Fuel Pump Longevity

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, on my engine I have been using the same fuel pump, that is either original, or was replaced 25+ years ago.

It is the non-glass bowl type fuel pump. I have been running modern fuel in it for a couple of years.

Now I figure it can't last that long with 12% ethanol added to the fuel around here. What have some of you guys noticed. I also havea nice rebuilt fuel pump, with glass bowl, but it was rebuilt not using the new fuel resistant innards.

Am I on borrowed time with this fuel pump????

Edited January 28, 2010 by Rockwood

[blueskies]

I replaced my original fuel pump because I didn't want a failure on the road somewhere. My new fuel pump lasted about 70.3 miles into the first road trip... Just far enough from home to get onto the freeway.

But it wasn't because of modern fuel and old rubber... it was because the pin that the lever arm pivots on fell out . You never know...

Pete

[Jim Saraceno]

When I first bought my '35, I replaced the existing fuel pump with and NOS fuel pump. That NOS didn't last the summer. The rubber was either brittle to begin with or the new fuel ate it up. I bought a new one with the glass bowl on it however it would not clear my splash pan so I bought a rebuild kit for the old one (Rock Auto I believe) and that has lasted 8 years.

I tried to buy a fuel pump that had no glass bowl from NAPA. They no longer carry them. Even though the guy at the counter found the pump with it's picture AND it had a different number (and price) than the one with the glass bowl, when it came in it was the one with the glass bowl.

[55 Fargo]

Hi Pete and Jim, okay I have put about 4000 to 5000 miles on this fuel pump, must still be working, maybe if this one goes I will get a rebuild kit from the place In Minneapolis, that sells kits for antique fuel pumps.

Is this a pure case of luck at this point I wonder, touch wood, don't need to jinx myself....Fred

[Joe Flanagan]

Pete, that is a good reminder for me to peen the ends of the pin on my pump and to install the washers, too. I haven't done that yet. It's one of those, "Oh, I'll get to that" items.

[Jim Saraceno]

I would never argue with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. If it gave you some peace of mind, you could order the kit so you'd have it in case the pump quits (that will also be good insurance because as long as you have the kit, you'll never need it).

Hey, Don Coatney, maybe you should re-post the picture of the tool kit you carry, Fred may need one if his fuel pump breaks down!

[1950 Special Deluxe]

Does anyone have the part number for the rebuild kit handy?

I would like to have one on hand.

Thanks

Neil

[Don G 1947]

Was recently talking to the repair guy at one of the fuel pump suppliers that is frequently recommended by members of this and other car forums. He said to beware of Airtex fuel pumps for older cars. They are of poor quality and frequently have problems. When they sell a new Airtex pump for an old car they completely disassemble it and rebuild it before they ship it out. He said the Airtex pumps for modern cars are fine, but the stuff for old cars is probably done in small runs by folks with no prior assembly experience on the old stuff. So keep you old pump and rebuild it.

Don

[blueskies]

Hey, Don Coatney, maybe you should re-post the picture of the tool kit you carry, Fred may need one if his fuel pump breaks down!

You mean this one???

Pete

[Jim Saraceno]

You mean this one???

That's a good one but actually I was thinking of the toolbox with a AAA card and a cell phone.