63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

[Dan H.]

Just wondering how Judges approach an early, 63 FI that doesn't have it's original wobble pump as supplied by the factory? Believe it was recalled and a kit installed to replace it with a gear pump and cable from earlier design units. How should we address this as Judges? I ran an early 63 with wobble pump years ago but switched to a gear pump when the cable twisted up. (had a late long cable in place). Just curious?
Dan

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

Just wondering how Judges approach an early, 63 FI that doesn't have it's original wobble pump as supplied by the factory? Believe it was recalled and a kit installed to replace it with a gear pump and cable from earlier design units. How should we address this as Judges? I ran an early 63 with wobble pump years ago but switched to a gear pump when the cable twisted up. (had a late long cable in place). Just curious?
Dan

Good question Dan. Does this mean, to be absolutely accurate for judging, all early production 63's are required to have to have their original aluminum wobble pump in place? Maybe. Maybe not.

Here's a possible excuse.

"My car was ordered early in the 63 production year by the dealer for stock and was shipped to the dealer with an aluminum wobble pump. However, before I purchased the car in mid 1963, the aluminum wobble pump failed and the dealer replaced it with a conventional iron gear pump. Soooo.... the car is now AS DELIVERED to the original customer".

Could it happen that way? I suppose. Unlikely but certainly possible, and NCRS judges the car as it would have been delivered to the original retail customer.

I think I would just accept the minor point deduction.

[Dan H.]

Re: 63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

Good question Dan. Does this mean, to be absolutely accurate for judging, all early production 63's are required to have to have their original aluminum wobble pump in place? Maybe. Maybe not.

Here's a possible excuse.

"My car was ordered early in the 63 production year by the dealer for stock and was shipped to the dealer with an aluminum wobble pump. However, before I purchased the car in mid 1963, the aluminum wobble pump failed and the dealer replaced it with a conventional iron gear pump. Soooo.... the car is now AS DELIVERED to the original customer".

Could it happen that way? I suppose. Unlikely but certainly possible, and NCRS judges the car as it would have been delivered to the original retail customer.

I think I would just accept the minor point deduction.

No, can't really go with that reasoning, that would allow prior to delivery all sorts of 'Dealer add-ons' etc to be approved for Judging. Even repairs are not normal Dealer prep and should get a small deduct. As far as running a wobble pump, no way! And it should be only a tiny deduct of course.

[Bill C.]

Re: 63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

I think this is covered in the Reference Manual. It allows for recall mods.; if the owner can document it. It will get a minimum originality deduction.
Bill

[Dan H.]

Re: 63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

I think this is covered in the Reference Manual. It allows for recall mods.; if the owner can document it. It will get a minimum originality deduction.
Bill

Perfect, that's what covers the wobble pump etc. By documentation, a dealer repair invoice or service bulletin OK? The word 'minimum' should keep it fair for the owner. In 1986 I bought a original owner 63 Silver Coupe. The Dealer order sheet was still there and stated: HP Engine, power steering, 4 speed etc. When delivered, it had a340 hp engine and no power steering. The Dealer changed the oil pan and added the power steering prior to pick up by 1st owner. A well documented 'OOPS'! The Dealer had reconfiguered the car to match the expected 'as delivered' condition. Scary huh? That's what makes Judging a new experience each time I guess?
Dan

[Gene M.]

Re: 63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

Is there an official recall or GM tech notice that the wobble pumps be replaced with the gear pump? I think all safety recalls have an official notice. But bad designs that are not safety related are subject to deducts on the judging field.

I think I recall Frank Sciabica having suggestion as to repairs to the wobble design but my mind can't recall the information.

[Bill C.]

Re: 63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

I thought there was a TSB regarding the wobble pump. I think that should be adequate proof for a judge. I cant find the TSB right now.
The deduction for the gear pump I would think should only be a point.
Bill

[John D.]

Re: 63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

If you like your 63 fuel injection car and plan on keeping it with it's original or whatever engine one would do best to avoid a wobble pump.
The pump was recalled because of engine failures. There are about 5 or small small hard plastic waffers that look like pills in the pump. Seems the white critters were prone to break up and clog the check valves in the spider and then the engine was history.
Gail Parsons worked quite hard trying to make those pumps reliable. He made some new pistons, some new springs but never made the ceramic or plastic (I forgot) discs.
Car washes use wobble pumps a lot you know. They are a very good pump today.
As far as the point deduction goes refer to the Judging reference manual
Item #9 in 7th edition. Factory recall modification. Last sentence says "will receive a minimum originality deduction."
There are no parts available for those pumps. Just the pump seal. The shaft is longer than a gear pump.
Story: You have heard me reference a fake fuel car I drove to my restaurant for about 10 years. Drove it daily as it made life fun. It was a late 63 but had an early 63 FI unit with the bosses on the plenum and it had a "wobble pump" on it. After I finally solved the leak on the pump it ran perfect except it made noise. At idle you could hear the pistons in it making a swishing sound.
One might make a one or two point deduct wouldn't you think if it shows up missing on an early car. I mean where are you going to find an owner who has documentation that the dealer replaced the pump.
By the way those pumps used their own drive cable assembly also. It was longer than a 57 drive cable housing but shorter than say a typical 63.

Look in the 63 Corvette Shop manual for all you want to know about wobble pumps. Great photos and info. No I do not rebuild them. Only did 4 in my life and that was enough. JD

[Monte M.]

Re: 63 FI Judging of 'wobble' pump

John,
Both of my units have a wobble pump on them. As you know, the really early unit would be out of place with a later pump on it. Do you think it would be best to update the pump on the everyday unit with a later one.
Also, can you tell me what typically goes wrong with the wobble pump. I understand that the wafers can go, but what does that mean for the engine.
I have heard mixed explanations over the years. Maybe you can clear it up for myself and any one else interested.
I am not sure if I am missing something, but why is it so devistating to the engine. Does it clog the spider or hold the spill valve open. How does the problem progress to the point of failure.
If people are going to be changing thae pump for a newer on and loose the points, what is the real cost or possibility of failure.
Any input would be appreciated.
M