mcb55-210

I've never had a fuel pump go out. That being said, I smelled raw fuel the morning after I took the car out. Looking at the fuel pump, there was fuel sitting on top of the mechanical fuel pump. I cleaned it up, checked the fittings and found them tight. I could get about an eighth turn on one of the bolts holding the pump on the block. Still leaks. Is the pump bad, or am I missing something? The engine was built five years ago and has about 30,000 miles on it. Of course, on the build sheet there is no part number for the pump.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

Mike


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R66

Sounds like diaphragm leaking and fuel coming out of the holes in the side of the upper housing. Old style pumps can be rebuilt. New crimped style are best replaced IMO. Check your oil for a gasoline smell.
Just a guess.
Picture of the pump will give the experts info to provide direction to you.

jasonsamara

I currently have the same issue with my 60. I smelled raw fuel and confirmed it was the pump. I have a NOM so originality doesn’t matter.

My pump is a 4656 and the rebuild kit is about $60 but I found one on eBay for $67 and ordered it. Of course it was damaged in shipping and never even made it here.

So I found another one for $50 but USPS is holding it hostage in Seattle for the past week.

I went ahead and replaced my fuel filter and soft lines and just waiting on that freaking mail man.

Im going to Carlisle Friday and hope to find a rebuild kit so I will have a spare.

Tampa Jerry

I agree, if it's a Carter type pump that can be opened up, a rebuild is straightforward. I just did mine this past Saturday. The kits are available from Zip and Corvette Central and other vendors. Before you remove the old pump, set the engine at TDC with the rotor pointed to the #1 plug wire on the distributer cap. If your engine has a bolt on the front just forward of the pump, remove it and replace it with a longer 2 1/2" bolt. That bolt will hold the fuel rod up in place so it will nor fall down. Once the job is complete, remove the bolt and replace it with the shorter bolt. Use some sealant on the shoulder of the bolt. Replace any rubber lines as well. I clamp off the rubber line at the tank with needle nose vice grips with a short rubber hose on each jaw of the vice grip. There are a few papers and videos on You Tube which can be helpful in rebuilding the pump. Good luck. Jerry

old60c1

If originality is not an issue, an electric fuel pump can solve these problems. They're cheap, easy to install, and, with a hidden on-off toggle switch, can serve as a theft deterrent.

SDVette

When new, my Airtex pump came with an instruction sheet that said to snug up the small screws around the perimeter of the body before installation.
Apparently, it's an ongoing problem. I re-snug them every so often. Worth a try on yours.

esema

If you rebuild it make sure you peen the end of the pivot pin that holds the arm in the fuel pump body. This is critical.

mcb55-210

Not sure which pump it is but will take a look tomorrow. I did check the oil...level was good, and did not have a hint of fuel smell.

Won't get to it until Friday but will let you know what I find.

Mike

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mcb55-210

Replaced the pump today...all is well. I appreciate the suggestion to turn the engine over to #1 cylinder and putting the longer bolt in to hold the rod in position. Replacing the pump went real smoothly.

Mike