Fuel Pump Failure

[Thomas A.]

The fuel pump (less than 3 years old) on my 66 L79 failed a few weeks ago. Didn't really notice what was wrong until I unbolted it from the block . . . the pressed in pin that holds the pump lever fell out!!! Is this a common failure? - and can anything be done to prevent it in the future on the next pump?

Tom

[Joe C.]

Re: Fuel Pump Failure

No, this is not a common problem. Did you retrieve all of the parts from within the fuel pump cavity? Did the pin fracture, or did the "e" clip fall off? If the clip came off, then I would have no compunction about installing a new pin and retainer clip. If the pin fractured, then I'd investigate the cause of this before trying to repair the pump by inserting a new pin and retainer clip.

Original pumps used a pin with a flat head on one end and straight end on the other. This straight end would first get a flat washer before it would be deformed. Somewhat like a rivet.

Rebuilt or reproduction pumps, and any original pump manufactured within the last 35 years or so used a pin with a head on one end, and a straight end with a groove on the other end. An "e" clip would retain the pin. Sometimes a flat washer was placed under the "e" clip.