The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1957 235 Fuel Pump Identification – FP469 / 4149-089 – Rebuild K

I'm trying to positively identify the mechanical fuel pump that came off my 1957 Chevrolet 3100 with a 235.

The pump is a single-action, all-metal style with no glass bowl. The main body has FP469 cast into it, and the identification tag is stamped:

4149
089

I've been having fuel-delivery problems and tried a new replacement mechanical pump. The replacement pump works well when operated by hand on the bench, but doesn't appear to be getting enough stroke from the cam when installed on the engine. Comparing it to this old pump, I found some significant differences in the actuating-arm geometry.

Because the old pump appears to have the correct arm geometry for the engine, I'm now interested in rebuilding it rather than trying to modify the replacement pump.

Does anyone recognize the FP469 casting or the 4149 / 089 identification tag, or have an old AC/Delco fuel-pump catalog that could positively identify it?

I'd also appreciate any information on the correct rebuild kit for this particular pump. I'm not tied to any particular supplier—I'd just like to find a good-quality kit with diaphragm and valve materials suitable for modern gasoline.

I'll attach several photos showing the complete pump, identification tag, FP469 casting, actuating arm and other details.

Thanks for any help identifying it.

That’s strange as my fuel pump on my ‘59 235, just quit as well. It looks exactly the same as yours. The casting is the same FP469 and the tag is similar, 4149-262. I have a sent an email to Then and NowAutomotive, which sells rebuild kits for vintage fuel pumps. When I get an answer, I will post it here.

I found one available on ebay LINK.

I was able to identify my fuel pump by doing a google search with the number stamped on it and including site:www.thenandnowautomotive.com as part of the search string. That dug into the detailed description on their site to ID the repair kit I needed.

In your case, that comes up with Then and Now's FPA=224 as the correct repair kit.

Thanks Phil and Kevin. That's extremely helpful.

Phil, the fact that your pump has the same FP469 casting and a 4149-262 tag while mine is 4149-089 is especially interesting. I'll be very interested to hear what Then and Now says about yours.

Kevin, thanks for tracking down the FPA-224 kit. That gives me a very promising direction. Since Phil has already contacted Then and Now about what appears to be essentially the same pump, I think I'll wait and see what they tell him before ordering.

At this point, rebuilding the FP469 is looking like my preferred solution.

One other question while we're trying to identify these pumps: does anyone know whether an FP469 pump like this, with no AC marking in the body casting, could have been an original-equipment pump on a Chevrolet 235, or would the lack of the AC casting indicate that it was an aftermarket/service replacement?

I'd be interested in figuring out whether this could actually be the pump the truck left the factory with, or if it was installed sometime later.

Adding to Kevin's answer concerning the rebuild kit and Then and Now Automotive; Call Then and Now and speak to them about the correct kit. Their website isn't very user friendly. They'll be able to definitively identify it and sell you the exact kit.

They will also rebuild your pump if you choose to have them do it. They rebuilt my glass bowl pump about 10,000 miles ago and it has worked flawlessly ever since running deathanol fuel exclusively. The $60 rebuild cost in addition to the cost of the kit was worth it to me.

Regarding new, off-the-shelf replacement mechanical fuel pumps; They're all garbage straight from the Chinese factories. They fail in short order, if they even work right out of the box. This is true for all brands of pump and for all makes and models of cars.

If you need a mechanical pump, rebuild your original pump or have it rebuilt. If you don't have an original pump, find an original on ebay and rebuild that one. Aftermarket pumps made before about 2000 are generally good, too. Buy one of those and rebuild it.

Your pump is probably not the original pump. T&N will probably be able to tell you for sure. Mine is an aftermarket unit rather than an AC original. The aftermarket pumps made 30+ years ago are as good as the originals when properly restored, unlike the modern versions.

I contacted Then and Now Automotive and spoke to Tom. He said that it is an AC 4149 pump and the FP469 is a casting code. According go him, the top is different as the original had only one bolt. The replacement top has two screws and the check valve is larger.

He has parts for both the main unit and the top. The cost $52.50 plus $14.50 shipping.

He suggested that you call him, as your pump may be a little different and by speaking to him will assure you get the right kit.

His contact number is 781-335-8860.