'69 fuel pump problem
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City, ok us
'69 fuel pump problem
Working on a '69 small block and it needs a fuel pump. I installed one from the Chevy place and it had a warning to install the correct pump on '69s. The dealer said this pump would fit. I installed it and it promptly broke the lever off. What pump do I need? Where is the best place to get a reliable pump(tried one from Pep boys on my '77 and it didn't last long).
Thanks for the help
Larry C.
Thanks for the help
Larry C.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: '69 fuel pump problem (Larry Cottingham)
If you're not worried about originality, get an electric fuel pump. I've got one. It makes a little noise that you can't hear after those 40-series Flows fire up.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: '69 fuel pump problem (Larry Cottingham)
Pass side next to coolant recovery tank. Minor rerouting of fuel lines and ignition voltage hookup required. Other than that, simple. I've got a little fuel pressure gauge at the fuel line/holley dual line junction. It usually runs around ~7 lbs.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
Re: '69 fuel pump problem (Larry Cottingham)
The dealers are giving you wrong pump. I had same problem, the pump is for big block ( I know some say there is no difference, but there is) and has something different with the arm. Had to get mine from performance shop to get right one. Do a search I think I had correct number you need.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 9,662
Likes: 7
From: Semper ubi, sub ubi
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: '69 fuel pump problem (Larry Cottingham)
The main difference between the 69 pump and pumps from later models is that it has no fuel return integral to the pump itself. Fuel return comes off exit the fuel filter. Later model 'vettes used a fuel return integrated into the pump itself. When I installed my ZZ-4 in my 69, I used a 69 style pump without the integrated return line. I hooked it and just plugged the return line and used a single exit fuel filter. It ran 10 minutes and the lever broke. I put on a fuel pump from Autozone for a 1970-78 model SBC Corvette and it has run fine for the last 500 miles. This pump has the integrated return line out the bottom of the pump, I used the "S" shaped return hose for a 1970 and a custom bent "Lar's" main fuel line going to a single outlet filter to the carb.
PS If you are going to put an electric pump in, put it back at the tank! Electric pumps are designed to "push" fuel, not "pull" it.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
