my fuel pump in the gas tank stopped working what can i do.I still have gas pumping through the fuel line because of the other fuel pump that also runs. i havent tried to start it to see if it will run.does the fuel pump in the gas tank have to be working for my car to run and drive?

my car is a volvo 240 2.3L..its not a turbo but it is fuel injected.

Getting the tank lock cap off can be tricky. I used a punch (brass: no sparks)and hammer, but it is difficult to get a good strike angle. I made a copy of the special tool used to remove the cap. You need is about 9"*0.25"*0.75" of mild steel, an old socket head, saw, and access to a welder. Use a ratchet with extension to apply your torque. You can also probabably jerryrig something with a couple of bolts and a vice/hammer to bend your steel if you don't have access to a welder.

Michel 86 240 DL

plans for the tool:
http://www.swedishbricks.com/700900FAQ/Special%20Tools.htm#Pre-Pump%20and%20Fuel%20Tank%20Sending%20Unit%20Removal%20Tools

I did about the same as you, re: the tool.

Someone else at the time posted that you can simply put a couple of large box end wrenches in a criss-cross pattern, I guess with the box loops sitting in the notches of the bung nut.

I'm inclined to think that this is do-able, because after going to all the trouble of making the custom tool, I was surprised at how little torque was required to loosen the nut (PB Blaster having been liberally applied some time earlier).

--
David Armstrong - '86 240(350k km?), '93 940T(270k km), '89 240(parts source for others) near Toronto

All the vendors make some mention of ordering the correct transfer pump for an '84 240. Go to FCP Groton and read the warning at the bottom of the fuel pump listings.
--
'80 DL 2 dr

Go here:
http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/FuelSystem.htm#FuelPumpandSenderReplacement

This refers to 700-900 series cars but a lot of the info is valid for 240's and may help you decide if you want to try DIY or go to a shop.
--
Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F, dtr's 83-244DL B23F, 'my' 94-944 B230FD; plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, hobbycar 77 MGB, and numerous old motorcycles)

I'm not sure exactly but my in-tank pump was out for at least a year. The car ran fine except when the fuel got under 1/4 tank. It would then buck. my main pump developed a buzzing noise which is what got me motivated to replace the in tank pump! Replacing the in tank pump was not too hard a job. Having the bung wrench really helps. One of the fuel lines comes off at a screw fitting a foot from the bung. That little bit of information was key in getting this off and then back together.
--
Simon 80 240 300k 17 years. 'White Lightning'

Replacing the in-tank pump is a little tricky, buy can be accomplished pretty easily. Get the Bentley manual. The pump should cost maybe $40-$60. Get a new seal for the hole in the top of the gas tank. And if you want to make it easier, you can buy the tool for the bung nut that IPD sells.
--
Thanks everyone for all the information and advice, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, B21F (non-Turbo), M46; 86 244, B230, 140k , auto.

I woud expect it to run poorly until the 2nd pump fries(not too long). Should idle ok.
If you can work on RC car electric motors, you can renew your fuel pump motor sometimes, they are pretty much the same.
Most seem torecomend changing both fuel pumps simultaneusly.
Expect 230-440 in parts cost depending how much you shop around.
A car in the junkyard that was wrecked at speed or had catastrophic engine failure usualy has good pumps.

No need to change main pump, while there change the filtersock (intank), change the hose from prepump (intank) and check wiring which goes through.