1991 Acura Integra Fuel Pump Location: A Complete Guide to Finding and Replacing It

The fuel pump on a 1991 Acura Integra is located inside the fuel tank, which is accessible by removing the rear seat cushion and the access panel underneath it. You do not need to drop the fuel tank to reach the pump on this model year, despite what some older guides might suggest. However, there is some confusion among owners about the exact location, so let's clear that up right away.

The 1991 Acura Integra was part of the second generation (1986-1993) lineup. For these models, the fuel pump sits inside the tank, and the sending unit is also under the rear seat. Some owners have reported that on certain 1990-1993 models, the pump is accessed through the trunk, but the vast majority of second-generation Integras have the pump under the rear seat cushion . If you own a 1991 Integra, plan to work from inside the cabin, not from underneath the car.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Located?

To find the fuel pump on your 1991 Acura Integra, follow these steps:

1. Remove the rear seat cushion. The bottom portion of the rear seat simply pulls up and out. There is a single 12mm bolt at the front center of the seat cushion that holds it in place. Once you remove that bolt, lift the cushion upward and pull it out of the vehicle .

2. Locate the access cover. With the seat cushion removed, you will see a metal or plastic service cover on the floor pan. This is the fuel pump access panel. It is held in place by three Phillips-head screws or four screws, depending on the exact model .

3. Remove the cover. Take out the screws and lift the cover off. Underneath, you will see the top of the fuel pump assembly, including the electrical connector and fuel lines.

4. Identify the pump assembly. The pump assembly is a round unit with six bolts holding it to the top of the fuel tank. You will also see a two-pin electrical connector and two fuel lines (one feed line and one return line) .

That is the entire fuel pump location. It is straightforward, and you do not need to crawl under the car or remove the fuel tank.

Why Some People Think the Tank Must Be Dropped

There is a persistent myth among Integra owners that the 1991 model requires dropping the fuel tank to access the pump. This confusion likely comes from two sources:

  • Second-generation models (1986-1989): On the 1986-1989 Integra, the fuel pump is located under the rear of the vehicle, near the driver's side of the fuel tank. It is mounted externally and requires raising the vehicle and removing the left rear wheel to access it . This is a completely different setup from the 1990-1993 models.

  • Fuel sending unit vs. fuel pump: Some owners confuse the fuel sending unit (which measures fuel level) with the fuel pump itself. The sending unit is also under the rear seat, but the pump on some earlier models was mounted differently. For the 1991 Integra, both the pump and the sending unit are part of the same assembly inside the tank, accessible from the cabin .

If you own a 1991 Integra, you can safely ignore advice about dropping the tank. The pump is under the rear seat, period.

Tools and Parts You Will Need

Before you start the replacement, gather the following items:

  • Safety gear: Safety goggles, gloves, and a fire extinguisher. Working with fuel is dangerous, and you need to protect yourself .

  • Tools: A 12mm socket wrench, a 10mm socket wrench, a Phillips-head screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver, and pliers. You will also need a shop towel or rag to catch any fuel drips .

  • Replacement parts: A new fuel pump, a new O-ring gasket for the pump assembly, and new fuel hose clamps if you plan to reuse the old hoses.

  • Optional: A fuel pressure gauge to test the system after installation, and a fuel line disconnect tool if your lines are stubborn.

Step-by-Step Fuel Pump Replacement for a 1991 Acura Integra

Once you have the fuel pump located, follow these steps to replace it:

Step 1: Relieve Fuel System Pressure

Before touching any fuel lines, you must relieve the pressure in the fuel system. This is a critical safety step. The fuel injection system remains under pressure even after the engine is turned off, and fuel spray can be dangerous .

  • Method 1: If you have a fuel cutoff switch, start the car and activate the cutoff. When the engine stalls, turn off the ignition .

  • Method 2: If you do not have a cutoff switch, start the engine, then pull the fuel pump fuse from the fuse box under the hood. The engine will stall after a few seconds. Turn off the ignition immediately .

  • Method 3: Locate the fuel filter in the engine compartment (against the firewall, next to the battery). There is a 12mm bolt on top of the filter. Wrap a shop towel around the bolt and carefully turn it one turn counterclockwise to relieve pressure .

After relieving pressure, remove the gas cap to vent any remaining pressure in the tank .

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. This prevents any electrical sparks while you are working near fuel .

Step 3: Access the Fuel Pump Assembly

With the rear seat cushion removed and the access cover off, you will see the top of the fuel pump assembly. Take a moment to clean the area around the assembly with a rag to prevent dirt from falling into the fuel tank.

Step 4: Disconnect the Electrical Connector and Fuel Lines

  • Electrical connector: Unplug the two-pin electrical connector from the fuel pump assembly. There may be a plastic safety clip that you need to release first .

  • Fuel feed line: This is the larger line that delivers fuel to the engine. It is typically held by a banjo bolt or a quick-disconnect fitting. If it is a banjo bolt, use a wrench to remove it, and be careful not to lose the two copper washers on either side of the fitting .

  • Fuel return line: This is the smaller line that returns excess fuel to the tank. It may have a plastic retaining clip that you need to slide out of the way before pulling the line off .

Place a rag underneath the lines to catch any fuel that seeps out.

Step 5: Remove the Fuel Pump Assembly

Remove the six 10mm or 12mm nuts that hold the fuel pump assembly to the top of the fuel tank. The exact torque specification for these nuts is 4.3 pound-feet for the 1994 model, but for the 1991 model, you can hand-tighten them firmly .

Carefully lift the entire assembly out of the fuel tank. It will come out at a slight angle, so be gentle to avoid damaging the fuel level float or the pump strainer . Place the assembly in a container to catch any remaining fuel.

Step 6: Remove the Old Fuel Pump from the Bracket

With the assembly on your workbench, you can separate the pump from the bracket:

  • Disconnect the hose: The pump is connected to the fuel outlet pipe on the bracket by a rubber hose. Slide off the hose clamp and pull the hose off. If the hose is old and brittle, cut it off lengthwise with a knife to avoid damaging the fitting .

  • Remove the electrical connector: Unplug the power wires from the old pump. You may need to slide a wire clip up and off the connector .

  • Remove the fuel sock: The filter sock at the bottom of the pump is held by a metal retaining clip. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to carefully bend one of the three tabs up, then slide the sock off. Do not lose this clip, as you will need to reuse it .

  • Remove the pump from the bracket: The pump is held in the bracket by a rubber grommet or vibration isolator. Push the pump out from the bottom of the bracket.

Step 7: Install the New Fuel Pump

  • Attach the new pump: Slide the new pump into the bracket. Make sure the rubber grommet at the bottom of the bracket fits snugly around the pump. If the new pump is slightly longer than the old one, that is usually fine, but you may need to bend the metal fuel line on the bracket slightly to allow the hose to connect properly .

  • Reuse the old fuel sock: The new pump may come with a new filter sock, but it often does not fit the stock bracket. It is safer to reuse the old fuel sock and retaining clip. Slide the sock onto the bottom of the new pump and secure it with the clip. Use a hammer to gently flatten the bent tab back into place .

  • Connect the hose: Attach the rubber hose to the outlet of the new pump and to the metal pipe on the bracket. Use new hose clamps if possible. Make sure the screw portion of the clamp is off to the side, not on top, or it will prevent the assembly from sliding back into the tank .

  • Reconnect the electrical connector: Plug the power wires into the new pump. If the connector is different from the stock one, you may need to cut and splice the wires using butt connectors .

  • Secure the pump: Use cable ties to secure the pump to the bracket if the rubber grommet does not hold it firmly in place .

Step 8: Reinstall the Assembly

  • Lower the pump assembly into the tank: Angle the assembly as you slide it back into the fuel tank. Make sure the fuel level float does not get caught on the side of the tank.

  • Tighten the nuts: Install the six nuts and tighten them to 4.3 pound-feet or until snug. Do not overtighten, as this can distort the gasket .

  • Reconnect the fuel lines: Attach the fuel feed line and return line in their original positions. Use new sealing washers if you are reusing banjo bolts .

  • Reconnect the electrical connector: Plug the power wire back in.

Step 9: Test for Leaks

Before you put everything back together, you need to test the system:

  • Reconnect the battery: Attach the negative battery cable.

  • Prime the system: Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (do not start the engine) and listen for the fuel pump. It should run for about two seconds to pressurize the system . Turn the ignition OFF and ON a few times to build pressure.

  • Check for leaks: Inspect all the fuel line connections and the gasket around the pump assembly. If you see any fuel leaks, tighten the connections or replace the gasket.

Step 10: Reassemble the Interior

  • Replace the access cover: Put the three-screw cover back on. Note that it has small alignment nipples to help you position it correctly .

  • Replace the rear seat cushion: Slide the cushion back into place and tighten the 12mm bolt.

  • Replace the gas cap: Make sure it is tight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting to relieve fuel pressure: This is the most dangerous mistake. Fuel spray can cause a fire or injury. Always relieve pressure first .

2. Using the wrong O-ring gasket: The gasket between the pump assembly and the fuel tank must be replaced. If you reuse the old one, it may leak, and you will have to disassemble everything again.

3. Not labeling the fuel lines: The feed and return lines are different. The feed line is usually larger and has a banjo bolt, while the return line has a quick-disconnect fitting. If you mix them up, the car will not run properly .

4. Damaging the fuel level float: The float is attached to the pump assembly by a thin arm. Be careful when removing and installing the assembly to avoid bending or breaking it.

5. Overtightening the nuts: The six nuts that hold the pump assembly should be snug but not overly tight. Overtightening can crack the plastic assembly or strip the threads.

How to Diagnose a Bad Fuel Pump on a 1991 Integra

Before you replace the pump, make sure it is actually bad. Common symptoms of a failing fuel pump include:

  • Engine cranks but does not start: This is the most common symptom. If the pump is dead, the engine will not get fuel .

  • Loss of power when accelerating: A weak pump may not deliver enough fuel under load, causing the engine to hesitate or feel sluggish .

  • Sputtering or stalling: If the pump is intermittent, the engine may sputter and stall, especially at high speeds or on hills .

  • Whining noise from the fuel tank: A healthy pump makes a quiet hum. If you hear a loud whining or screeching noise, the pump is likely failing .

  • Poor fuel economy: A failing pump may cause the engine to run rich or lean, leading to decreased gas mileage .

To confirm the diagnosis, you can test the fuel pressure. Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the service bolt on the fuel filter, then start the engine. For a 1991 Integra, the fuel pressure should be between 37-44 psi with the vacuum hose disconnected from the pressure regulator . If the pressure is lower than spec, the pump is likely bad.

Fuel System Specifications for the 1991 Acura Integra

Here are some useful numbers to keep in mind:

  • Fuel pressure: 37-44 psi (255-304 kPa) at idle with the vacuum hose disconnected
  • Fuel tank capacity: 15.85 gallons (60 liters)
  • Fuel type: Regular unleaded gasoline
  • Fuel filter replacement interval: Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles
  • Fuel pump replacement interval: Typically 100,000 to 150,000 miles

Why Choose a High-Quality Replacement Fuel Pump

When replacing the fuel pump on your 1991 Acura Integra, you have two main options: an OEM replacement or an aftermarket performance pump. If you are just restoring the car to daily-driver condition, a standard OEM replacement is fine. However, if you plan to modify the engine or simply want better reliability, a high-performance pump is a smart upgrade.

A high-flow pump delivers more fuel volume, which is essential if you ever add larger injectors, a turbocharger, or a supercharger. Even on a stock engine, a quality pump ensures consistent fuel pressure and longer pump life. The stock pump on the 1991 Integra is adequate for the factory engine, but it is a 30-year-old design. Modern pumps use better materials and more efficient motors.

Recommended: KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your 1991 Acura Integra

If you are looking for a reliable, high-performance replacement fuel pump, we strongly recommend the KEMSO brand. KEMSO specializes in fuel pumps that are designed as direct OEM replacements for a wide range of vehicles, including the 1991 Acura Integra. Their pumps are built to meet or exceed factory specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance.

Every KEMSO fuel pump is a high-performance unit that delivers consistent fuel flow and pressure, even under demanding conditions. Whether you are using your Integra as a daily driver or building it for track days, a KEMSO pump gives you the confidence that your fuel system will not let you down.

One of the best things about KEMSO is their lifetime warranty. When you buy a KEMSO fuel pump, you are protected for life. If the pump ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, they will replace it. This is a level of protection that most aftermarket brands do not offer.

To browse KEMSO's full selection of fuel pumps and find the right fit for your 1991 Acura Integra, visit their website at:

https://www.kemsoracing.com/

They offer fast shipping, competitive pricing, and excellent customer support. Give your Integra the fuel delivery it deserves with a KEMSO pump.

Final Thoughts on the 1991 Acura Integra Fuel Pump Location

To summarize: the fuel pump on a 1991 Acura Integra is located under the rear seat cushion, accessible through an access panel on the floor pan. You do not need to drop the fuel tank. The replacement process is straightforward and can be completed in about an hour with basic hand tools. Always prioritize safety by relieving fuel pressure and disconnecting the battery before starting any work.

If your Integra is experiencing starting issues, loss of power, or strange noises from the fuel tank, the pump is a likely culprit. Test the fuel pressure to confirm, and if replacement is needed, follow the steps outlined in this guide. With a quality replacement pump from KEMSO, your Integra will be back on the road with reliable fuel delivery for years to come.

https://www.kemsoracing.com/


Back to blog