Re: Fuel Pump Issues?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2011/3/14 10:48:35

Just a guess. Since the fuel pump is open to the crankcase, a ruptured pump diaphram could cause both gas and a bit of oil to run out.

If the pump was old stock and not a fresh one rebuilt for use with gas with ethanol and that's the gas you're using, I wouldn't expect it to last very long. And if it was on the shelf for a couple of years - even less. Since it apparently was a "new" pump, the mechanicals are no doubt pristine. I'd send it to Gould Rebuilders for a rebuild compatible with todays gasoline.

I tour a bit with my 56 and always carry a spare pump.

PS - another possibility, the rubber gas suction line that connects the pump inlet to the steel line on the frame failed; when that happens gasoline leakage readily occurs if the tank level is higher than the rupture. And then as the gasoline runs down the crossmember it may have picked up some accumulated oil with it. New lines compatible with today's fuel are available from one of the PAC regions, and most good auto parts stores may carry or can make one up.

PPS - if you find it was the pump diaphram that failed, I'd do an oil change before running the engine again. Good chance the oil got diluted with gasoline.