dirt felt into gas tank while replace fuel pump

[MetalSlug]

I help a buddy replace a fuel pump in his truck, while take off old fuel pump, i try remove much dirt I can before install new fuel pump, no matter how careful I am, some small dirt felt into bottom of the tank, not much to worried, just a tiny bit, I told him change the fuel filter next week, is this over kill or dont worried about it at all ?

 

[JHZR2]

It will settle at the. Ottom if solid, and will disperse if not. Either way, I wouldn't worry about it much.

 

[KB2008X]

If the filter hasn't been changed lately it would be a good time to change it regardless of dirt falling into the tank.

 

[Donald]

Does the fuel pump have a sock? It should catch it.

My 93 Suburban had this waxy stuff covering the top of the fuel sender assembly that gets pulled out to replace the pump. It was a PIA to work with but did keep the dirt from getting into that area. I used wax from a (new) toilet seal ring as it was about the same as I removed and cheap.

 

[j_mac]

Its nothing to worry about. If its just a little "dirt" then most of it will settle in the bottom of tank and just LAY there forever. Its mainly sand and minerals. It will sink. What little miscellaneous particles that might swish around and make their way through the fuel pump sock and into the fuel pump will probably be nearly microscopic particles and will be stopped by the fuel filter. Drive it for awhile to catch what might get stirred up. Then to help you sleep better at night, change the filter when you have a chance. If its a low mileage car or has a newer filter on it, I wouldn't worry about it at all right away.
Believe it or not, I'd say most of the junk that clogs fuel filters comes from the fuel hoses at the gas station. I mean, just how much "dirt" finds its way past your fuel filler cap? I can tell you. Almost NONE.
Don't get excited about it, but if its something you love, then put a new filter on it AFTER you run a couple tanks through it to pick up whatever might be kinda floating around in there. You don't want to put a new filter on there first and THEN pick up any potential junk.

 

[j_mac]

I re-read your post. Sounds like a half-a-thimble of "dirt" fell down in there. I wouldn't give it a second thought. It will probably reduce the life expectancy of the fuel filter by less than 1%. Most of that half-thimble will settle to the bottom and lay there until the car is scrapped in 10 years.
Forget about it!