What Would YOU do? Question: Original Fuel Pump - Use it OR Replace it (???)
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,585
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From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
What Would YOU do? Question: Original Fuel Pump - Use it OR Replace it (???)
Normally, a decision like this is a no-brainer for me...if I do not know a car's history, I would replace the fuel pump...but for some reason I am at a cross roads this time. I DO know this car's history. I have spoken to the original owner (and still do). The car has 17,9xx miles. The fuel system has always had fuel in it and the car has always been run throughout the last 42 years. The fuel system was NEVER allowed to go dormant or dry. I have NO performance issues whatsoever.
My wife and I are planning some long distance trips in our car.
Given all of the above, if you were in my shoes, what would YOU do? Replace the pump and put the original on the shelf, OR feel confident using the original and not give it a second thought?
Dave
My wife and I are planning some long distance trips in our car.
Given all of the above, if you were in my shoes, what would YOU do? Replace the pump and put the original on the shelf, OR feel confident using the original and not give it a second thought?
Dave
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,585
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From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 504
From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
I know...I honestly have ZERO intention to replace with a cheap pump if replacement is the way I fly with this. I really hate to replace something that doesn't need replacing...especially when I know the original was a quality U.S. made original and not some Chinese made crap. My concern stems more from the age of the pump and the diaphragm.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Little Rock AR
There is no way to know when a fuel pump will fail, but it certainly will fail sometime. NOBODY gets points for car fires. Fuel pump originality is a lot like original tires when you think about it. Is it worth the risk? Have you ever heard anyone say "WOW! look at that original fuel pump"? Nobody cares about it.
Original fuel pump on a 40 year old car scares me a bit. A well broken-in quality replacement from NAPA would allow me to sleep well at night. One less thing to go wrong.
Original fuel pump on a 40 year old car scares me a bit. A well broken-in quality replacement from NAPA would allow me to sleep well at night. One less thing to go wrong.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Thunder Bay
I know...I honestly have ZERO intention to replace with a cheap pump if replacement is the way I fly with this. I really hate to replace something that doesn't need replacing...especially when I know the original was a quality U.S. made original and not some Chinese made crap. My concern stems more from the age of the pump and the diaphragm.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
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Throw an AC Delco from Rock Auto.com in the jack storage area and you won't need it.
Kinda like when you take an umbrella it never rains.
It can be changed in an emergency by a mechanic or if your feeling like McGuyver ...... on the roadside.
Enjoy your trip.... Life's too short
Marshal
Kinda like when you take an umbrella it never rains.
It can be changed in an emergency by a mechanic or if your feeling like McGuyver ...... on the roadside.
Enjoy your trip.... Life's too short
Marshal
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 664
Likes: 89
From: Marysville Ohio
If you are at all worried, I would do it just for piece of mind.
I've used the stock-style replacement pumps from Napa and Advance Auto - I experienced no issues with fit or function. Just be sure you get the right style (there are two versions, one taller than the other - I don't recall offhand which is which is correct). I have used both, but the hard line connection to the carb can be an issue with the wrong one.
I've used the stock-style replacement pumps from Napa and Advance Auto - I experienced no issues with fit or function. Just be sure you get the right style (there are two versions, one taller than the other - I don't recall offhand which is which is correct). I have used both, but the hard line connection to the carb can be an issue with the wrong one.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
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Some good thoughts here...thank you!
I actually like the idea of picking up an AC Delco pump and tossing it in the jackwell as a spare. Although it wouldn't be the most fun you could have with your clothes on, it could be changed on the fly in the case of an emergency.
I've had more than my share of bad experiences with aftermarket parts. I now avoid the Chinese made ones like the plague...they are, hands down, complete junk.
Next best choice for aftermarket parts are those made in Mexico...I've had much better luck with those. Many of ACD's are made there now.
Thanks for the replies!
Dave
I actually like the idea of picking up an AC Delco pump and tossing it in the jackwell as a spare. Although it wouldn't be the most fun you could have with your clothes on, it could be changed on the fly in the case of an emergency.
I've had more than my share of bad experiences with aftermarket parts. I now avoid the Chinese made ones like the plague...they are, hands down, complete junk.
Next best choice for aftermarket parts are those made in Mexico...I've had much better luck with those. Many of ACD's are made there now.
Thanks for the replies!
Dave
Le Mans Master
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From: mount holly NC
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I would leave the original fuel pump alone but I would change the 'S' hose.
https://www.zip-corvette.com/70-82-f...pump-hose.html
https://www.zip-corvette.com/70-82-f...pump-hose.html
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,585
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From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
I would leave the original fuel pump alone but I would change the 'S' hose.
https://www.zip-corvette.com/70-82-f...pump-hose.html
https://www.zip-corvette.com/70-82-f...pump-hose.html
Thanks for that link!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,459
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From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
It is funny that you bring the question up. I had the same dilemma in 2014 when I rebuilt/upgraded my 66,000 mile L-82 into a 355. The Fuel pump was original and never had any issues but I thought I have changed everything else or reconditioned it so may be I should. I did but an AC Delco Mexico replacement and replaced the OEM pump...no issues going into season driving 5. As others have stated, the OEM pump WILL fail at some point so I would just replace it and use the OEM Delco as a backup.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
question has been around a long time.
preventative maintenance.
can be over done and some shops take advantage of customers.
like mentioned, new does not mean flawless.
add the chance that lines and fittings may be
disturbed till they add a chance of leak/failure the
change can cause problems.
i can't say pump failure chance is high on my list of worries.
i think they fail slowly by losing pressure rather than just quit.
but then a gain i don't run a shop and notice the amount of pump
failures.
now electric ones is a different story.
they do just quit. but again they also just
lose pressure aswell.
i would just carry one, small part.
preventative maintenance.
can be over done and some shops take advantage of customers.
like mentioned, new does not mean flawless.
add the chance that lines and fittings may be
disturbed till they add a chance of leak/failure the
change can cause problems.
i can't say pump failure chance is high on my list of worries.
i think they fail slowly by losing pressure rather than just quit.
but then a gain i don't run a shop and notice the amount of pump
failures.
now electric ones is a different story.
they do just quit. but again they also just
lose pressure aswell.
i would just carry one, small part.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Deltona FL
I'd run it. I haven't had a mechanical pump fail me yet, but electrical ones have let me down.
If you're still worried about it, replace it
Not too worried, carry a spare
Reckless and adventuresome... See how long it lasts
If you're still worried about it, replace it
Not too worried, carry a spare
Reckless and adventuresome... See how long it lasts
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
w/derek, its old period. Replace it, carry a spare, belts stuff like that and tools just in case. AAA Card takes care of the rest.
Ill never understand some that build a new motor, stick a rusty old water pump/fuel pump on and roll the dice. Penny wise, pound foolish.
As said nobody cares if its original it drives the same. That stuff gets way overblown in forums, in real life it doesnt mean a thing at all.
Ill never understand some that build a new motor, stick a rusty old water pump/fuel pump on and roll the dice. Penny wise, pound foolish.
As said nobody cares if its original it drives the same. That stuff gets way overblown in forums, in real life it doesnt mean a thing at all.