We are still in the process of trying to get the truck started and running. 1952 Chevy 3100 with a (not sure what year) 1958-1962 235 from a passenger car. We were not getting fuel to the carb (have fuel line at tank disconnected and inserted into 2 gallon gas can). Opted to replace fuel pump. Here is the fuel pump that I pulled... So, I went down to my local Napa (after looking at parts online) and found what appeared to be an exact replacement. Go it home, opened the box, looked totally different. Took it back and they ordered another one. Same thing. So, I went to another online retailer that had two versions available online. One, made by Carter, appears to be an exact replacement to mine. The other, made by Airtex, is exactly what was in the Napa box that I thought was the Carter. So, I ordered up the Carter one. Box came yesterday, opened it up, and it was the Airtex one again. Does anyone have any knowledge as to why this is? I really wanted the Carter one because the fittings on the Airtex one are at a different angle/height than the Carter one and I don't want to mess with new fuel lines right now. Here is the picture of the Carter one from the online site... And here is the Airtex one (that keeps coming in the Carter box)... Thanks in advance!
I gave up on those crappy mechanical fuel pumps years ago.... they always end up leaking either from the rubber diaphram or one of the valves & dumping raw fuel into the engine which dilutes the oil & fries the main bearings. Electric fuel pumps are the only way to go {unless you are a masochist}. Here is a brief write up on replacing the crap pump with a reliable electric pump {also includes info. on how to dummy out the original pump in non operational form to keep it looking original} http://www.jbhardin-gallery.com/trucks/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1687 .
Thanks Joe. I'm probably going to stick with mechanical for now. Baby steps. Need to get the motor running first and see what other priorities surface to the top.
I must be a masochist I run Holley mechanical pumps on 2 of my old vehicles (a sbc and a sbf), and stock GM mech. pumps on 2 others (sbc's). No issues. What carb. is on your engine? Maybe have the good folks at NAPA cross check for a 283 fuel pump and then physically compare it to the one you took off the motor? it's very possible the fuel pump you have isn't the right one for the motor.... Just a thought.
It's not so much finding the right part to fit the motor. What has happened in both cases is that part pictured in the catalog is not the part that comes in the box. A kin to buying a case of Budweiser and opening up the box only to find Coor's Lite.
Fuel Delivery The Airtex pump is the correct , later model 235 replacement pump , the other one with crimped sheet metal construction is a more modern design . Have you check the siphon yet ? . Unless you have fuel GUSHING out of the pump's inlet pipe no pump will ever work..... As mentioned a SBC pump works fine , you simply invert it upon installation . If you go with an electric pump be careful not to get suckered into buying the wrong , over 3 # pressure one as it'll cause no end of other troubles and no , fuel pressure regulators do not work because they hinder proper volume .
