The fuel line has been broken off and a rubber line run from there to the carb intake. It was a bit messy at the end so I cut it off and sanded down the rust for a better connection.
When I finished sanding down the fuel line I found gas all over the floor. The fuel line was rusted bad enough that the slight movement at the fuel pump end broke the line. Bummer, but good that it happened now in the garage and with the car on the hoist.
Local CarQuest supplied and new pump, 3/8 copper/nickel and fuel line.
The new pump is much deeper than the old model. It is the style sold for the ’79 Chevy by parts shops and Corvette specialty suppliers. I’ve changed fuel pumps on Studebakers and it was a piece of cake compared to this install.
Trying to fit the new carb with the old fuel pump screws was impossible for me. Jut not enough room to get the screws in place. The screws weren’t quite long enough without pushing the pump inward which in turn moved the pump upward so the screws didn’t align with the holes in the block. It was impossible to push the pump inward and down enough to align the holes. It would take four hands to do the job and I only have two hands and two feet – maybe if I was a monkey – hahaha!
So decided to try studs instead of screws. Now when I try to push the pump inward the pump arm on the pump shaft forces the pump upward which binds the pump on the stud threads!
So in desperation try using studs that are a bit longer than the original screws. Fortunately I was able to use these to get the pump up to the block and then I pulled one at a time and replaced them with the original screws. This all had to be done with ratchet extensions and wobble shafts from inside the wheel well and through the bottom of the inner fender – not fun but finally done!
I used high temp gasket maker to help with the sealing. Problem was that the gasket wanted to move around when I was replacing my studs with the original screws. Hopefully it will still seal OK.
Finally in place 🙂 I’ll bend and install the new feed to the carb when the carb’s all done.
Next: My tap and die have arrived.