Fuel pump gasket security & sealing

[Jeff S.]

I'm in the process of correcting a minor oil weeping condition in/around the fuel pump (4657) & mounting plate area. In the past, I've always used Permatex High-Tack on the plate and pump gaskets to secure the gaskets while wrestling the pump in place & hopefully give a measure of sealing.

Since a small leak did develope -- and I only want to do this miserable job once -- does anyone have an alternative sealant or dressing for the gaskets? (After disassembly, I'd say the weeping was occuring in the area between the two 1/4-20 machine screws that hold the plate to the block.)

[Paul Y.]

Re: Fuel pump gasket security & sealing

Jeff, I always put the plate on first with the gasket sealed to the plate and let dry some before coating the other side of the paper gasket. I use gasket cinch or similar. Put the small bolts in snuggly but not tightened up yet. I then seal the gasket to the fuel pump and hand tighten the bolts to get started. The surfaces have to be very clean with no oil on them at all. The fuel pump rod also has to be in it's higher postition on the cam. If it is not you have the spring pressure from the fuel pump to fight. The rod can be held in place by removing the front bolt that goes into the oil area and replaced by a slightly longer bolt and tightened snuggly to hold the push rod in place. When everything is snugged, I tighten the small bolts first and torgue the larger fuel pump bolts last. Never had any leak problems. Maybe your bolts just need a snug up to stop the leak without all the new gasket and seal work. This is not a bad job after you clean everything up. You can get to all the bolts and fuel lines from either the top or bottom.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Fuel pump gasket security & sealing

Jeff,

I would also seal the bolt threads because the holes may be drilled completely through into the cavity.