Looking for info on C1 59 FI engine Fuel Pump

[Jim A.]

Hi All..
New Member

1959 7017300 FI 290Hp , Car is 80% correct matching numbers. (Still Working on that 20%)

I have had a problem with Fuel flowing over the top of the fuel meter for years. I have already replaced Needle Seat and float twice, that is not the problem.

After Talking with Jack Podell, John Degregory, and Gary Hodges it was suggested that perhaps inlet fuel pressure was high and blowing past the needle and seat. (Inlet pressure spec between 4 and 6-1/2 lbs from what info I found)


after closer examination I found that the car has an aftermarket fuel pump installed that is pushing between 10-11 lbs of fuel pressure going to the fuel meter. I Tested it at idle (750-800 rpm Gage was installed in a T connector so reading should be good)

I found what I thought was a correct pump an AC4656 and had it rebuilt by A.Gould in Holden Mass. Bob rebuilt the pump while I waited (Superb Customer Service BTW) and suggested installing a lower pressure return spring than what was supplied in the rebuild kit. He Bench tested the pump for me and says it is putting out just over 4-1/2 lbs (I have not tried this pump yet)

Great Right ????

Well.......
Today I was browsing the Keen Parts Catalog, on page 12 and on their website they list one fuel pump only. I have never seen any remote reference to a special fuel pump for C1 High Performance Motors......Unfortunately there is no number for the "Correct High Performance Fuel Pump"

Keen part number
410336 Fuel Pump 59-63 All and 64-65 , EXCEPT HIGH PERFORMANCE.....................?????

This lead me to believe that there is possibly a specific different factory fuel pump for 59-63 High Performance cars....?

Any one have any info ????

Was there a different fuel pump for the 59 290Hp Fuelie.........?

Any input much appreciated, I would hate to put in the wrong pump after all this effort.......


Thx
Jim

[David B.]

Re: Looking for info on C1 59 FI engine Fuel Pump

'62-'63 Chev. Parts Catalog Grp. 3.900 lists: fuel pump stamped 4657 PN 5621665 as correct for 59-63 Corvette "except high performance" refers in all likelihood to the 348 cu in engine option.
Fuel pump stamped 4656 is listed for 56-58 Corv. and Pass. '57 with FI PN 5621585

[Jim A.]

Re: Looking for info on C1 59 FI engine Fuel Pump

Thank you David. I will continue with my install this week. Hopefully...... My problem will be Solved

[Jim A.]

Re: Looking for info on C1 59 FI engine Fuel Pump

to My understanding, the only differance between the 4656 and 4657 is the clocking of the output port.

[Frank D.]

Re: Looking for info on C1 59 FI engine Fuel Pump

to My understanding, the only differance between the 4656 and 4657 is the clocking of the output port.

And one can be reclocked to operate like the other ...

[John D.]

Re: Looking for info on C1 59 FI engine Fuel Pump

Jim. Correction. Fuel pump pressure foryour fuel car. 3 to 4-1/2. Gail Parsons hollered at me many years ago. He said quit telling people 4-6
Refer to your 5th edition of the new 58-60 Manual.
See page 197.
Your 59 FI fuel pump. 4657
Have an original pump rebuild for ethanol. But try and avoid using it.
My contact info in the Restorer on Page 2 Thanks. John

[Jim A.]

Re: Looking for info on C1 59 FI engine Fuel Pump

Thank you John,

I will look at the manual, Tonight.
The pump I had rebuilt was a 4656, pressure was set to a bout 4-1/2
Am I correct in my understanding that the only differance between the two pumps is the clocking of the ports?

[John D.]

Re: Looking for info on C1 59 FI engine Fuel Pump

Correction. I put the wrong pump number in. Should be 4656. Not 4657.