'72 BB Fuel pump problem

[Tom L.]

This afternoon I was doing some maintainance after returing from carlisle and noticed a small amout of oil on the floor which I followed up to the fuel pump. After looking closely it seems that oil is leaking from the crimped seem on the lower "can". Does that sound right?? I can't find any other source of oil, the engine has been tight in terms of oil leaks for quite some time. Also, would this indicate that I may soon be leaking fuel???

[Joe L.]

Re: '72 BB Fuel pump problem

This afternoon I was doing some maintainance after returing from carlisle and noticed a small amout of oil on the floor which I followed up to the fuel pump. After looking closely it seems that oil is leaking from the crimped seem on the lower "can". Does that sound right?? I can't find any other source of oil, the engine has been tight in terms of oil leaks for quite some time. Also, would this indicate that I may soon be leaking fuel???

Lynn------


My guess would be that the oil is leaking from somewhere else and finding its way to the location you describe. Possibilities include the valve covers, fuel pump-to-block gasket, or the pipe plug at the base of the block's fuel pump mounting flange.

Notwithstanding the above, if the fuel pump is old, replace it. Fuel pumps are a safety-related maintenance item that should be replaced BEFORE they fail.

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 BB Fuel pump problem

Didn't think to check the plug, I'll do that. Also, do the bolts holding the pump need thread sealer?

I spent some time in the archives, I saw a post discussing the vent holes in the side. If there were a problem with one of the diaphrams which hole would oil be coming from? I'll be checking later.

And I intend on changing the pump, just want to pinpoint the source of the leak before I tear it apart. Had the darn thing out this past winter while freshening up the engine bay, suspension and doing the heads. I'm pretty annoyed that I didn't replace it then, oh well...

[Joe L.]

Re: '72 BB Fuel pump problem

Didn't think to check the plug, I'll do that. Also, do the bolts holding the pump need thread sealer?

I spent some time in the archives, I saw a post discussing the vent holes in the side. If there were a problem with one of the diaphrams which hole would oil be coming from? I'll be checking later.

And I intend on changing the pump, just want to pinpoint the source of the leak before I tear it apart. Had the darn thing out this past winter while freshening up the engine bay, suspension and doing the heads. I'm pretty annoyed that I didn't replace it then, oh well...

Lynn-----


My recollection is that the fuel pump bolt holes were blind-tapped into the block but I'm not 100% sure. In any event, no sealer was used in PRODUCTION (and the bolts did not have sealer pre-applied).

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 BB Fuel pump problem

I finally chaged out the fuel pump in this discussion. Does anyone see a value in these old original pumps?? Should I hold onto it for any reason? I've been looking at it sitting on my bench for a couple of weeks and am not sure what to do with it. Thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: '72 BB Fuel pump problem

Lynn, I believe paragon corvette rebuilds the stamped original pumps.

[Warren F.]

Re: '72 BB Fuel pump problem

They do have an original part number as well as a date code. If that doesn't matter, discard it.