Keep Original Fuel Pump - Or replace with plastic??

[Rustyred 63]

Hi folks, our work continues rebuilding our 1979 C-81.

 

We are currently reassembling our 8 HP Kohler engine. We just popped apart the aluminium fuel pump and found it to be in  bad shape. We could clean it up but the diaphragm looks very worn out.

 

So my question: Should I fix up this original fuel pump? (Is it even possible to find parts?) Or do I replace it with a plastic one?

 

We are trying to restore whatever we can to keep it as original as possible but we need it to work well!

 

Thanks for the advice! 

 

Rustyred

[953 nut 58,514]

6 minutes ago, Rustyred said:

Should I fix up this original fuel pump? (Is it even possible to find parts?)

Check this site, they have the kits.

http://www.then-now-auto.com/fuel-pumps/

[ebinmaine 71,248]

10 hours ago, Rustyred said:

keep it as original as possible but we need it to work well!

One can get into an hours long debate about "restification vs restoration"

I do both.

IMHO - In your case - rebuild the original fuel pump !

You'll be much happier with the end result of a redone aluminum pump than with a new plastic pump, long term... for originality reasons yes, but more for functionality. 

You'll have "restification And restoration"

 

10 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Check this site, they have the kits.

http://www.then-now-auto.com/fuel-pumps/

 

Nice job with that answer as usual sir.

I keep a list in my "favorites" of possible future vendors. I added that....

 

 

[wallfish 17,667]

If the pump is the type that DOESN'T use those little pod type check valves and it just has the small discs and springs, you can just clean everything and flip the discs over. The most difficult thing is not loosing the little springs.

[WHX?? 50,958]

I prefer the metal ones and have used the kits Dick mentioned with success. We'll have to make sure that link is in the parts section. If the original is beyond restore the plastic ones can be made to look close and only the trained eye would know. 

[Shynon 7,475]

I save all my metal body pumps and rebuild the when needed. Clean the valves and sand the surfaces flat, I use the diagphram that is sold on  that's usually what is bad. Works every time

[953 nut 58,514]

3 hours ago, wallfish said:

If the pump is the type that DOESN'T use those little pod type check valves and it just has the small discs and springs, you can just clean everything and flip the discs over. The most difficult thing is not loosing the little springs.

The one John is talking about was prior to '66 if I am not mistaken. It would be like the one on the left with the priming lever. Yours is likely to be like the one in the center. The one on the right is a plastic one.

[Rustyred 63]

Thanks for the input folks. I'll check out the suggested website and try to choose the right kit to rebuild the original.

 

I am including a picture of the pump itself in case it would change anyone's advice but I think it adds up.

 

Thanks again, Rustyred

 

[953 nut 58,514]

Looks like it will clean up nicely.