Second New Fuel Pump in Six Months

[BadJoey]

Unusually warm day (70) here in upstate NY . Thought I would take my Challenger out for a last ride . Well 20 or so miles later I was on the side of the street calling for help . Thank God my wife bought me AAA and a track phone , I never would have . It's funny I was riding along thinking how good the car ran and how I never have trouble . Next thing I know it was acting like it was running out of gas . My biggest complaint is that this is my second pump since putting the car on the road in the spring , 1200 miles ago .

The last one went in the drive way , not so lucky this time . All I can think is these things were probably on a shelf in a warehouse some place for years . This time I'm going with a electric pump .

Any suggestions ? The tow truck man said put it close to the tank because the pump will push way better then it will suck . Any special brands or venders I should be looking for ? Thanks in advance .

[jason340]

Are you shure it is the fuel pump?? Had a similar problem and it turned out to be a dirty/rusty fuel tank which put a bunch of junk in the fuel filter and plugged it up. We dropped the fuel tank and found it was too far gone so we replaced the tank, sending unit fuel filter and blew out the fuel lines. All is well now

[MEK-Dangerfield]

There could be many other things wrong besides the fuel pump. I have a mechanical fuel gauge under my hood after my fuel filter and before the carb, and I have an electrical gauge inside my car as well. Let's just say I have had multiple problems with my fuel system too, so now I know whats up.

I clogged two fuel filters in the first 50 miles of driving.     Gee, what would do that?   

So to make this short and sweet, if it isn't crap in your fuel system, it could be a worn pushrod in the block if you have a big block. It could also be a whole in your solid fuel line letting air in. While I'm at it here, make sure the rubber line from the sender to the solid fuel line isn't dry rotted. Then there is the lines up front coming from the solid line...How does that rubber look?

[dodge freak 2]

Did you get the pump at your local auto parts store or a place like Summit Racing. Carter makes all types of fuel pumps. Over at my local stores the pumps look different than the street pump..both Carter brand. Now the price is twice as much but heck I put 4,000+ miles a year and its 8 years on mine. Last one was on about the same amount of time and I just replaced before it broke--might be a good idea again.

Yes a new clean fuel tank and new lines might be needed after 40 years. Today's fuel with alcohol breaks up the dirt at the tank bottom.   

[the_engineers]

If you decide to go electric, go with a Mallory 110.  Very quiet.

A Big Block Chevy fuel pump block-off plate covers the Mopar hole for half the price.

[FJ5_440]

I had the same exact thing happen to me, and it turned out to be the fuel pump push rod was worn short.  Right after I replaced the fuel pump it worked fine for about 1000 miles until the return spring in the pump weakened enough to shorten the pump shot again.  Make sure you check the rod before you go through the hassle of adding the electric pump.

[BadJoey]

I probably should have said the tank, sending unit , all the lines and filter are new .Never had the push rod out . If I go with a electric pump and cap the pump hole on the block do I have to take the rod out ? The pumps I used came from big box stores . I would rather pay extra for a good electric pump then screw around getting towed even if I have AAA. I did not like being towed one bit and although it might sound silly I took it personally .I  made up my mind to go electri , the only questions in my mind are brand and where to mount it .

Looking down the carb when I pump the accelerator I only get a few spirts of gas , it fires and when that burns it stalls .Thanks guys getting my summit catalog out and going shopping .

[dodge freak 2]

Oh tell me how its like waiting to be towed (I have AAA too) loads of fun siting on the hood of the car looking out for the tow truck in Wal Mart parking lot with the sun shining and people everywhere.

My 8 year old MP starter gave out last week, no warning-just hop in and hear buzz buzz buzz but would not engage 

[dodge freak 2]

Here are the Carter pumps at Summit Racing--the "good ones" are the more $$$ ones, IMO. If the pushrod is good the pump should work for a very long time. I hear electric pumps go bad too.   

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Air-Fuel-Delivery/Section/Fuel-Pumps-Regulators/Part-Type/Fuel-Pumps-Mechanical/Brand/Carter/Make/DODGE/?Ns=Rank%7cAsc

(wow those prices sure have went up from just a few years ago)

[brads70]

If you do decide on a electric pump I second the Mallory. DON'T use a Holley they are very loud!