C1 Fuel Pump (4656) Help

[Christopher R.]

Figured out the fuel pump (4656) on my '62 is leaking at the gasket between the bottom cover and the bottom half of the pump. That's the AC embossed cover with the 2 cap screws. The gasket is that big rubber disk that sticks out all around the cover's circumference. Tighten the 2 screw heads. Hmmm. Gas is still wetting the the rubber gasket. Take off the bottom and find tear in gasket. Problem solved. More created.

1. Before I took the bottom off, I tightened the 2 cap screws. On the last turn of the screwdriver, I got that sickening sensation when the torque dropped suddenly. I overtightened and stripped it. Can I undo all (10?) cap screws and separate the bottom half from the top? Thereby avoiding removing the pump from the block? I've got another bottom half. I assume I can helicoil the threads of the bottom half where the cover goes.

2. I found it odd that the 2 cap screws didn't have "O"-rings. Should there be?

[John M.]

Re: C1 Fuel Pump (4656) Help

Chris,
Yes, you can remove the screws and remove the middle section. but getting it back on might be quite a job as the plunger is going to have the diaphram depressed to some extent. Never have had an occasion to try it this way, but I am sure that it could be done, however you may wish that you had just removed the pump! Another thought would be to helicoil the hole in place. You should have a straight shot at the hole from the underside. The gasket is responsible for all the sealing functions at the pulsator chamber and no O-rings should be necessary.

Regards, John McGraw

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 Fuel Pump (4656) Help

I know what a PITA it is to R&R the pump, but you're probably gonna be happier in the long run if you go ahead and pull the whole thing.