The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Can you rebuild a fuel pump?

Just curious, or do I just throw the old one away?

I have seen fuel pump repair kits sold by some of the vendors. So maybe "yes" depending upon what you are starting with.

Love to see pictures if you decide to do it!

Kurt

I rebuilt the pump on our '40 and it works good. It was the original AC pump. Many of the pumps that the FLAPS sell is a reproduction and I'm not sure about doing one of those. I know that you can buy a new pump from the FLAPS for about the same price as a rebuild kit costs. Don

Going down another path ... You might be able to piece together two pumps to make one. I wanted a glass bowl pump for my '54. It had a working metal top pump on it. The fuel lines did not line up right on the reproduction glass bowl pump that I bought. So, at the suggestion of some Stovebolt members, I replaced the top half of the metal top pump with the top half of the glass bowl pump. Works perfectly.

I think what it comes down too, is whether the pump can be rebuilt. The older pumps that have screws holding the top and bottom together are rebuild-able. The newer pumps that are swagged or pressed together are going to be difficult to rebuild.

Larry

I was temped to buy new - but like some, I'm partial to reusing the original hardware. Also my "Made In Canada" stamp is hard to find now.

I used the Chev's of the 40's kit -

https://picasaweb.google.com/113636046886857960240/FuelPump

Did you rebuild a Dual-action or regular pump?

A regular pump.

Nice job on the pump. Did you sand blast it to get it that clean?

Thanks!

I soaked it in carb cleaner and then used a small wire brush on the end of my dremel. Shined it up real nice - did the same to the carb too, love the finish it puts on the metal.

Bigtonka,
Nice link to your rebuild! You just answered my question. I think I'll keep the old fuel pump and rebuild it. Like you, I like the indication where the pump was made. "Made in the USA or Canada" is something to be proud of in either of our countries and to have that marking helps keep your truck close to OEM! The replacement fuel pump I bought from NAPA had no markings and was assembled in Mexico. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I'm just glad it wasn't made in China! If I found out about that in advance I wouldn't buy from that vendor.

Well you'll always have a backup replacement handy in case something does go wrong! Perhaps you could use the new one's "guts" to rebuild your original?

Sometimes I find myself making more more work... For instance, I have a starter that came with a 2nd 235 I bought for parts - it's in FANTASTIC shape, but instead I spend a week scrubbing off 60 years of mud and oil off my original one for this...

https://picasaweb.google.com/113636046886857960240/Starter#5717333199804401458

oh well! Keeps me happy!

I would really prefer the one like you have with the glass fuel filter. Maybe another time.

Dave, did you put the replacement on? Just curious as to what you figured out.

Don,
I installed the replacement fuel pump. Wanted to get "Lucille" performing better power wise. AND, she is!! I'll keep that old pump and rebuild it at some point in time. It's got that "Made in the USA" marking cast into the top half of the pump and I don't want to junk it.