BE Mechanical Fuel Pump - Almost Certain Leak

[mxp01]

All - I Need Help!

I have a 59 BE with a mechanical fuel pump. I purchased this car over the summer and have been working on re-assembly. Today I hooked up the fuel line to the mechanical fuel pump. Wanting to check the fuel line connection, I raised the rear end while manually priming the pump (Note: I removed the carbs for better access to the fuel pump). With fuel coming up and out of the fuel feed lines (to the carbs), it appeared that the fuel line to fuel pump connection was fine -- BUT --- there is signs of fuel around the screws that join the top of the fuel pump housing to the body. This car was a restoration in progress when I bought it and the pump appears to have a new diaphragm. I tightened down the screws holding together the housing, but there still appears to be fuel around the pump edges (as if the fuel is coming up and out through the screw holes).

Also note: The car had been sitting for a while. This is the first time in at least 4 months that the fuel pump had any fuel in it, so:

- Any ideas? Any recommendations?

Please let me know,

Mike

 

[markberry]

All - I Need Help!

I have a 59 BE with a mechanical fuel pump. I purchased this car over the summer and have been working on re-assembly. Today I hooked up the fuel line to the mechanical fuel pump. Wanting to check the fuel line connection, I raised the rear end while manually priming the pump (Note: I removed the carbs for better access to the fuel pump). With fuel coming up and out of the fuel feed lines (to the carbs), it appeared that the fuel line to fuel pump connection was fine -- BUT --- there is signs of fuel around the screws that join the top of the fuel pump housing to the body. This car was a restoration in progress when I bought it and the pump appears to have a new diaphragm. I tightened down the screws holding together the housing, but there still appears to be fuel around the pump edges (as if the fuel is coming up and out through the screw holes).

Also note: The car had been sitting for a while. This is the first time in at least 4 months that the fuel pump had any fuel in it, so:

- Any ideas? Any recommendations?

Please let me know,

Mike

hi mike
i had the same thing happen to me once. I took the fuel pump apart and lightly applied fuel resistant sealant around the mating surfaces of the pump body where it sandwiches the diaphragm, then reassembled. That was probably 10 years ago and it's still good.
regards
mark

 

[mxp01]

Thanks for the input, Mark. After an overnight sit, it appears the pump seals began to hold as I had no more leaks. However, if it does begin to leak again I will heed your advice.

Mike

 

[Whitephrog]

If it leaks again contact Gary Johnson at East Tennessee Race Prep. Gary is the one who re-built the fuel pump.