Projects Pressure fuel pumps

Hi, does anyone have a source for the leather cups and the low pressure check valves that are used in the hand operated air pumps for pressurizing the fuel tanks. Thanks

 

I've got a hand pump out of a '22 Cadillac (or thereabouts)...mine has a small one-way check valve in the bronze fitting on the end of the pump. I'll try to get a pic of it tomorrow when there's more light.

For the leather cup (plunger), I just went down to a local craft store (Tandy leather) and picked up a small square of cowhide - cut it to size, re-attached it to the plunger ***embly, then inserted it about halfway into the body of the pump. While I was at it, I steamed the leather to help it hold its shape, but that may not have been necessary.

 

Thanks for the reply. Tried to get leather up here in New York . Nothing thicker than a belt! Where in Texas are you. Will be in Houston area next month for about a month. Possibly I will be near a shop like you suggest?

 

No problem Don! What kind of pump are you working on? I'm out on the west side of Houston...we have a leather place out on the southwest side of town and another on the north side (not too far from the airport). What part of Houston are you going to be visiting?

 

Alright, here's a picture of the pump;



Check valve;



Valve operates one way, needle fits into opening in bottom of pump.



Plunger ***embly;



Plunger detail; note that the cup is made of fairly thin leather...the copper cup that fits inside has a spring around it that supports/pushes out on the leather cup, making it seal against the inside of the pump body.



I apologize for the greasiness of the parts...I applied some machine oil to the leather cup when I replaced it and it evidently softened up some of the vintage grease that had collected in the bottom of the pump body (it was probably greased up as a stop-gap measure to help the old worn out leather cup seal better).

 

Not positive, but I think belt leather would be too thick anyway, so if you find leather that thick or thinner it's probably best. Not sure how far Syracuse is from you, but they have a Tandy Leather store, and should have a good ***ortment of small s**** leather.

 

Hi, being told belly leather is the choice for leather cups. Called Tandy today and they are out of stock for the last 2 months! Cannot find a vendor for pre made seals? Will keep trying to locate the stock leather I need. Thanks to all, Don.