mlozier76 Posted October 25, 2016 Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 This weekend was not the best for driving the Dodge. I was supposed to go to Spokane, about two hours away, for a car show, but because of a friends health issues, decided to stay here in town to minimize his riding in a vehicle. As a result, I wanted to drive around town here. I took my eight year old to the local pumpkin patch, to meet a new friend, and when we pulled in my car died. I had some people help me push it into a parking spot, and figured I'd check into it after we did things there. I had a suspicion it was fuel related. When we were done, I took a look at the motor to see what the issue was, and sure enough, my fuel pump had gone out yet again. This makes number four in about a year and a half. Carter is the brand, but I really think they are junk. All the ones I've had lose the pin in the lever, rather it works itself out. After the second time it happened, I started to carry a spare with me. Does anybody else have this problem? I got it replaced after getting a ride to get a 1/2" wrench, as that was the only one I was missing. I get the car started, and the carb was leaking like a sieve after a minute or so while running. Probably need to clean the carb now, as I believe the float is sticking. Got it to stop leaking, and proceeded to drive home. I was less than two blocks away from home in the left turn lane, and it died again on the busiest street in my town. I had to get some help to push it through the intersection and into a parking spot to work on it. I took off the distributor cap to see if it was related to that, and accidently pinched a wire when reinstalling the cap, which caused the wire to ground out and overheat. Figured that out and got the rig started again, after a little more tinkering. Drove it home and parked it. Needless to say, she's gonna be parked for a little while until I can figure out where my issues are coming from. If its the carb, i'll probably yank out the motor, regasket, paint it up, and plop the dual intake and exhaust on it this winter. I was going to work on rebuilding another motor because mine seemed to be burning so much, but while replacing the fuel pump, found that front main is most likely the culprit for the oil loss. Still going to work on rebuilding the other motor, but I have to pick and choose my battles right now. Even with all the trouble I had, I still love that old car, and its teaching my 8 year old how to be patient and that not every breakdown requires a tow, and that if you put your mind to work to figure out a problem, sometimes you can work through until you come up with an answer and get back down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlbluz Posted October 25, 2016 Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 I had the fuel pump problem years ago when I had NAPA rebuild my old pump. They used a hardened shaft naturally for the pivot pin, but you can't swage it. It fell out. So I have gotten another pump and now I have made a cradle that holds the pin from each side and stays in place. That solved that problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonaldSmith Posted October 25, 2016 Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 Ain't these cars fun? I feel for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlbluz Posted October 25, 2016 Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 I NEVER commit that my P-6 will ever be anywhere at any time, just too many things to go wrong. I drove this bad boy everyday in High School and it never let me down, but 50 years after the rebuild and I can't say that. I am working really hard to get my confidence back in it. A lot of things I have done in the past 5 years have made it better, so I think I am getting closer! Have tool box will travel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted October 25, 2016 Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 This pin is available from McMaster Carr. If the photo does not open click on it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v65/DonCoatney/Brakes/92735a250p1-b02s.png[/IMG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted October 25, 2016 Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 (edited) Yes, that's a common problem with these replacement pumps. It happened to me at a busy intersection at afternoon rush hour. A kind motorist had a tow rope and help me get through the intersection and into a parking lot. I had rebuilt my old pump with a kit from Auto Parts Cellar and had it under the seat. I was on my way in about 20 minutes. The press fit of the pins isn't strong enough to hold them in place. Either stake the pump body next to the pin to hold it tighter or get a pin like Don shows. You could also check with Auto Parts Cellar as their fuel pump rebuild kits have pins with circlips to keep them in place. The pump that I rebuilt with their kit is running without issue to this day. The one that failed is now rebuilt with a kit from them and resides under the seat... just in case. Merle Edited October 25, 2016 by Merle Coggins 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlozier76 Posted October 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 53 minutes ago, Don Coatney said: This pin is available from McMaster Carr. If the photo does not open click on it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v65/DonCoatney/Brakes/92735a250p1-b02s.png[/IMG] Thank you. I was trying to figure out if I could put a pin fit shank bolt and nut on it. I was planning to just repair the pump I took off as it is less than a year old, and obviously a design flaw. It was just a little embarrassing as this is the third time I've seen this girl, and I'm pretty new again at the dating thing. But I guess I'm proving my chops as being able to fix things 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ194950 Posted October 25, 2016 Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 I may add if she is a keeper- start teaching her how to change a fuel pump and even may open the top of the carb.? Wishful thinking! DJ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAKOTA169 Posted October 25, 2016 Report Share Posted October 25, 2016 I think the best part of this story is the last sentence. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knuckleharley Posted October 26, 2016 Report Share Posted October 26, 2016 Cheer up! You know what they say,any road trip that doesn't result in mass murder followed by suicide was a successful road trip. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnS48plm Posted October 26, 2016 Report Share Posted October 26, 2016 I had the fuel pump problem tears ago and used an Allen head screw with a long shoulder on it that fit the pin hole. I put a washer and locknut on it. Never had another problem with it. I can't remember the size of the bolt that I got at the local hardware. JohnS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpollo Posted October 26, 2016 Report Share Posted October 26, 2016 Be comforted and proud. Not everybody can drive an old car but very few people can fix a new one. dp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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