Rebuild '68 Small Block Fuel Pumps?

[Dennis M.]

I have a '68 327/350HP withthe original fuel pump. It appears to have developed a leak around the crimped edge. Has anyone ever had these repaired or rebuilt?

Dennis #12799

[Joe L.]

Re: Rebuild '68 Small Block Fuel Pumps?

Dennis----

Rebuilding the "non-serviceable" type fuel pumps, which includes all big block pumps and 67-up small blocks, is problematic, at best. One major problem facing anyone who wishes to try is the fact that, as far as I know, no one sells the parts necessary to rebuild one.

If you're still interested in trying, I suggest you call Paul Baker at Goat Hill Classics located in Long Beach, CA. (562)437-7664. One of Paul's specialties is fuel pump restoration and manufacture.

I can tell you this: I would be VERY reluctant to use a "rebuilt", non-serviceable type fuel pump. A leaking fuel pump can not only leave you stranded, but it can cause FIRES. If yours is leaking, replace it immediately and worry about the prospect of restoration later.

Lastly, I'll mention this: even if you could rebuild it, why would you want to? It so happens that the original fuel pump for 68-69 Corvettes with 327 and 350 cid engines is still available. I'm not talking about a "replacement" pump, either. I'm talking about the original, assembly line pump. If you go to your local Chevrolet dealer, they'll tell you that the original pump was "discontinued" years ago and replaced with GM #6470110 which has also now been discontinued. They'd be right; the original fuel pump was discontinued from the GM parts system years ago and replaced by GM #6470110, which was discontinued about a year ago. If you go to a Delco dealer, though, and ask for GM #6417337 or AC type 40658, you can get the exact same part that was fitted to your car on the assembly line. It's as easy as that.

[Dennis M.]

Re: Rebuild '68 Small Block Fuel Pumps?

Joe,

Thanks for the response, I did find a replacement from a friend (I think it's the 6470110, will check when I get home) and have it installed. I am in the process of putting on new fuel lines from the pump to the filter and to carb. I purchased the lines available (which I think are from Paragon) and found that they needed to be adjusted some to fit. Also, the filter that they include is a replacement for the GF432 filter and is larger in diameter and does not fit the origional bracket. I cleaned up my original and my end up re-using it. After getting it all back together, I will look into a rebuild of the pump and a correct filter. At least I'll be able to drive a safe car for the time being. Again thanks and I wish everyone in the NCRS would get online the input from members is so vast and valuable. Dennis

[Dennis M.]

Good Find on Replacement Fuel Pump

Joe,

Thanks for the info, checked and the replacement pump is what I picked up from a friend for $10. It is the #6417337 and there is only a minor difference from the original. The fuel inlet is about 30 degrees off from the original but it ends up a better fit. Again thanks and does anyone know if the GF 432 fuel filter available from GM is like the original?

Dennis Moore

[Joe L.]

Re: Good Find on Replacement Fuel Pump

Dennis----

The GF-432s that I laid into my private stock several years ago were identical to the originals. Whether they still are, I don't know. The GF 432 filter was designed to be used retained by a clamp. Although it may have applications besides Corvette, it would still need to be retained by a clamp. If GM were to change the filter diameter, it could no longer be retained by the original clamp for Corvette or any other applications. I would expect that, in that case, they'd just discontinue the filter. You never know, though. Every now and then they do something "off-beat". If the "reproduction" sources are selling a larger diameter GF-432 with original "AC" markings, I suspect that their source is GM.

[Joe L.]

Post Script To Above Post

For the benefit of those eagle-eyed among you who have compared the 6417337 part number for the original 68-69 small block pump to the part number found in the assembly manual and, therefore, doubt my contention that the pumps are equivalent, doubt no more. The part numbers for assembly line fuel pumps were NEVER available in service. However, you will note that the part number shown in the assembly manual is 6440658. For Corvettes of that era, the assembly line pump was always the AC Type number preceded by "64". In this case, that is type 40658 or 6440658. Fuel pump GM #6417337=AC Type 40658. Also, 6417337 is the part number shown in the original 1969 dated GM Parts Manual.

I was reminded by another member of one other point that I should have made. The angle that the inlet fitting on fuel pump is attached can vary. In my "private stock" of parts I have several NOS 6417337 pumps which were manufactured at different times past. I also have several NOS 6440110 pumps, which was the replacement pump for 68-69 and the original pump for most LT-1s. All of these pumps of both numbers have the inlet fittings attached at several different angles. Why, I don't know.

[Patrick H.]

Fuel Pump Fitting Directrion(s)

Joe,

I was just reading your posting on the various angles of the fuel pump fittings. Is this why the new AC fuel pump for my 71 (a 40769) doesn't point in the correct direction to mate with the fuel line? I ended up putting the generic replacement back on as the fitting could be adjusted different directions. And if so, any idea how to make the fitting point the right way? The lines to the tank are rubber, so the exact position isn't important. The hard connection to the carb does matter, but I have no idea how to adjust it.

Thanks! Patrick Hulst

[Joe L.]

Re: Fuel Pump Fitting Directrion(s)

Patrick-----

I have never seen an AC fuel pump of the correct part number have an OUTLET fitting installed at an incorrect position. I was speaking of the INLET fitting. This is where I have seen some variation in "angle", although I haven't seen huge differences, 30 degrees or so max. For the inlet fitting, the angle difference is not functionally too consequential since, as you know, the inlet fitting is a nipple-type connector which attaches to a flexible hose. If I were you, I might want to look at a few other AC pumps of the same part number which is 6470308. Also, are you sure that the fuel line from the pump to the carb is CORRECT and UNMODIFIED? The fact that the car had a "generic" pump on it previously makes that condition seriously suspect.

There is no way that I know of to adjust the position of the outlet fitting on an AC sealed-type fuel pump. I wouldn't even attempt such an adjustment.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel Pump Fitting Direction(s)

Joe,

Actually, I have never seen one that looks correct (?). They all seem to point directly at the engine (towards the left of the car) or slightly backward, rather than slightly toward the front. This is true of practically all the AC pumps I've seen " listed" as being for my engine when I inspect them at meets such as Bloomington, Carlisle, or Chicago. Most catalogs show a 40769 number for "70-76, all engines". I just "assumed" that GM no longer makes a correct pump. And I also to this point have "assumed" my fuel lines were correct, as the one that came off my car matches the "reproduction" one I purchased. Of course, just try finding an original 71 base motor fuel pump and line to compare to... Maybe I'll ask Jack Humphrey how his looks.

Any recollection as to which direction the outlet faces on your fuel pump, Jack?

Anyone else with a base motor 71 or 72 with original fuel pump and/or line that can tell us which way the pump outlet faces? Or have you tried to fit reproduction lines to your original pump?

Thanks!!! Patrick Hulst

[Joe L.]

Re: Fuel Pump Fitting Direction(s)

Patrick----

All along, I've been assuming something that perhaps I shouldn't have been. For 1971 Corvettes with base engine 350, the fuel pump used an elbow at the outlet fitting. This elbow was a 90 degree elbow and, as I recall, it was made of brass. It was GM # 9428895, but was discontinued years ago and I don't know where you could find a correct one. However, you should be able to come up with a suitable replacement at an auto parts or hardware store. I've been assuming that you were using the elbow; if you're not, that's your problem.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel Pump Fitting Direction(s)

Joe,

Ha! I knew there was something missing! Actually, the generic replacement I have on the car has the elbow attached, but I "assumed" that the AC fuel pump would be correctly configured and not need it. I've never seen a drawing of the part on the pumpor associated wiht it, or for sale in a catalog, so it never crossed my mind.

Thanks! Now if the generic unit ever goes out, I can put my correct unit on.

Patrick