66 fuel pump

[Rob M.]

I am going to replace the fuel pump this weekend and I know there's a trick to help (something with a bolt). I can't remember and I haven't got the new archives figured out. Would someone be so kind as to letting me know.

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 fuel pump

I am going to replace the fuel pump this weekend and I know there's a trick to help (something with a bolt). I can't remember and I haven't got the new archives figured out. Would someone be so kind as to letting me know.

Thanks

Rob------


The upper, passenger side FRONT motor mount bolt hole (front motor mounts were used for most pre-1958 Chevrolet applications) is the one you need to focus on. This is a through bolt which goes through to the fuel pump pushrod channel.

Remove the short 3/8-16 bolt and replace it with a longer bolt but just run it in about 1/2", or so. Next, turn the engine over so that the fuel pump lobe on the cam is at its "base circle" (i.e. the pushrod is as far inward as it will go).

Next, run the bolt down so that it retains the pushrod from sliding out and install the pump. I like to use a brass or nylon bolt for the push rod retention since it absolutely prevents nicking the pushrod. However, you can use a steel bolt if you're careful. Finger tight should be enough to retain the pushrod.

After pump installation, remove the longer bolt and re-install the short one. Make sure that the threads of both the tapping and the bolt are clean and make absolutely sure to apply sealer to this bolt. Otherwise, it will leak.

[Gary N.]

Re: 66 fuel pump

I've also put a little grease on the rod, just enough to hold it in place while you install the pump. Don't need to mess with the front bolt then.

[Rob M.]

Re: 66 fuel pump

Thank you both for the input - very helpful. Joe, you outlined the process that I remember reading years ago on th DB. This group is the best!

[Rob M.]

Re: 66 fuel pump

Joe,

Your knowledge of parts is amazing, so I will ask . . . I ordered an AC 40083/ GM #6415325 and when I picked it up, it was in an Airtex box. Is that right? Are they the new AC?

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 fuel pump

Joe,

Your knowledge of parts is amazing, so I will ask . . . I ordered an AC 40083/ GM #6415325 and when I picked it up, it was in an Airtex box. Is that right? Are they the new AC?

Thanks

Rob-----


I've never seen an AC-Delco fuel pump in an Airtex box. HOWEVER, keep in mind that the AC Division of GM (now extinct) ceased manufacturing mechanical type fuel pumps over 20 years ago. DELPHI which consolidated most of GM's parts manufacturing operations and continued to supply GM and AC-Delco NEVER manufactured a mechanical fuel pump.

So, every SERVICE mechanical fuel pump used for Corvettes (ALL 1981 and older) sold by AC-Delco for the past 20 years, or so, has NOT been manufactured by an in-house GM or DELPHI manufacturing entity.

I believe that all of these mechanical fuel pumps are manufactured by one or two sources and branded under MANY different brands. I THINK the actual manufacturer is most likely Airtex and/or Federal-Mogul/Carter.

So, the short of it is, you likely get exactly the same fuel pump whether it comes out of an AC-Delco, Airtex, or other branded box. One thing we know FOR SURE: the pump is not manufactured by any GM, Delco, or DELPHI manufacturing operation.