Fuel Pump

[brian hood]

Hey everyone,

I've got a gen knowledge question. I took a fuel pump off of a 48 Plymouth 216 6 cyl that is bad. I do have a good fuel pump from a 53 dodge pick-up wth a 218. The actuator arms are different lengths and both seem to pump in different directions. For example, the pump action on the car (original fuel pump) is from the top. The pumpng action on the truck's pump comes from the bottom. Can I get away with using the spare pump? Isn't the fuel pump driven off the cam? Or will have to get a different one? Any suggestions?

Brian

[Young Ed]

Brian I believe those are just 2 different styles and that either will work on your flathead.

[Jim Saraceno]

The only problem that you can run into is if the pump's shape interferes with something outside the engine. For instance, I can't put a pump with the low fuel bowl on my '35 because it interferes with the splash pan.

Otherwise, I would think all Dodge and Plymouth flathead six pumps are interchangeable.

[Tom Skinner]

Brian,

There are two types, one armature pushes off the bottom of the Cam, the other off the top of the cam.

You must use the same as you removed from it.

I read this in an old Maintenance Manual once or off this Forum in the Technical Archives, or The Imperial Tech Says Booklets.

Be careful or you may damage something.

Tom

[Jim Saraceno]

You must use the same as you removed from it.

I've used both types with my engines and have never had a problem.

[Niel Hoback]

Same here, it it came off a 218 or 230, I have used it. One type does run off the side of the cam, but they all work.

[Norm's Coupe]

I agree with Tom Skinner. When I had fuel pump problems I read the same thing, either in the service manual, or the instructions that came with the pump. You must use the same type fuel pump as you removed. I believe it said something about causing undue wear on the cam if its supposed to run off the top of the cam and you run one off the bottom instead. A brand new fuel pump is only between $40 and $60, so why take the chance by not using the same kind. Its not worth it for me to save only 40 or 60 bucks, then have to possibly replace the cam.

[Jim Saraceno]

Well I just looked in the service manual for 36-42 Plymouths. It covers both types of fuel pump but it mentions nothing about lack of interchangeability.

If you guys think you have read something, try to find it and let us know exactly what it says and who says it.

Inquiring mind want to know...

[Young Ed]

I fail to see why they wouldn't interchange. The cam is round and I believe wouldn't care which part of the engine rotation it pushes on the pump arm.

[Lou Earle]

Andy B. lists fuel pumps all the same from 39 to 54 for plym and dodge. It will work fine but if worried get one from car quest- I got 2 as spares for 110. Napa wanted 110 each.

How is the engien doing? got it running yet?

Lou