72 fuel pump base engine

[Robert C.]

I have chosen to replace my fuel pump to "tidy" up the car. Local Chevrolet dealer was able to supply an ac/delco replacement. Upon installation, there is a new clicking sound coming from the vicinity of the new pump. It is rpm related, as increasing the engine speed, increases the clicking speed. They actually installed another new ac/delco pump with the same results.


Any ideas?

Thanks

Bob

[Edward J.]

Re: 72 fuel pump base engine

Bob, maybe the fuel pump push rod is worn?? Did the put a longer bolt in the hole in the front of block to hold fuel pump push rod in place and forgot it is still installed? I really don't think there is to much that can happen on a install of a replacement fuel pump. Maybe its possible but unlikely the Delco pumps are just junk. I know with Delco products these days everything is out sourced as they only use the name on the boxes. Its to bad they were such a great product for GM cars.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 fuel pump base engine

I hope that you kept the original....

As noted, I'd wonder if they installed a bolt and forgot it was there, or if they installed the rod incorrectly. Odds are that a local garage may have an older mechanic who knows how to install the fuel pump correctly on an old Corvette. The odds of finding someone at a dealership who has a clue is moderately small, assuming they did the work.

I would reinstall the original and see what happens. Fuel pumps tend to be one of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" type of parts.

[Robert C.]

Re: 72 fuel pump base engine

2nd new a/c-delco pump resulted in the same clicking noise. Re-installation of the old pump shows fuel now leaking.

1. Can the old pump be repaired and if so, where would it be sent,
2. Is there another source for a fuel pump that might be acceptable, and
3. Is there a recommended person in my area (I'm north of Dallas about an hour) that might be able to install the pump correctly (the mechanic at the Chevrolet dealership is family and there is some politics/ego issues and possible future needs that have to be considered).

Thanks

Bob

[Edward J.]

Re: 72 fuel pump base engine

Bob, If you have a local mechanic I would just use him. Its a pretty easy job to replace. but my advice is remove the pump and start the engine and listen for he click. the engine will run for about 45 sec.s to a minute til the fuel in carb. runs out . Just tell mechanic to block off the supply line because the fuel will continue to run out of the line. Don't worry about oil leaking as if anything comes out while the engine is running it won't be but a few drips if any. It is extremely rear to see one defective pump out of the box never mind two. So there may be more that meets the eye. I would be also looking at the fuel pump push rod for wear and possibly checking to see if the cam lobe that the push rod rides on is worn ,this is unlikely but if the mechanic can say that he feels this is the area of the noise check all everything out.

[Robert C.]

Re: 72 fuel pump base engine

Thank you. I will pass it along.