Original fuel pump...

Paul Steinberg

PCS Life Member Past President 2010-2012 2020-2024
Staff member
Super Site Supporter
I wanted to carry a spare fuel pump in my car, since a fuel pump for a 45 year old car isn't going to be something that is going to be on the shelf in most auto parts stores. I did some research, and found that the pump that is presently listed for my 1963 Chrysler supposedly fits all the way up to about the early 1980's. The pictures of the replacement pump don't look anything like what is presently on the car, so I started doing some digging to learn what the difference is. I learned that the new version will fit, and work on the engine, however, it will require some rearrangement of the plumbing. To me, this is not an acceptable alternative, especially if it fails while I am on the road. I contacted a salvage yard on the Left Coast, and got an original fuel pump for the car. I will be sending it out this week to have it rebuilt with modern parts that will withstand the rigors of the modern gasoline blends that are presently available. I will post additional pictures when it returns. You will note in one of the pictures that there is a pump number stamped on the side of the pump housing. This is the identifying part number. Doesn't matter the brand of pump, it usually is stamped on the pump for identification purposes. If you are driving an old car, it is a lot easier to find it before you need it, then it is after you are broken down on the side of the road, scratching your head wondering what to do next..... Time to break out your wallet and pull out a wad of money to pay the tow truck driver.... :(
 

Attachments

  • MVC-010L.JPG
    MVC-010L.JPG
    75 KB · Views: 189
  • MVC-011L.JPG
    MVC-011L.JPG
    70.1 KB · Views: 155
That is really the only part I have not purchased for the trip and think I may just go ahead and get one to be safe. For only $45 probably worth it.
 
Being i have known and worked on my car since almost new I was pretty sure my fuel pump was original so recently replaced it before it failed on the road somewhere. One of the fuel line would not come out so took apart old one and put new guts in it and worked it out so sometimes having correct part may not work either. Only option was to replace the fuel line too.
 
Being i have known and worked on my car since almost new I was pretty sure my fuel pump was original so recently replaced it before it failed on the road somewhere. One of the fuel line would not come out so took apart old one and put new guts in it and worked it out so sometimes having correct part may not work either. Only option was to replace the fuel line.:eek:
 
Rebuilding a fuel pump.....

Not exactly. I did a few rebuilds about 35 years ago, and they never were easy to do, unless you do them all the time. For that reason, I sent a original 1963 Mopar fuel put to Then & Now Automotive, 447 Washington Street, Weymouth, MA 02188, (781) 335-8860 to have it rebuilt. They were amazingly fast, since I sent it on a Wednesday, and they had in in the hands of UPS on Friday. They even sent back all the replaced parts, even though they are of no value. I guess this is to show the customer exactly what they replaced. You will note in the picture there is a number stamped into the casting. This is a "universal" part number that all manufacturers use to identify fuel pumps. I don't know when it was started, but it sure makes it easy to find a replacement or a core at a swap meet.
 

Attachments

  • MVC-010L.JPG
    MVC-010L.JPG
    75 KB · Views: 149
  • MVC-011L.JPG
    MVC-011L.JPG
    70.1 KB · Views: 157
  • MVC-012L.jpg
    MVC-012L.jpg
    97.2 KB · Views: 149
Just picked up a fuel pump AC Delco factory rebuilt ( when I don't know) on E-Bay. It will work on my 63, now to find a water pump,and oil pump if possible. I would like to have some spare parts on hand if needed.
 
If you need an oil pump, then you also need an engine rebuild... :D
 
Pick up an electric fuel pump for use in the event of a total failure of the mechanical pump. It may not be authentic, but it will get you there.
John Dorgan

Also, if your fuel pump fails, it is a good idea to pull the engine oil dipstick and check for fuel dilution in the oil. If the diaphragm ruptures it may allow gasoline to enter the crankcase, thinning the oil out.

I have seen it happen, albeit not very common. Usually they will just stop pumping.
 
Back
Top