koolio61

I have a fuel smell in the garage. There is gas on the ground under the fuel pump. fuel pump is also wet. I checked the connections and there doesn't seem to be a leak there. I assume the leak is coming from one of the crimp joints in the pump so removed the pump. Went to replace the pump and the local auto parts store can't find a replacement that has the same connection points. As installed on the vehicle and looking down on the pump, my pump has the fuel line to the carberator at about 6:00 O'clock and the fuel line from the tank at about 9:00 O'clock. The part they give me to has a connection at about 3:00 and 5:00 o'clock. My engine is not the original 283. A few months ago I asked and believe we determined the block is a 283 from a passenger car. My block stamped number is F4I4D.
Casting number on the drivers side is 3756519. I tried looking up fuel pump for a 58 biscayne but no luck. Any suggestions on what vehicle to look up to find the correct pump? Do fuel pumps fail from external fuel leaks? THanks.

Vette5311

Dreaming60’s

Or pay more and go to one of the aftermarket corvette vendors. I had the same fuel smell and wet pump problem and changing the pump eliminated the smell.

BH

koolio61

Vette5311 - Thanks for the quick response. If I do that, then I have to get new fuel lines made. If possible, I would rather just replace the part without replacing the lines. I will try and attach a couple of pictures. The outlet connection is more around 7 o'clock rather than 6 o'clock.

pump in the installed position. Inlet from tank is on the left side. Outlet to carb is in front.

Frankie the Fink

If you can identify the pump then just rebuilt it and reinstall it...
Its not that big a deal....

Kerrmudgeon

I'd do what Frankie suggests and buy a kit and rebuild it. You can't find those old type castings with the exact outlet spacing easily if at all.
Kit's are cheap too. Paragon has on I believe.
What ever you do don't get rid of that old casting......$$$.

AZDoug

Whats all that fuzzy white stuff in the background of the pic?

A FTF said, buy a rebuild kit.
Your diaphragm is probably leaking. The pump comes apart with screws, follow the directions in the kit.
Doug

Frankie the Fink

koolio61

The engines not original so I don't care if the pump is original. My car is a great driver. Nothing show worthy but always starts and drives nice. I'm sure the pump rebuild would be possible but to be honest I don't want to take a chance that it leaks again. Plus I think I found a pump for under $50.

I think I found a pump on Summit racing website. I ordered an ATX-4656 Airtex mechanical fuel pump. The inlet and outlet look right. Part should be delivered later this week.

Next big issue I can't wait to tackle. How to hold the plunger that drive the pump in place while installing the pump. I saw someone on YouTube recommending putting grease on the plunger shaft but when I tried it, it falls right back out. You need to hold the plunger up in the block to get the drive finger on the fuel pump in place. Any advice?

Vette5311

There are 2 bolts holes in the front of the block on the lower passenger side below the water pump. One is open with a short bolt. The hole passes through into the cavity for the fuel pump push rod. Get a longer bolt and put it in there and push the pump rod up then tighten it, just finger tight. It will hold the rod up while installing the pump. Do not over tighten or you will bend the push rod. Just enough to cause friction on the rod to hold it up. Be very careful.

Frankie the Fink

ptjsk

Don't know how big your garage is, but be aware of the fumes finding an ignition source. Especially so if you have a gas water heater, and it's housed in your garage.

Pat

Rdelvalle

Go electrical you will not regret it. Save the mechanical original for when if you sell it you give it to the buyer.

AZDoug

#1 firing position TDC. There are two TDC per completed four stroke operation.
Doug

SDVette

I am running that Airtek on my '61..

When it arrives, be sure to snug up the bolts on the perimeter..
Mine leaked oil.. but snugging the screws down stopped the leak.
I checked another pump I had still in the box, and the screws were very loose!

I don't suggest wrenching them down hard... just snug + 1.. probably in a cross-pattern is best.

koolio61

The new pump arrived today. Fuel inlet and outlet match the old part. Thanks to everyone for the advice. If it ever warms up in Michigan, I will try and install it.

SDVette

Just to be clear, I'm referring to the bolts holding the pump together..
You should do this before you install it.

Fred

wib1961

And DON'T FORGET TO REMOVE the long bolt holding the plunger and replace it with the original short bolt.

Mark Neitzel

Any chance you could still send me the article about re-building the fuel pump for my 61. I have located an original but it is all apart. Also, do you know if there are better quality kits available now days for better performance? Thanks

silver837

Mark
You should start a new thread. The OP has not posted in more than 3 years.
Just ask the same questions you did in this post.

Welcome to the forum and good luck. Im sure you will get the help you need.