fuel pump

A

al pa.

Senior Member
I intended to send my pump for rebuild,but thought I should check pushrod first.What I think I need to do is,remove pump,put an indicator on the rod,and turn engine over by hand turning it. .200"movement is about correct,if I understand previous posts.Flathead is 59a,otherwise I don't know it's origin.
 
That sounds right to me. If you do that , you'll know if the cam lobe is OK or if it's worn. You might want to measure the pushrod for proper length. 8.870' for iron manifold and 7.87' for aluminum manifold. Good Luck!
 
Re: fuel pump cam shaft wear

Here we go on camshaft wear on the lobe for the fuel pump pushrod. I would think that the valve lifters exert much more pressure than the pump /spring diaphragm. So, my question is: has anyone ever accurately measured the pump cam lobe and found it worn more than a few thousands??
Al PA Please let us know how your measurement comes out.
I think you will find the cam lift and pushrod are not worn much and you should proceed with your pump rebuild. You never did mention why you thought you should send your pump for rebuild .
John
 
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Hey Al pa, I see no reason to send your fuel pump out for service repair, the fuel pump is easily serviced even with novice skills. Fuel pump repair kits have all the necessary parts to service the pump. Unless the fitting threads are stripped this is an easy job accomplished in less than an hour. It's like the first step in being a certified flathead mechanic.
 
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Be sure to check the rubber hose from fire wall .It will get soft in the middle and suck together.
 
Re: fuel pump cam shaft wear

Engine is 59a,each head has a different mark,otherwise I don't know what I have.Fuel pump has glass bowl,and the reason I suspect it needs rebuilt is that the car had electric pump installed.
 
al; my 40 was the same as yours when I got it years ago. The electric pump really helps to prime the carb after the car has been sitting for long periods and also can be used to prevent vapor lock on hot days. Mine was on a switch and didn't need to be on all the time. I ended up taking the mechanical pump off and replacing the cheapie electric with a rebuildable Holley back at the tank and that has worked great for 7 years now. Try disconnecting the electric and see if the car runs without it, if it does then just put a switch on the electric and use it as necessary.
 
Re: fuel pump cam shaft wear

oldford2 said:
Here we go on camshaft wear on the lobe for the fuel pump pushrod. I would think that the valve lifters exert much more pressure than the pump /spring diaphragm. So, my question is: has anyone ever accurately measured the pump cam lobe and found it worn more than a few thousands??

John
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My very first '40 had a worn fuel pump lobe on the cam. I was 15 then and it took me seemingly forever to figure out the problem. A piece of leather in the fuel pump arm and all was fine. That was the only time I've experienced this. So, it does happen. Albeit rarely, but it does...
 
My Father had a fuel pump problem. On a old ford truck wwhen I was a small boy. If I remember the problem was the pump rod was to long. Because he removed the old pump stand and all. I think he had to use several gaskets to adjust the pump height so the inner. pump parts would be adjusted to the proper amount or throw. To tight or to low the pump rod it would bend one of the parts in the pump. Sometimes warp the pump stand where it bolts to the block. I hope this helps. Love the Barn.
 
Re: fuel pump cam shaft wear

Kube said:
My very first '40 had a worn fuel pump lobe on the cam. I was 15 then and it took me seemingly forever to figure out the problem. A piece of leather in the fuel pump arm and all was fine. That was the only time I've experienced this. So, it does happen. Albeit rarely, but it does...
Click to expand...
Sounds like the pump rod itself was worn, not necessarily the cam.
 
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