4657 AC Fuel Pump Rebuilding questions

[Mark P.]

I am rebuilding my fuel pump after a very small leak in the diaphram. I can't see light through it but there are some cracks that have very thin fabric causing a little fuel to leak from the weep holes.

Here are my questions:

1. should I leave the arm pivot pin as is since I want to preserve the peened pin (no e-clip) visible in the first fuel pump photo ? There is minimal play. This photo is before cleaning. My kit (FPA-243) from Then and Now Automotive comes with a new pin and clips but I won't use them. This kit is 100% made by them in Weymouth, MA.
2. anyone have a way to clean up the casting better ? I have tried a degreaser and Evaporust and it looks better. Would a light blasting with 100-170 grit glass beads improve but not ruin the finish ? The other photos are after cleaning.

Thanks,

Mark

[Mike M.]

I never replace the pivot pins as the arm rarely wears out. if u glass bead it, keep pump as far from sand blasting nozzle as your cabinet allows. or you could try soaking a small area in metal prep. good luck, mike

[Timothy B.]

One thing I would suggest to do is to broach the pump mating surfaces before you put it back together. If you could tumble it that would make it look great but a fine glass bead would look good also.

[Bob J.]

I'd only blast the center, since it's aluminum.

The lower cover is magnesium and it has pits already visible. Probably many more pits will show up in the soft spots after beading.

The upper is die cast.....up to you.......... but I think uppers never look origie beaded.
It may look pretty, but it will turn grungy faster on a beaded surface. Plus, you're going to have a job getting the media out with the rocker arm still attached.
Good luck whichever way you choose.
Bob Jorjorian

[Bill B.]

Mark,

You might want to try 3M Marine Aluminum Restorer & Polish, P/N 09020. I used it to remove severe corrosion from my '70 coupe rear window frame. Perhaps using a toothbrush or equiv. with repeated application and removals. It might restore some shine to your pump body.

[Ian G.]

I wouldn't bead blast it. I've had good luck using the chelating rust remover (like evaporust) followed by tumbling with rust-cutting resin (plastic) media to clean things like that. Mine is a 5 lb metal vibrator from harbor freight, but not sure if that pump will fit. Probably would all disassembled. They also sell an 18 lb one.

[Mark P.]

Hi Everyone - I lightly blasted it with glass media then tumbled each piece for 2 hours with 12 grit walnut shells. I am satisfied with it but will also try the marine restorer/polish. Black stains would just show up after I thought it looked fine. Thanks for all the great suggestions. Mark