Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!"

Our Sunday afternoon ride in the A1 was cut short by this. This pump has been in the A1 for about 5 years. It attaches to the carb by a steel fuel line that runs around the front of the engine and up to carb. The line has some spring tension in it. My best guess is that the tension has worked on the pump housing over time until it finally cracked.

I've ordered an Airtex 572 from our local NAPA, $48, should be here by tomorrow. I already have this pump in 3 other Jeeps, 2 L heads and 1 F head, and it works fine. Flat metal top with no glass bowl. It's also known by part #M2195.

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

thats really bad. lame.

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

I had that same thing happen way back when. Mine wasn't quite so dramatic looking as the fuel line "held" the piece in place. It just had a major fuel leak. I figured the glass bowl cracked, but was suprised it was the upper housing. I just grabbed another pump housing from an old parts engine and had my Jeep back on the road in an hour.
-Donny

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

now that's bad

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

Just a tad bit of a leak.

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

:iagree: Amazing how the old stuff can be disassembled and repaired/tweaked/fixed and the new stuff is just planned obsolescence/replacement.

One of the main reasons I prefer old-school mechanical things is the fact that some things can be fixed without a call to the parts store or new parts. That to me is the best repair - where I did not have to open my wallet!

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

Here's a tip many of you probably already know, but for those who don't it makes fuel pump install much easier. Cut a slot in the top of the front bolt head, then use a screwdriver to get that bolt started.

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

Hey, at least the glass bowl is intact...

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

Yup, won't be buying any more of that style. I see that the Airtex 572 is online for $30-40. It's a good alternative if you don't have an old one to rebuild.

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

I can't give specifics on its construction but I can tell you it feels heavier than the pump it's replacing.

I decided to call the Airtex Free Tech Line, 1-800-424-7839, to find out about place of manufacture. I was pleased to find I only had to enter one number before a real person quickly answered the call. He told me the 572 is manufactured in Fairfield, Illinois. I didn't think to ask where the parts are made until after I hung up, so I suppose it's still possible that they come in from overseas.

 

Re: Fuel pump replacement, or, "Hey, there's a big hole in the side of the fuel pump!

Update: This pumps produces about 3 pounds of pressure at the carb, according to the fuel pressure gauge on the A1. The A1 runs fine at that pressure. I've read that a spacer can be installed between pump and engine block to reduce pressure if needed.