Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Current project is to rebuild my fuel pump, not because I think it's bad, but because I have no idea how old the diaphragms are. I would guess it's been rebuilt at least once as there are a couple of the original lock washers missing.

Found this very helpful video.https://youtu.be/g4uJh_mn_6g?si=ng7DThSDpTPxtfcF Thank goodness for the internet, like packardinfo.com, it makes caring for our cars so much easier.

Question: The rebuild kit came with 2 new gaskets (pictured below) which are not nearly as thick as the original gasket. The new ones are 0.024" each and old one is 0.078". The new ones will compress a bit and I suspect even if I stacked the two of them they would be about half as thick as the original. Should I stack the two new ones, or use the two new ones on either side of the old one, or other?? I'm not so concerned about the position as I am about heat transfer. I may be over-thinking this, but I'm rebuilding my fuel pump to prevent issues, not cause them!

I'm glad to see things are pretty clean inside, that is, not a bunch of junk stuck to the screen. (I didn't even know there was a screen!) I suspect I'll find the diaphragms are in good shape, but good to get ones installed that I know are compatible with modern fuels.

We rebuilt my brother-in-law's pump a year or so ago and had the same problem with thin gaskets. If I remember correctly we ended up cutting out a new gasket from some thicker material I had on hand. I don't know that it matters much if the gasket is thin or thick, but that's what we did.

-Kevin

Quote:

Making one is probably the best solution. I think the gasket thickness would have minimum impact on how the pump operates. I think the more important consideration would be minimizing heat transfer with a thicker gasket.

I agree that heat transfer needs to be minimized. Of course, too much gasket thickness will reduce pump stroke. I'd want to use ALL of the available heat mitigating items: proper gasket, insulating washers, insulating tubes on the studs, and heat shield. The gaskets on the bowl/screen are critical, both to prevent air lock and to prevent fuel from leaking out when the vehicle is parked. I had a fuel pump bowl gasket leak, and it dumped several gallons of gasoline from a full tank over night, which could have been a disaster.

When I did mine I used a film of gasket sealant on the screen/bowl gasket and on the washer gasket under the centre bolt. No sign of leaks. Had the unit out in very hot weather and parked in the sun between runs and no issues with vapour lock either.
Bob J.

The thicker original gasket is meant to reduce heat transfer to the fuel pump from the engine block.
I would just re-use it if its is in good condition.
Do you have the fibre sleeves and phenolic washers for the attaching bolts ? These are meant to reduce heat transfer as well.