Flathead Fuel Pump - No Pump
 

Just purchased a 1950 F-3 that last ran about 2 years ago. I can get it to run if I fill the carb bowl with gas or continually spray ether into the top, but the fuel pump doesn't seem to draw gas to the carb. I checked the carb bowl float and it looks clean and fine. I disconnected the gas tank from the fuel pump and ran a temporary hose into a clean can of gas but still no pumping. I disassembled, cleaned, and inspected the fuel pump, and all looks well. I've assumed the fuel pump is completely mechanical with no electrical pump elsewhere in-line. Any secrets to priming this pump or other words of wisdom would be much appreciated.

Thanks...

I would install a new, or rebuilt pump regardless of how that one looks, It could be 30 years old. Also pull the tank and clean it good, then install a new fuel filter and line. Also make sure the push rod that actuates the pump is moving up and down full stroke.

Hope this helps
Rod

found fuel pump
 

Have any recommendations for suppliers of such and old fuel pump?

Nevermind...found several sources.

As I remember from a few years ago, sometimes the pushrod would wear, so the pump would not get the lift. A quick repair-check was to install washers into the sleeve where the pushrod goes. Effectively increasing the length of the pushrod. Also turn the engine over to make sure the pushrod is going up and down, very little or no movement would indicate a bad camshaft. With the fuel pump off and fuel line hooked up you can work the lever by hand to see if it works (point outlet away from you).

Try this link to www.partsamerica.com they list a Masrter #578 pump for $22.00. If it's a combo w/ the vacuum, it's a #9544 for $92.00 .Or your local Napa should be able to get it. Mac's Antique Auto Parts is also another possibility

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=MST&mfrpartnumber=578&p arttype=52&ptset=A

rebuild kit
 

Got rebuild kit from Dennis Carpenter's for $9. We'll see...

Thanks all!

Update: Still No Pump
 

Well...I'm really in the dark now.

I took my fuel pump rebuild kit from DC and installed the proper parts in the old fuel pump. While the pump was off the motor, manually actuating the pump produces a nice sucking sound. So, I hooked everything back up expecting to claim victory. Instead, I still have no pumping of fuel. I turned the motor over while the fuel pump was off and the push rod moves up and down as it apparently should to drive the pump. When I installed the pump, I could feel the pump rocker arm engage the push rod as I put it in place. So...I'm stumped again.

If I remove the eight screws and take the top off the pump and look at the inside surface of the top, there are two ~dime-sized rubber diaphragms that are facing the same way. Should they be facing the same way or should one be flipped over? That's just how I found them...I guess I don't know if that's actually how they belong.

Prior to any of this, I disconnected the fuel line that runs from the top of the fuel pump to the gas tank in the truck to avoid sucking in the old gas/crud/etc. in the tank. I routed a temporary rubber line to a can of gas sitting in the front seat of the truck. Oddly, it looks like gas is drawn off the top of the fuel filter bowl during normal operation, unless it's missing some dip tube in that bowl. I filled the glass bowl to the top and filled the temp fuel line and stuffed it in the gas can, but that did not help. Is there some trick to priming these things or is the temp line to the gas can a problem.

Sorry for the length here...just a frustrating, backbreaking, hot, unrewarding experience this evening...:-arrgh

2bocat I just sent you an E-mail, yes one of those dime sized diaphrams needs to be turned over

Rod

shop manual
 

...got to get me a shop manual soon...still looking on e-bay for an original.

Thanks for the help...

Fired right up
 

Thanks to Rod for the exploded fuel pump diagram from:

(http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...fuelsystem.htm)

Flipped over one of the one-way valves in the top, reassembled, and fired right up :-X04 . Enough glorious racket and blue smoke came out the back of the shop that my neighbor came over! Now...on to that irritating leak in the lower radiator hose...

Thanks again to all of you...

Glenn

Glad I was able to be of help Glen, I will sleep better at night with that problem solved LOL

Rod