I was lucky enough to have the original fuel pump on my 63.
It was of course, needing a rebuild.
This week I just received my fuel pump rebuild kit and went to install it.
The instructions that came with the kit are directly out of the 1963 GM repair manual.
That might be fine if the "diaphragm rod seal" type was identical to the original, which it is not.
No information on seal direction or how the seal goes together. Lovely.
Didn't mention this seal has to be installed and then the rod inserted.
Didn't mention if this seal should be greased.
After completing a YouTube search I came up with nothing, a Google search found this:
Instructions were for the same kit and it included actual pictures and installation information. Kudos to Corvette Central.
And, no my parts didn't come from them but the next ones will!
I have a spring force checking tool. The original Large (rusty) spring was 16 pounds at 1" height and the new replacement spring was 20 pounds at the same height. The way I understand the pump function is; this spring sets the fuel pressure. Original spring likely is damaged and week as it is 54 years old. But no way to prove it one way or another. At least it was the same length as the original. The shorter and smaller diameter spring was not the same length. (pictured below) I am going to use the original spring even though the instructions caution you not to.
I am including pictures of the original parts and the parts from the kit below;



Not the best customer service from the original vendor.
The paperwork had their name on it so I know it didn't come for the kit manufacture.
Rick
It was of course, needing a rebuild.
This week I just received my fuel pump rebuild kit and went to install it.
The instructions that came with the kit are directly out of the 1963 GM repair manual.
That might be fine if the "diaphragm rod seal" type was identical to the original, which it is not.
No information on seal direction or how the seal goes together. Lovely.
Didn't mention this seal has to be installed and then the rod inserted.
Didn't mention if this seal should be greased.
After completing a YouTube search I came up with nothing, a Google search found this:
Instructions were for the same kit and it included actual pictures and installation information. Kudos to Corvette Central.
And, no my parts didn't come from them but the next ones will!
I have a spring force checking tool. The original Large (rusty) spring was 16 pounds at 1" height and the new replacement spring was 20 pounds at the same height. The way I understand the pump function is; this spring sets the fuel pressure. Original spring likely is damaged and week as it is 54 years old. But no way to prove it one way or another. At least it was the same length as the original. The shorter and smaller diameter spring was not the same length. (pictured below) I am going to use the original spring even though the instructions caution you not to.
I am including pictures of the original parts and the parts from the kit below;
Not the best customer service from the original vendor.
The paperwork had their name on it so I know it didn't come for the kit manufacture.
Rick
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