Fuel pump question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
Fuel pump question
I have a slight oil leak (just a few drops) coming out of the area where the fuel pump is mounted on my 427.
Is this a common thing or do I have something big to worry about?
To repair, can I just replace the fuel pump gasket and/or plate? Or while you have it off should you just go ahead and replace the pump given its nominal cost?
I have never done this before. Should I tackle the project or hire a professional. Also, if you pull the pump off, does a lot of oil run out or does all of the oil run back into the pan after shut off? When you disconnect the fuel lines, is it OK to just plug them up while you are replacing/fixing the pump, or do you have a lot of fuel spillage?
Sorry for so many questions, but I am just trying to figure out what to do.
Thanks.
Is this a common thing or do I have something big to worry about?
To repair, can I just replace the fuel pump gasket and/or plate? Or while you have it off should you just go ahead and replace the pump given its nominal cost?
I have never done this before. Should I tackle the project or hire a professional. Also, if you pull the pump off, does a lot of oil run out or does all of the oil run back into the pan after shut off? When you disconnect the fuel lines, is it OK to just plug them up while you are replacing/fixing the pump, or do you have a lot of fuel spillage?
Sorry for so many questions, but I am just trying to figure out what to do.
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Fuel pump question (hudman)
A fuel pump is cheap. So you are right, replace it while you are at it.
The oil will be in the pan. You might have some residual oil, but nothing huge. No big oil slick.
The fuel lines are steel from the tank, and then two rubber lines, and then the pump. Count on replacing the rubber lines, as they are most likely sheeeahhht by now. And even if they aren't, replace them.
The fuel runs through the lines, to the pump, from the tank, via one of our best friends, gravity. Therefore, you have to plug them, in order to keep from swimming in gas that was once in your tank. You can use vacuum line caps. These will work well, just make sure they are large enough.
And keep a fire extinguisher nearby, as you don't want to be the second person on this forum, within the month, who's set his car on fire.
Safety first.
You can do this. It's not that hard. Just take your time and don't give yourself a deadline. When you get tired or frustrated, take a break. It's a good project to take on.
The oil will be in the pan. You might have some residual oil, but nothing huge. No big oil slick.
The fuel lines are steel from the tank, and then two rubber lines, and then the pump. Count on replacing the rubber lines, as they are most likely sheeeahhht by now. And even if they aren't, replace them.
The fuel runs through the lines, to the pump, from the tank, via one of our best friends, gravity. Therefore, you have to plug them, in order to keep from swimming in gas that was once in your tank. You can use vacuum line caps. These will work well, just make sure they are large enough.
And keep a fire extinguisher nearby, as you don't want to be the second person on this forum, within the month, who's set his car on fire.
Safety first.
You can do this. It's not that hard. Just take your time and don't give yourself a deadline. When you get tired or frustrated, take a break. It's a good project to take on.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,416
Likes: 451
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Re: Fuel pump question (joeveto)
Just a couple quick comments to Joe's excellent ones.
Try to do the car "out in the open" if possible where it's ventilated. If you do it outside, and the car is by itself, you won't burn your whole house, garage, etc down.
DO NOT use an "incandecsant"(sp?)light or bulb. One drop of fuel on a regular bulb and you'll wish your car was outside with that fire extinguisher joe mentioned. Keep the light away, or better yet, use a flashlight or flourescent safety light with a sealed plastic cover. If you do the car outside, during the day, you won't need either.
The less fuel you have in the tank, the less will come out, should you have trouble plugging the lines or other problem.
Safety cannot be stressed enough. More Corvettes most likely have been burned to the ground by "bubba" mechanics than by "professional" ones.
You can do this easily, just be safety consious(sp again?)
:eek:
Try to do the car "out in the open" if possible where it's ventilated. If you do it outside, and the car is by itself, you won't burn your whole house, garage, etc down.
DO NOT use an "incandecsant"(sp?)light or bulb. One drop of fuel on a regular bulb and you'll wish your car was outside with that fire extinguisher joe mentioned. Keep the light away, or better yet, use a flashlight or flourescent safety light with a sealed plastic cover. If you do the car outside, during the day, you won't need either.
The less fuel you have in the tank, the less will come out, should you have trouble plugging the lines or other problem.
Safety cannot be stressed enough. More Corvettes most likely have been burned to the ground by "bubba" mechanics than by "professional" ones.
You can do this easily, just be safety consious(sp again?)
:eek:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Fuel pump question (hudman)
The fuel pump bolts are easy to get to through the wheel opening (with the wheel off) You only need a long extension. BTW, there is no plate on big blocks. :D
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
Re: Fuel pump question (joeveto)
Sounds like JoeVeto has experience in this task. Question - are the rubber hoss not the "S" hoses that are molded? Will regulare fuel line work or will it kink? Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,416
Likes: 451
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Re: Fuel pump question (bigvette1)
**** Question - are the rubber hoss not the "S" hoses that are molded? Will regulare fuel line work or will it kink? Thanks****
You DO NOT have to use rubber molded hoses here, but the trick is to use a certain length and making "smooth" bends or curves as NOT to kink the rubber lines in this area. The molded ones just make this job easier. :p:
You DO NOT have to use rubber molded hoses here, but the trick is to use a certain length and making "smooth" bends or curves as NOT to kink the rubber lines in this area. The molded ones just make this job easier. :p:
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: Arlington Texas
Re: Fuel pump question (Paul Borowski)
Does a big block have the bolt hole to hold the fuel pump push rod in place while changing the pump like the small block does? I can't remember, it's been too long since I wrenched a big block.
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