Fuel pump repair kit

[Frango100]

No idea how old the mechanical fuel pump is on my bird, but it has a metal filter bowl on it. Sofar i couldnīt find any brand name or other identification on it. I want to open up the pump, to see if the internal check valve is stuck open or not closing well. Of course there is a good change of breaking a seal or other rubber part, so its probably better to have a repair kit in house before attempting any work. Do i have to remove the pump first, to find out which brand it is? Is there any online shop which sells fuel pump repair kits? Shipping costs and import taxes are killing, so i would prefer not to buy a new pump.

[simplyconnected]

If you buy a repair kit make sure it is NOT New Old Stock because they were made for gasoline, not gasohol.

The advantage in new pumps is just that... they are compatible with new fuel chemistry and they should last a long time. The same goes for carburetor repair kits. Steer clear of NOS parts. - Dave

[Frango100]

Ok, thanks Dave. Here in Brazil they put 27% of alcohol in the fuel, so i hope that the materials will withstand that.

[simplyconnected]

US car companies are telling Washington that 15% ethanol is too much and that special alternative fuel engines must be made to burn 15%.

I cannot imagine 27%. Why that number? Why not 20 or 25 or 30%? And, doesn't Brazil produce their own gasoline? - Dave

[Yadkin]

Do you have a local shop that fixes old cars? If so they should have this figured out long ago.

Here if you buy at a local store you'll probably get an Airtech pump. It looks like the original Ford unit for '64 through at least '72 and it's a piece of junk. I've had 2 out of 4 fail on the bench, and a third fail after a month due to the diaphragm dissolving in our 10% alcohol mix here.

[Frango100]

Brazil produces its own gasoline, but they also produce huge amounts of alcohol. The alcohol is much cheaper, so they mix it with the gasoline, but donīt reduce the price. The amount of alcohol in the gasoline depends on how much is available, but they changed it from 25 to 27 % some years ago. Only premium fuel still has 25% in it.
There are only back yard mechanics overhere, which i wonīt even thrust my bicycle to. I do all the work myself if possible.

[Frango100]

Does anybody know who sells a repair kit for the fuel pump? I did see some complete fuel pumps on e-bay, but no repair kit. Also Rockauto doesnīt sell it.

[Deanj]

You are probably a good candidate for an electric fuel pump. These other vacuum operated options or parts such as the wipers, windshield washers, and fuel pump are much better off electronically operated. Throw in electronic ignition and an alternator, and you're all set!

[Frango100]

I was thinking about this option of the electric fuel pump. I know that the pressure must be around the 6psi, but what should be the flow rate of the pump?

[Deanj]

I'm not tech enough to know. 35GPH? All I know is a simple inline mount near the tank is sufficient. I'm sure Summit Racing or your local parts store can assist.

[Thunderherd]

I think 6 psi is the max you want. I got the 6 to 9 and it was a little to much. Just pushes right on by my Edelbrock carb. Got another one that was like 3 to six or little bit less. And it works fine. I've got a 390 and a big cam. Got it at auto zone. And I wouldn't really worry about the gph. Just think. If you drove your car for an hour down the road, how much gas would you use. I don't think it would be any where near 35 gallons.

[Yadkin]

If you go electric you want to have one self-regulated at 5 psi. Most pumps are fuel injector rated and therefore much higher pressure.

You should also wire it to a relay, along with a "bump" switch rigidly mounted to the chassis to turn it off if you are in an accident. And you should have it lower than the tank to help it prime. Finally, beware, as the little buggers are noisy. Read my experience on these before you decide. I ended up doing away with all that to install an in-tank unit.

Regards to your shipping cost issues, is Amazon available for you? I've found that many of the venders I use sell through Amazon and this helps me save on shipping, especially when ordering a single item.

[Frango100]

Just got the mechanical pump of the engine. It has a year stamp of 2010, so its not that old yet and most probably not used much. This is a completely sealed pump, so no repair possible. I could choose to put an inline check valve just after the pump, so that the fuel line will stay primed all the time.
I saw some electrical pumps for carburator use, but wonder how reliable they are. I didnīt see any well known brand overhere. They sell some pumps for motor cycle applications with the right pressure rating, which seem to be of good quality. They have a flow rating of 50Ltr/hr. (approx 13gallon/hr), which should be enough for normal driving. I only wonder if it will be enough during hard acceleration (which i normally never do)

[byersmtrco]

If you can possibly by the pump in the brand Carter, I recommend that. They're quieter - Less chance of the arm tapping on the eccentric cam.
They also have one without the bowl.

[scumdog]

[ They have a flow rating of 50Ltr/hr. (approx 13gallon/hr), which should be enough for normal driving. I only wonder if it will be enough during hard acceleration (which i normally never do)[/FONT]

On a long uphill run they might not keep enough fuel to the carb - and you'll find yourself slowing down until the fuel supply 'catches up'.