Y-Block fuel pumps.

[Contibob]

Does anyone know of a good supplier/rebuilder for fuel pumps? I need one for my 57 Bird and all I am finding is junk. My Car was running great. Sat for 3 weeks and when I went to start it no fuel to carb. I did an internet search and found lots of people who keep getting pumps that don't work. I still gave a chance to one that is sold by O'Reillys. Brand new and correct casting for the Bird. Installed and I got no fuel to carb. Checked that all lines were clear and plenty of gas in tank. At one point I filled the bowl of carb to get it started. It started, fuel came into filter and it ran for about 10 minutes and then quit never to start again. Luckily the pump has a lifetime warranty. I hear this story all over the internet. I am guessing this is what I will possibly run into if I ever have to replace one in my other 57 Fords.

[djfordmanjack]

Bob, you may want to consider rebuilding your old original pump cases. If one goes bad just for the interior rubber parts/valves, there are rebuild kits available, also for the double duty (vaccuum) style pumps. They say that the new rubber components are ethanol compatible. I always keep at least 2 extra Y block pump cores, so I have something to rebuild in case and I carry a small auxiliary electric pump in the trunk, to get me home if something happened. Never happend though, old oem pump is still going strong after 6 years.

if you just need to replace the filter element and (fuel bowl glass) cork gasket, those are readily available from Rockauto.

Don't know the quality of this kit, just a sample. I remember buying a 57 correct kit from a vendor on ebay a few years ago.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=1959-61+FORD+292+352+390%22+AC+%234670+4710+4873+DOUBLE+ACTION+FUEL+PUMP+REPAIR+KIT&_sacat=0

[gasman826]

CASCO is buying cores so they must still be rebuilding.  Info available:  https://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=8979.msg88767#msg88767

[cokefirst]

Did you save your original pump?  If it is marked "AC" on top center of the pump, it is an OE pump.  I use the following for my fuel pumps.  https://www.then-now-auto.com  They will rebuild your OE pump or sell you the kit to rebuild your own pump.  They are very knowledgeable about the pumps and will ensure that you get the correct kit for your pump if you go that way.

[Contibob]

The pump that came out of my car was a rebuilt I put in it about 15 years ago. It is one with the hex head screws.  The one I bought from O'reillys I new was Chinese built but gave it a chance as it had the correct lower housing for for the Thunderbird. I will end up having my current pump rebuilt. In my internet search the pumps offered by Napa and Carter are also junk. I don't understand as they are pretty simple straight forward pumps. Of course I can't pull apart the new one to see what is wrong or my warranty would be voided. It would be nice to know what they are doing wrong?? The other thing is at 68 years old and doing this in 100 degree weather is a pain.

[hiball3985]

I'm not familiar with the replacement dual pumps but the single pumps that are put together with a crimped band rather then screws are junk. I had one fail in less then 50 miles. I cut the band with a hacksaw to get it apart and found one of the valves floating around loose. The valves are just pressed in with no staking to keep them in place 

[Contibob]

I was going through my own personal hoarder episode and found my original pump. It has the hex head screws and says made in Canada. It was in the box from Autozone that my current bad pump came in, The Box has "Airtex" part number 4406 and made in Mexico. I purchased it in 2009 for $53.99. it was a new pump not rebuilt. It has the hex head screws but no marking on it at all. The receipt says it was a "Master Fuel Pump". Maybe Master and Airtex were one in the same at that time. The bad one that I bought from O'Reilly's was a "Precision Fuel Pump" product $175.99. I new prices were up on everything, but what a difference. 2.5 times the price for pumps that don't work.

[hiball3985]

I think Airtex makes all the pumps sold under different names at different stores, they may have been good years ago but today the are cheap crap. I only need a single pump so now I use Holley pumps..

[mustang6984]

The bad one that I bought from O'Reilly's was a "Precision Fuel Pump" product $175.99. I new prices were up on everything, but what a difference. 2.5 times the price for pumps that don't work.

You didn't here this from me...but...
my son works for O'Reilly's...and HE is not a big fan of the 'Precision" line period. Has steered me away from them often. fwiw.

[SkylinerRon]

There are several rebuilders in Hemmings with great ratings.

[Lgcustom]

If you want to rebuild it yourself, you can get rebuild kits from Then And Now Automotive. I recently did it for a '54 239. https://www.then-now-auto.com/product-category/fuel-pump-kits/ford-fuel-pump-kits/page/2/
They are hard to reach by phone but are very knowledgeable and friendly.

[abe_lugo]

Just to add fuel to the fire.  I recently bought the one summit sells with the DA style.  It worked on flat drives but on inclines it gave my distributor vacuum advance issues. Or what feels like it.  
I ended up putting the old one back on and no issues at all. Definitely the pump.  They were cool about the return also.
I have a seeping gasket along the 10 bolts on my stock one. 
Hear some pics of the summit one. The arm looks the same and the casting was nice.  Too bad it didn't work for me this one is 139.99   

[thomasso]

I don't understand how a fuel pump would affect distributor vacuum as it should be carb. venturi vacuum?

[abe_lugo]

I was thinking the same thing but I have the style with the two vacuum connectors at the top and connected them the same as they were.  One of them does go into a front connector on the carb. So maybe it was pulling a a funny vacuum or the opposite, While under load accelerating. Somehow on my current pump it is connect this was and it drives good.