Corvair Fuel Pump Replacement: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to replace corvair fuel pump

Replacing a Corvair fuel pump is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. Before starting, it is important to take a photo or make a note of how the fuel pump is assembled, as it can be confusing to put it back together once it has been taken apart. The process involves removing the fuel lines, loosening bolts, and carefully removing the push rod from the engine. It is also important to check the fuel pump's performance using a fuel pressure gauge before replacing it.

Characteristics Values
Engine OFF, preferably cool
Tools Two tubing wrenches, screwdriver, wrench
Fuel lines Remove at three places on the pump (inlet, two outlet lines at the T connector)
Bolt Loosen 9/16" locknut on 1/2" headed jamb bolt
Fuel pump Pop/pull up and out
Push rod Remove from engine
Pump stem/shaft Must have a rubber O-ring
Brass pipe Remove 1/8" pipe from pump
Fittings Remove 3/8" female flare fitting
Notes No sealer/tape needed with brass fittings
Fuel pressure Should read 4-5 lbs

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How to test a Corvair fuel pump

To test a Corvair fuel pump, you should first take a photo or make a note of how the fuel pump is assembled so that you can put it back together correctly. Then, disassemble the fuel pump by removing the five screws.

Next, using a wrench, hold the bolt head rigid and make it a snug nut fit. The pump should still wiggle slightly in the hole. Insert and, using your fingers only, thread and tighten the flare nuts on the three fuel lines that have been taken off. Using tubing wrenches if possible, tighten the three fuel lines.

Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws on top of the pump by snugging each one as you move in a circle, as many times as it takes to not find any of the screws loosened since you last tightened them.

Start the engine and check for leaks. A good pump will produce 1 pint of fuel in 40 seconds. Using a fuel pressure gauge, attach it to the end of the fuel line disconnected from the carb. Run the engine at idle speed and the pressure should read 4-5 lbs. If it is too high or low or fluctuates, the pump is going bad and should be replaced.

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How to disassemble a Corvair fuel pump

To disassemble a Corvair fuel pump, you should first take a photo or make a note of how the fuel pump is assembled, as it can be confusing to put it back together once it's apart. Then, remove the five screws. As you take it apart, always pay attention to how things are assembled.

Using two tubing wrenches if possible, remove the fuel lines at three places on the pump: the inlet, and the two outlet lines at the T connector. Leave the T connector and pipe in the pump. Below and to the rear of the pump, loosen the 9/16" locknut on the 1/2" headed jamb bolt. With your finger, loosen the bolt until the fuel pump will pop or pull up and out. Carefully remove the push rod from the engine. The dimple or indentation on the lower portion of the pump stem/shaft must have a rubber O-ring.

Remove the 1/8" brass pipe from the pump, and then the 3/8" female flare fitting. No sealer or tape is needed with brass fittings. Using a wrench, hold the bolt head rigid and make it a snug nut fit. The pump should still wiggle slightly in the hole. Insert and, using fingers only, thread and tighten flare nuts on the three fuel lines that have been taken off. Using tubing wrenches if possible, tighten the three fuel lines.

Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws on the top of the pump by snugging each one as you move in a circle, as many times as it takes to not find any of the screws loosened since you last tightened them. Start the engine and check for leaks.

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How to remove a Corvair fuel pump

To remove a Corvair fuel pump, you should first take a photo or make a note of how the fuel pump is assembled. This will help when it comes to reassembling the pump. Then, with the engine off, use two tubing wrenches to remove the fuel lines at three places on the pump: the inlet, and the two outlet lines at the T connector. Leave the T connector and pipe in the pump. Below and to the rear of the pump, loosen the 9/16" locknut on the 1/2" headed jamb bolt. With your finger, loosen the bolt until the fuel pump will pop or pull up and out. Carefully remove the push rod from the engine. The dimple or indentation on the lower portion of the pump stem/shaft must have a rubber O-ring. Remove the 1/8" brass pipe from the pump, and then the 3/8" female flare fitting. Note that no sealer or tape is needed with brass fittings.

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How to install a Corvair fuel pump

Installing a Corvair fuel pump is a complex process, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, make sure the engine is off and preferably cool. This is important for safety reasons. Next, take a photo or make a note of how the fuel pump is assembled. This will be useful when it comes to putting it back together. Then, using two tubing wrenches, remove the fuel lines at three places on the pump: the inlet and the two outlet lines at the T connector. Leave the T connector and pipe in the pump.

Below and to the rear of the pump, loosen the 9/16" locknut on the 1/2" headed jamb bolt. With your finger, loosen the bolt until the fuel pump pops up and out. Carefully remove the push rod from the engine. Make sure that the dimple or indentation on the lower portion of the pump stem/shaft has a rubber O-ring.

Remove the 1/8" brass pipe from the pump, followed by the 3/8" female flare fitting. No sealer or tape is needed with brass fittings. Using a wrench, hold the bolt head rigid and make it a snug nut fit. The pump should still wiggle slightly in the hole. Insert and, using your fingers only, thread and tighten the flare nuts on the three fuel lines that were taken off. Using tubing wrenches if possible, tighten the fuel lines snugly.

Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws on top of the pump by snugging each one as you move in a circle. Keep doing this until you no longer find any screws that have loosened since you last tightened them. Start the engine and check for leaks.

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How to tighten the bolts on a Corvair fuel pump

To tighten the bolts on a Corvair fuel pump, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Take a photo or make a note of how the fuel pump is assembled. This will help you when it comes to reassembling the pump.
  • Disassemble the fuel pump by removing the five screws. Pay attention to how the pump is assembled as you take it apart.
  • Using a wrench, hold the bolt head rigid and make it a snug nut fit. The pump should still wiggle slightly in the hole.
  • Insert and, using your fingers only, thread and tighten the flare nuts on the three fuel lines. Using tubing wrenches if possible, tighten the three fuel lines.
  • Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws on top of the pump by snugging each one as you move in a circle. Keep doing this until you no longer find any of the screws loosened since you last tightened them.
  • Start the engine and check for leaks.

It is important to note that, due to poor quality control in manufacturing, you should check certain things before installation. Additionally, make sure to double-check all fittings and look for any leftover parts on the workbench that shouldn't be there.

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