<VV> Fuel pump pushrod

[Larry Forman]

Hi Clark and Alesia,
While all this is true, Clark, my money is either on the fuel pump not installed down far enough (as has been suggested) or a leaky rubber fuel line that connects to the hard fuel line running into the front of the engine compartment.   If this line is leaking and sucking air then the fuel pump will not pump fuel.  This is quite common and I would recommend replacing this rubber fuel line regardless as good preventive maintenance.  It as also a good time to add a small clear plastic fuel filter for about $3.  This helps prevent rust and debris that might get past a failed fuel tank "sock" from getting into the fuel pump and carbs and causing them to fail.

It is also possible this rubber line has swollen and is choking off the fuel, but this is less likely.  Still best to replace.

As for the proper fuel pump installation, when carefully sliding the pump downward and slowly turning in the locking bolt, watch that the bolt does not go into the rubber O-ring area.  It takes just a little learning to feel how the locking bolt is sliding into the taper as it locks the fuel pump in properly.  Then it is important not to screw that bolt in any further!  If you REALLY torque it down, you can drive it into the fuel pump and against the pump push rod and that will prevent it from moving and prevent fuel from pumping.

These are little but important things.

What I have found is that while the Corvair engine is robust, it does take knowledge of all the little things and set them right to get the most out of these wonderful engines.  Once you learn about these, you will have a sense of satisfaction.

-- Larry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Clark Hartzel" <chartzel@comcast.net>
To: "Virtual Vairs" <virtualvairs@corvair.org>
Subject: <VV> Fuel pump pushrod
Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2004 10:08:20 -0500

> 
> Alesia said her pushrod stays up when the pump is out.  Naturally it will as
> the spring on the pushrod is not touching the pump.
> I suspect two things, a bad pump or the screen/sock on the fuel tank sending
> unit is clogged up not allowing fuel to flow.  Try squirting gas into the
> carb throats and see if the engine runs.  If it starts, then run a rubber
> fuel line to a gas can and see if the pump sucks fuel and the engine runs.
> If the engine runs from a gas can, then you know the fuel tank is going to
> have to be removed, cleaned and a new sending unit installed.
> Clark Hartzel