C1 fuel pump bad?

[Chris H.]

Got my engine going today for about 20 seconds or so. I had filled the floats with a syringe. However it looks like I was not getting gas from the fuel tank.

I was able to suck gas from the tank both before the fuel pump and then at the carb inlet. With the coil wire off I could not get gas to come out at the fuel inlet when turning over the engine.

The pump is a rebuilt unit from Corvette Central and this is the first time I have tried it. Is there a possiblity that the pump is installed wrong on the engine and what could I have done wrong? Or is it the pump and I have to rebuild or get it replaced? Or is it something else I am not aware of?

I do have the old incorrect pump which did work years ago but before I go thru the hassle of swapping wanted to get your opinions.

Thanks, Chris

[William C.]

Re: C1 fuel pump bad?

make sure the pump push rod is making proper contact with the pump lever. The push rods have a nasty habit of dropping out of place during the pump installation. There is a short bolt in the front of the block that is open into the push fot shaft. use a longer bolt finger tight to hold the shaft in place until the pump is installed. Just remember to pull it out and put the short one in before you crank the engine.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 fuel pump bad?

I have had just what Bill describes happen on a C1. There is so little working room between the engine and frame that you can easily have problems unless you use the short bolt to hold the rod. Be sure the engine is turned over to TDC so that the rod will move to the innermost position.

If the rod has slipped under the fuel pump shaft, it is likely going to be bent when you pull it out. An auto parts store replacement is about $10.

[Chris H.]

Re: C1 fuel pump bad?

Well it was my mistake again!@

I put the engine at TDC and put in the longer bolt. Struggled and got the pump off and the rod was down against the plate. Took off the plate and pushed up the rod and tightened the bolt so it stayed up. Put in the fuel pump and again no flow. Took it out again, same procedure and the rod was against the plate again.

What I was doing was angleing the fuel pump up so that the pump arm was on top of the rod. The 3rd time I made sure the arm was in front of the rod and now it works fine.

Thanks

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 fuel pump bad?

Same pump were used on various models having different size out lets. But using the same part number. Just another example of a part having the same number but a design change ( like the 7 and 9 fin valve covers