FUEL PUMP - going back to mechanical style

BaugherGarage · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 10:05 AM

Good day. I would greatly appreciate if someone could send me pictures of where the mechanical style fuel pump lives on a 1961 223 6-cyl. My truck has an aftermarket electric inline type bolted to the fender well and it's starting to whine and growl. I'm considering replacing it with an original mechanical style in order to save money (cheaper replacement part) and also return the truck to stock. Please share any insights into this thought. Again, photos of where it is mounted to the engine would help a lot too. My shop manual doesn't have images that I have found.

THANKS!
Mike

FitchBanjos · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 10:47 AM

Before you do that, better check to be sure there is not an issue with the cam that drives the fuel pump. That may be the reason it was converted to an electric.

BaugherGarage · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 11:40 AM

Thanks Cliff. How can I check that cam?

gritsngumbo · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 01:03 PM

I tried to take a picture for you but you couldn't really tell the fuel pump location from it. It's located just behind the oil filter, below the #3 spark plug. The mechanical pump is probably still there, or there may be a a small triangular plate covering it. More than likely the mech pump failed (for whatever reason, believe cam weardown was a frequent cause)) and the only on readily available solution was the elec. I'll defer to Cliff on how to check the cam. Personally I would just buy a mech pump from NAPA (or whomever) and give it a try. Don't think they're very expensive.

FitchBanjos · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 03:58 PM

You should be able to take a mirror and flashlight and peer into the opening for the fuel pump and see the cam (eccentric). Rotate the engine and see if it is worn. The pumps are cheap. I just bought one at Autozone for $28.00.

BaugherGarage · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 04:54 PM

I checked, and there is just a triangle plate bolted to the fuel pump location. So I pop off the cover, and look for an eccentric (what's that look like?) and see if it's worn (how will I know?). Thanks for all your help. I'll get with Autozone if I determine the eccentric is OK.