anyone know of a source for a cheap rebuild kit for the old style v-8 fuel pumps from the ‘60s or even a part number I can go to napa with? The ones with the 6 screws that hold them together and the glass filter attached.
I actually need two, one for a ’61 and one for a ’68 Travelall. I’ve found some on the internet but they are $80 on up for a diaphragm and a couple one way valves and springs, that price seems excessive but maybe I am just cheap. I was expecting them to be in the $15-$20 range.
Thanks.
Sven
We've delt with this before.
On occasion, we May run across and obtain some nos parts such as you are seeking. But by and large, the materials in those kits are not compatible with today's fuel blends in most markets around the country.
While fuel pump rebuild kits were common in the 60's and 70's, there is simply no market for that item except for the special interest vehicle folks. There is also an extreme product liability issue associated with such parts. Combine that with the materials issue, no manufacturer is going to step up to the plate and offer such parts in this day and age.
Companies such as then and now specialize in this market, as such they have to sell their products at a profit in order to stay in business...same as us. And they are amongst the very few cottage industry folks that deal in fuel systems components that will withstand the onslaught of alcohol-laced gasoline. We also use a few other wholesalers who are tapped into this market...but the parts are not "cheap" as they once were back in the day.
Many manufacturer's of electric fuel pumps that have been a mainstay in the industry for many years (walbro comes to mind) no longer offer their products for use with today's gasoline, they do still supply rebuild kits for their electrics, but the materials used in those kits are not suitable for any fuel which contains alcohol. I've just finished rebuilding three walbro electric pumps that were in service for years in continuous service, however exposure to e10 literally melts the diaphragms before your eyes. Now I use the pumps only for liquid transfer, and thoroughly flush 'em with a stabil and naptha solution after each use, the pump bellows in those units will turn to mush with only a few hours exposure to today's gasoline.
These folks do have the correct parts that will live with today's fuel, I use 'em myself when called for:
antique auto parts cellar
