slide the bottom part off the only thing holding it is the clips and the rubber bushing inside. Once the bottom half of the plastic I'd off the rest is self explanatory it right in front of you . If you have any other problem such as faulty fuel gauge you may have to change entire assembly but if it's just the fuel pump you can save up to 1/2 the cost by saving the housing

I'm not sure why you would take the fuel pump out of the plastic casing because I thought that when you got to the newer vehicles that the pump came W/ a complete new unit. The reason is because the unit has all the senders or sensors for your fuel guage & other warning lights in the dash. If you do have to take the pump out like in the old vehicles, BE SURE TO CLEAN ALL GAS OUT OF THE UNIT. Take a large set of channel locks & try to turn the pump in the unit. Sometimes a shot of carb. cleaner will help to release it. IF THAT DON'T work, CLEAN THE UNIT OUT AGAIN.... The reason is because of what I'm going to tell you to try. I have used a HAIR DRYER to get the pumps out BUT YOU HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL, "NO GAS FUMES OR BOOM". Use the dryer to heat the plastic around the pump, just enough to make it swell but NOT enough to MELT it. Get the channel locks & try again. A VERY LIGHT COAT OF OIL OR GREASE can be placed on the new pump for easier instullation. I hope that this helps you, take your time, & all will work out. GOD BLESS.....