Will an AC RPD fuel pump (with glass filter) work on a 57 235? Listed as for 216/235 up to 1951. I have a good core for a rebuild and wonder if it would be satisfactory or should I rebuild my old after-market Carter or crimped top AC. Thanks.
RPD #1523089
Carter # 0- 2837
AC OEM with the crimped top.
~~ Jethro 1954 3100 Back to Life In the Dity Gallery 1951 3100 (gone) / 1956 4400 (still in the neighborhood) / 1957 6400 with dump body (retired) / 1959 3100 panel (in the woods junked) / 1978 Custom Deluxe K10 / 1993 S-10 4.3 / 2004 Chevy Crew Cab / 1945 John Deere H / 1952 John Deere B / 1966 John Deere 2510 / 1967 John Deere 1020
Rock Auto lists the same pump for the 1957 216 and 235. However, the fuel pump part numbers for 1957 and 1951 are not the same. Whether that's due to inlet/outlet locations or fuel pressure/volume I don't know.
I would call the guy at Then&Now Automotive and ask him if the output specifications are the same or if not, could your core be rebuilt to '57 specs.
Last edited by Otto Skorzeny; 01/20/20231:44 AM.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
IIRC, the difference is in the angle of the inlet and outlet ports. Somewhere along the way, the ports got moved to a 45 degree angle from their former straight in and out position for motor mount clearance- - - -possibly in 1958 when stovebolt sixes started using side mounts instead of timing cover and bell housing mounts. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
If that's the case, then I'd have the glass bowl pump rebuilt by T&N and use it if fits without interference, Jethro.
Besides looking neat, you can instantly tell by looking at it if your fuel pump is working or not.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
The 54 shop manual shows the glass bowl pump. The 55 book shows the newer style without the glass bowl. Both pumps output is 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 lbs pressure at 450 -1000 rpm. Both pumps supply fuel to a Rochester B. My truck is a 54 3100 with a 57 235. I "figger" it should work fine. This 57 engine (3837004) had front side-mount pads. They are no longer in the way.
~~ Jethro 1954 3100 Back to Life In the Dity Gallery 1951 3100 (gone) / 1956 4400 (still in the neighborhood) / 1957 6400 with dump body (retired) / 1959 3100 panel (in the woods junked) / 1978 Custom Deluxe K10 / 1993 S-10 4.3 / 2004 Chevy Crew Cab / 1945 John Deere H / 1952 John Deere B / 1966 John Deere 2510 / 1967 John Deere 1020
The 1948-1952 Shop Manual lists 4 psi Max pressure for the fuel pump and makes no distinction between years or engines.
Even though the specs say 4psi Max, the output of my pump at the carburetor is 2.5 psi and the truck runs just fine.
I'd rebuild the glass bowl pump and install it and see what happens.I'm sure it will work fine.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
Some of the old school 216 pumps have a different profile of curve in the pump arm. There’s a little concave sweep in it. However, the modern replacements seem to have an arm that appears identical to the 235 versions. My hunch is that either will work, but it’s only a hunch.
I seem to remember someone telling me the 235 pumps were designed to put out a bit more volume, for the extra displacement.
There are many variations in inlet/outlet angle and position. If retaining original lines is of importance to you, consider that as a major factor.
Well... I talked to Tom at Then and Now. That man has forgotten more about fuel pumps than the inventor ever knew! The RPD pump will work just fine on any stovebolt engine 216/235/261. 1951 was the last year for a stock glass bowl, otherwise the same pump for 52/53/54. Used from 1937-1951. Design changes in 1955 created alignment issues with the steering gear etc in the Bel Air so the "new" pump was used in the TF trucks.
I ordered the FPA 146 kit $52.50. Thanks to everyone for your input.
~~ Jethro 1954 3100 Back to Life In the Dity Gallery 1951 3100 (gone) / 1956 4400 (still in the neighborhood) / 1957 6400 with dump body (retired) / 1959 3100 panel (in the woods junked) / 1978 Custom Deluxe K10 / 1993 S-10 4.3 / 2004 Chevy Crew Cab / 1945 John Deere H / 1952 John Deere B / 1966 John Deere 2510 / 1967 John Deere 1020
Ya, you'll be happy you used that pump instead of some Chinese junk or one of the crimp top ones. It will work better and has a lot more character.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)
