How do I remove fuel pump off 01 olds silhouette. Dropped the tank down already

With tank fully removed, wash it off, or at least the area adjacent to the pump. This saves making new problems.

The large black ring was made so that you had to buy or rent a special tool, but you don't have to. Use a large blunt rod or wood stick and a medium hammer to "tap" it and unscrew it. Counter clockwise.

Don't just tap one spot because that ring is some 8" in diameter, thus you have some 15 inches of friction againt those threads. When it got locked down at the factory, besides the friction from the threads, the last turn compressed an oring and was a lot of pressure.

Then it sat and got dirty for 17 years, and now you want to unscrew it. So, look at it and imagine a clock. It unscrews like any other screw, counter clockwise. But you unscrew it by tapping on it. If you only tap at one or two spots, the ring deforms and further binds itself.

So, tap lightly at 12 oclock, then six oclock, then nine oclock then three oclock. Expect to do this all the way around, with increasing force many times.

Once it moves, or pops loose, it will be hand tight and you can remove it easily. But overcoming that initial contact force, some 16 years after it was set, should be a dainty task that slowly increases in force so that you dont break off the tabs that you are tapping against.

Watch that your tools do not break a fuel nipple or electrical connector.

Buying a fuel pump at autozone is hundreds or half a thousand cuz they wanna sell the whole unit.

But online companies sell just the pump for under $200 so search for a 'pump only' supplier and you will bank two hundred because you only replace the broken part, instead of the entire sending unit assembly.

Good luck!!!

P.S. watch for dirt intrusion into the tank as you remove it, and cautiousely ckean the lock ring and other parts to keep the inside of the tank virgin.

2001 Oldsmobile Truck Silhouette 3.4L SFI 6cyl
Fuel Pump - Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure.
3. Drain and remove the fuel tank from the vehicle
4. Remove or disconnect the following:
   Negative battery cable Quick-connect fittings at the fuel pump Fuel pump locking nut with a Fuel Pump Spanner Wrench J 39348 Fuel pump assembly from the fuel tank and discard the O-ring

1. Install or connect the following:
   New O-ring on the fuel tank Fuel pump into the fuel tank making certain not to fold or twist the strainer and that it does not interfere with the full travel of the float arm Fuel pump locking nut with the scanner tool Quick-connect fittings at the fuel pump Fuel tank and fill the tank Negative battery cable
2. Prime the fuel system as follows:
   1. Turn the ignition switch ON for two seconds.
   2. Turn the ignition switch OFF for 10 seconds.
   3. Turn the ignition switch ON and checks for leaks. Repair if necessary.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Drain the fuel tank into an approved container.
   WARNING Do not attempt to straighten any kinked nylon fuel lines. Replace any kinked nylon fuel feed or return pipes in order to prevent damage to the vehicle.
   WARNING Do not attempt to repair sections of nylon fuel pipes. If the nylon fuel pipes are damaged, replace the pipes.
5. Raise the vehicle.
   
   
   Fig. Showing the fuel tank assembly and related components
   
6. Disconnect the fuel supply pipe (5) quick-connect fitting.
7. Disconnect the evaporative emission (EVAP) purge pipe (6) quick connect fitting at the EVAP canister.
8. Loosen the fuel tank filler pipe hose clamp.
9. Disconnect the fuel tank filler from the fuel tank.
10. Disconnect the vapor recirculation pipe from the filler tube.
11. Remove the fuel tank shield.
12. With the aid of an assistant, support the fuel tank.
13. Remove the fuel tank strap attaching bolts.
14. Disconnect the fuel sender and the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor electrical connectors at the body pass through.
15. Remove the fuel tank from the vehicle.
16. Remove the fuel sender assembly (3).
    
    
    Fig. Identifying the fuel sender assembly
    
17. Disconnect the fuel sender electrical connections (3).
18. Clean all of the fuel pipe connections, all of the hose connections, and all of the areas surrounding the connections before disconnecting the connections in order to avoid possible contamination of the fuel system.
19. Disconnect the fuel supply pipe quick-connect fitting (4) at the fuel sender assembly.
20. Disconnect the evaporative emission (EVAP) pipe quick-connect fittings (5, 6) at the fuel sender assembly.
    CAUTION Do NOT use impact tools. Significant force will be required to release the lock ring. The use of a hammer and screwdriver is not recommended. Secure the fuel tank in order to prevent fuel tank rotation.