Fuel pump rebuild - diaphragm

[Uncle-Pekka]

There has been a number of threads on fuel pump repair or replacement on the forum.

However, my experience is that the new gas with more ethanol in it eats up old sealings and diaphragms faster than before. Thus my question applies not only on fuel pumps, but also accelerator pump diaphragms in carburetors etc. seals and valves with flexible rubber/film.

Have you folks found suppliers for fuel proof diaphragm material

or alternatively

interchangeable modern model of pump diaphragm suitable for old pumps?

I am afraid the need for these parts will be increasing in near future.

[Roadkingcoupe]

This past weekend I had to replace the primer bulb in a gas powered string trimmer.

The Dealer said they have to be replaced every two or three years now that ethanol is 10% of our local gas.

He also mentioned that he had heard of an additive that neutralized the corrosive nature of the ethanol.

Anyone else know what that additive might be?

Seems like the additive would be the route to go rather then continously replacing the rubber parts throughout the entire vehicle.

[greg g]

this stuff??

http://mystarbrite.com/startron//content/view/14/37/lang,en/

There write up is convincing but all additive literature is purposly compelling isn't it??

http://mystarbrite.com/startron/

[Uncle-Pekka]

My intention was not to start E10 discussion, but rather solve fuel pump repair issues. (No offense - and "yes - useful information too" to avoid the problem -partially)

Let me re-phrase:

"What do you folks do when you find fuel pump diaphragm shot?"

- replace the pump? (what brand you use, where buy it?)

- replace diaphragm assembly? (where you get to buy spare part?)

- replace diaphragm only? (where do you get the material?)

[Jerry Roberts]

Young Ed has posted several times in the past about a vendor in the states that sells fuel pump repair kits that are compatable with the new gasoline . If I remember correctly the kits are fairly expensive . Perhaps they will sell only the diaphram . If Ed doesn't chime in here , do a search on fuel pump repair kits .

[Jerry Roberts]

Here it is ; Then and now / Antique Auto Parts Cellar

Edited May 28, 2012 by Jerry Roberts

[Jim Saraceno]

I rebuilt my fuel pump with a kit from Then and Now Automotive... http://www.maritimedragracing.com/then_and_now_automotive.htm close to ten years ago and it has been fine ever since.

[Uncle-Pekka]

Thanks fellows,

Antique Auto Parts Cellar looks like a professional shop to buy repair kits.

Price is not cheap, but kits seems to be high quality.

However, I'd challenge the forum once again:

Is the material for the diaphragm available anywhere?

As sheets?

Thanks,

Pekka

[meadowbrook]

I have a 17 year old mower and a pretty old second hand leaf blower and neither of them have had issues with the primer bulbs. Also, my 1965 VW has a pretty old fuel pump (certainly over 3 years old) with no issues, so I don't really worry about the alcohol.

However, the carb's accelerator pumps pistons are still leather, right? Mine has a rebuild kit from Napa that still has the leather piston, so I guess no worries about alcohol there.