So I have in the past always had a shop rebuild my fuel pumps. Any reason these are better done by an outside source than us normal guys? they don't look complicated? What do most of you do out there. From a skill level I have restored and modified a number of cars over the past 20 years. Mechanical and Industrial engineer by day. So from a skill level I think its easy. Do they have better kits and thats what makes it worth it?
They're easy to rebuild if you can get the kit for them. I have rebuilt a few by cutting out my own diaphragms from Viton sheets, and making new pull rods by cutting the head off an appropriate length 1/4 inch bolt, heating and flattening the end, and cutting the slot for the lift arm in that flattened end. Double nut on the diaphragm end, stake the bottom nut, and boom, Bob's yer' uncle. Here's a spare I carry in the '37 Buick that I just took apart to give you a better idea how I fix 'em.
The check valves give trouble too, they get to where they don't seal. And if you don't get them staked in well, they'll pop out.
Jim, you'd love the outlet check valve that I have on the old Buick. I broke the phenolic wafer in the outlet check valve on the pump, so I got creative with a couple br*** fittings, a small ball bearing and a real lightweight spring. The whole deal is connected to the outlet of the pump, sits vertically so gravity helps the ball seat, and it works wonderfully. If I can build something that works well and solves a problem I'm all in.
I rebuilt the pump on my Chrysler. It was an easy and fun afternoon project. I highly recommend these folks. They answered the phone when I called with a couple of questions (there were two slightly different pumps available for my car), and the kit I received was American made, very complete, and the parts are compatible with ethanol fuel. https://www.then-now-auto.com/fuel-pump-repair-kits/
I’ve called and sent an e-mail to them with no answer. (I left a message) I understand they lost their long time employee doing the work. On their website you need the number for the kit. They list over 10 for pumps that fit my engine.
I've never bothered replacing the check valves as they've been okay on the pumps I've rebuilt - so leave well enough alone. When ***embling the pump, it is important to push on the arm to fully compress the diaphragm spring so that the diaphragm will have its full range of travel when operating.
Yes, definitely. I always leave the screws loose a turn and a half or so. then push the arm to it's fully compressed position, then while holding it in that compressed position I tighten the screws in a criss-cross pattern.
The Jalopy Journal
