Spraying Fuel

So the mav has been running poor lately. I first thought I got into some bad fuel and was burning through it. Well I started it up today to drive and was letting it idle I while I did a quick detail. Looked underneath and seen it was leaking something. Odd I don't run the ac so I knew it wasn't that. Open the hood look down and see what is either the fuel pump or regulator spraying fuel right on the oil filter. I have a 73 4dr 302 2bl LDO Maverick. I only got to look at it quick as I was running late and had to switch cars. I am guessing it is the fuel pump. Now my question is can I just get that at the auto parts store and is there anything else I should pick up with it? It sits right in front of the oil filter and a line runs in to the manifold/carb? I have tech manuals. Just at work and wanted to talk to you experts before I start calling parts stores and not wanting to get screwed. Also it is stock.

Thanks in advance, Kelly

 

Uh, fuel leaking is NEVER a good thing.

If you need to replace the pump (or regulator), go ahead and get it from JEGS or Summit, or you will be buying another one in 2 weeks because the local auto parts store part SUCKED!!!

The Edelbrock 110gph mechanical pump is really nice, I think it is called the Performer351 or something with 351 in it.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I am guessing it isn't to hard to install a new one, just in a bad location. Anything I should watch out for when installing. Looking at the Edelbrock brock one would I have to get new lines since that one had bigger 3/8 fittings? I really would just prefer a straight swap unless the edelbrock with an adapter kit wouldn't be to to hard. Like this one from summit looks like it would be a straight swap yes? http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HLY%2D12%2D833&N=700+4294908331+4294908284+4294925074+4294840126+4294925239+4294839053+115&autoview=sku. Thanks again in advance

 

Make sure you find exactly where its leaking first.May not be the pump could be a line/hose,loose clamp etc... But yeah get a good rebuildable mechanicle pump from summit jegs etc... Good luck.

 

Check your rubber fuel hoses. Out of pump should be all metal till it gets to filter. Replace all your rubber fuel lines at pump, filter, an carb. along with the filter. Good luck

 

Thanks it is spraying straight out of the pump. In 2 spots you can watch it spray i guess between the rings where the gasket is. It shouldn't be that hard to replace right? Crosses fingers.

 

No not at all hard. You should be able to do it in less than an hour. The hardest part is getting a wrench on the bolts. Sometimes that's a challenge. Oh and if you have trouble getting the new one in, keep in mind that it's a cam actuated lever in the pump and that you may be able to turn the motor over so it's not on the high point of the lobe. Good luck!

 

Be sure and check your oil too.There could be leakage into the crank case from the pump.Smell it(heavy gas odor) feel it(watery) check level( overfilled)If you find all of these, the pumps been leaking into the crank case.Change your oil and filter as well. PS:You may not have this problem but with a faulty fuel pump it is good insurance to check it.

 

Thanks for the heads up I was planning on doing a an oil/filter change and does anybody run any type of engine flush and put in any engine additive like restorer or anything like that?

Also I run 10W40, I have 65,000 miles you think any problems would arise with going to semi-synthetic oil?

 

Dont flush your crank case You may knock loose all sorts of foul things you dont want in your oil galleries/bearings.Its baaad news.If the engine is sludgy and crusty inside start using a good detergent type motor oil and run a hotter thermostat.Change oil after about 1K and repeat for 2 more K After that return to normal change intervals.I have mucho experience with replacing engines for people who flushed their crank cases.As for engine retorative type stuff.Its snake oil/ceiling wax/unobtainium.If the engine is that tired,you may want to consider a rebuild/swap.Otherwise put a good oil in it and have fun untill it gives up the ghost.Then have more fun

 

You should not have problems if you switch to a synth or semi synth.Only 65K?? you dont need no stinkin flush

 

Thanks I didn't think it did, it's been a garage queen all it's life and I am finally driving her more than most before this fuel pump thing it ran REAL strong. So I guess I will go with a semi-synth 10W40. And keep on keeping on.

 

Amen to that.

 

just a little bit on info on the semi synthetic, with all the additives they put in regular motor oil there isn't much difference between regular and synthetic blend, i'd stick with regular as synthetic oils tend to leak past seals little better. plus its much cheaper

 

One thing on the Edelbrock 351 fuel pump...the inlet and outlet will make it hit something (I don't remember if it hit the oil filter or the block, it was a long time ago) so you will have to take the bottom off and rotate it a little and re-screw it on. It has 8 or 10 screws that hold the bottom on. Undo all of them, rotate it one or 2 screws so that the inlet and outlets are unobstructed, and screw the bottom back on. PM stmanser and ask him to look and see how many screws and in which direction his is reassembled (I gave mine to him a few years back). EZ Job, takes maybe 5 minutes.