Fuel pump question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Fuel pump question
To make a long story short, I had run into a issue with dirty/old gas. I've had my carb rebuilt and I pulled my tank and had it boiled out and sealed from a local radiator shop. Currently the tank is out and ready for a new sending unit and to be installed.
Tomorrow I plan to run some alcohol(as suggested here)through the steel fuel line. I need some advice on my fuel pump. Should I rebuild or flush it w/alcohol? If flush, how do I do it?
thanks,Bob
Tomorrow I plan to run some alcohol(as suggested here)through the steel fuel line. I need some advice on my fuel pump. Should I rebuild or flush it w/alcohol? If flush, how do I do it?
thanks,Bob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 99
From: Boston MA
I didn't believe you needed to go to all this trouble, but that's your call. I don't know how you could flush a solvent through the fuel pump while it's still attached to the block. So, if you wish to do that, you're going to have to take it off. If you do that, you might as well rebuild it, or replace it.
If I were flushing gasoline lines, I'd start with lacquer thinner or acetone, and do the final flush with alcohol. If you disconnect the fuel pump, you could attach lengths of gas line over both ends, and fill the line with the solvent to allow it to soak before flushing. Finish with lots of compressed air.
I don't know how you could do anything like that with the fuel pump. If you want to do that, you're going to have to take it off and take it apart.
If I were flushing gasoline lines, I'd start with lacquer thinner or acetone, and do the final flush with alcohol. If you disconnect the fuel pump, you could attach lengths of gas line over both ends, and fill the line with the solvent to allow it to soak before flushing. Finish with lots of compressed air.
I don't know how you could do anything like that with the fuel pump. If you want to do that, you're going to have to take it off and take it apart.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
Likes: 7,146
Army
The fuel pump has rubber (possibly neoprene) diaphragm in it and I wouldn't run any sort of solvent through it personally. If the diaphragm is damaged somehow then you will get gas in your oil and more bad news than you already have. Flush the lines and run the car and see how it does. If you are really bent on rebuilding the pump its quite simple except for one step in the final assembly where you need three hands.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 18
From: cooper city florida
If your tank to pump line is clean,and your tank is clean, I would put in 5 gallons of fresh gas. Then disconnect fuel line at the filter and put a hose over the end of the line with a hose clamp and put other end of hose in a clean 5 gallon bucket. It would also be a good idea to connect a fuel pump pressure gauge inline also. Remove coil wire and have someone turn motor over while you watch the gauge and the hose. If the gas in the bucket is clean and pump pressure is between 4.5 and 6.5 lbs. Your pump is fine,and I would not worry about it. In any case,I would not rebuild the pump. The rebuild kit cost as much as a new pump. LIC's sells the 4657 pump for 30 dollars,and Paragon sells the 40083 pump for 40 dollars. Good Luck!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Thanks 65 vette dude. I was a little worried...I initially ran some alcohol thru the steel lines and blew it out with a compressor. At first, quite a bit of rust. After about 5 times of putting in about 4-5 ounces, it became clear...but still some flakes. I then let it dry and then just blew some air down the line and a bunch of rust dust. I got scared...ran to the store and got some acetone.
Did about 3 flushes using a quart and it appeared pretty clean the last flush. Then another few ounces I had left of alcohol and it was clean. I waited and blew it out several times with the compressor into some white toilet paper...a slight trace of color, but now appears clean.
I will use your advise and get some clean gas(once I have the tank reinstalled) thru the pump.
Bob
Did about 3 flushes using a quart and it appeared pretty clean the last flush. Then another few ounces I had left of alcohol and it was clean. I waited and blew it out several times with the compressor into some white toilet paper...a slight trace of color, but now appears clean.
I will use your advise and get some clean gas(once I have the tank reinstalled) thru the pump.
Bob
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 338
Likes: 19
From: Mesa Az
If you had the tank sealed, your next problem will be when the sealer starts to lift and clogs everything. I think you would have been way ahead of the game to just get a new tank. Personally, I would never use tank sealer, especially with todays gas.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
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