This guide captures ‘bygone’ advice on how to Fix A Mechanical Fuel Pump On A Classic Car.
To see all my ‘bygone’ advice guides please visit Classic Car Maintenance DIY Guides.
Contents In This Post
Remember folks these are ‘bygone guides’ … useful but the safety and personal protective equipment measures are reflective of bygone awareness. Stay safe.
Introduction
Mechanical fuel pumps can fail in several ways. They can become loose on the engine block, they can become blocked with sediment, or the diaphragm assembly can wear out.
Mechanical pumps are operated by an egg-shaped lobe on the engine camshaft (as shown below). As the lobe rotates, it raises or lowers a rocker arm on the pump which causes a diaphragm to suck in or push out fuel.
Retightening the pump with a replacement gasket between it and the engine will usually remedy the fault.
A blocked pump is also reasonably easy to clear. Blockages tend to arise because no petrol is ever perfectly sediment-free, and often more dirt enters the fuel system than the filters can cope with.
Cleaning the pump filter should be done as a matter of routine.
While cleaning the filter, have a good look at the gasket between the filter bowl and the pump body. If this is faulty, air will be able to enter the pump and give rise to airlocks in the system, so it should be replaced.
How To Check A Mechanical Fuel Pump Operation
The pump’s operation should also be checked. This can be done with the pump on the engine if there is a hand-priming lever (See Below) on the pump.
To remove the pump disconnect and plug the fuel pipes and remove the retaining bolts. Retain any packing washers between the pump and the cylinder block as these affect the pressure output. The gasket between the pump and engine should also be replaced on reassembly.
Whether the pump is on or off the engine, the procedure for checking it is the same. First place a wetted finger over the inlet so that it is completely blocked off.
Next, operate the pump by either moving the priming lever upward or the rocker arm inward.
A suction force should be felt on the finger. Repeat the operation, but this time close off the outlet. This time pressure should be felt.
If there is no lever the pump will have to be removed and the rocker arm used (See Below).
If very weak suction or pressure is felt, or none at all, the pump is faulty.
If the cause is a blockage, clear it by blowing air through the inlet. If retesting shows that this cure has worked carefully replace or overhaul the pump by the method given below.
How To Overhaul A Mechanical Fuel Pump
Before proceeding with a pump overhaul it is worth checking with a dealer to find out exactly what replacement parts can be bought for your particular pump. For while kits are available for many types of pump some cannot be repaired and so must be discarded.
The following may help.
Latest Mechanical FUEL PUMP Listings On eBay
If it is possible to overhaul your pump first remove it from the engine.
Next undo the screws holding the two body parts together. Carefully lift off the top part.
Delicate use of a thin knife may be necessary to prise the two apart. The diaphragm assembly will now be exposed.
How To Replace The Diaphragm On A Mechanical Fuel Pump
To remove the diaphragm turn it by its metal centre a quarter turn and it will lift clear.
Examine all the parts now visible.
If any of them, such as the diaphragm or its spring appear worn or damaged they should be replaced.
Before fitting a new diaphragm should be soaked in fuel for about 15 minutes.
When reassembling the pump the diaphragm spring should be put back into the bottom part of the pump assembly with its larger diameter, if any, uppermost.
Rest the diaphragm on the spring with the flattened end of link the pull-rod in line with the slot in the link connecting (See Below).
Move the rocker arm so that the moves to the top of its travel and then push down the centre of the diaphragm until it enters the link slot.
Give it a quarter turn to lock it.
Move the rocker arm until the diaphragm is level with the pump body and then replace the top part of the pump.
Finally, push the rocker arm inwards to its full extent and tighten the screws holding the two parts together.
Once the pump has been reassembled replace it on the engine. Take great care that the cam eccentric engages the pump rocker arm- that is the flat surface of the arm must rest against the cam ( As shown in the first picture in this post). Incorrect replacement could lead to the breakage of the pump arm-and possibly cause serious engine damage.
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