I am having difficulty installing a new Airtek (wish I held off ordering a while so that I would have seen the previous post about Airtek poor quality) dual diaphragm fuel pump on my 1956 292. I am aware of the necessity of rotating the engine so that the eccentric is at its uppermost position and I have done that. However, I still can't raise the fuel pump high enough so that I can get the bolts started. Is there a trick I'm missing here?  Pertaining to Airtek poor quality, does anyone know of a better quality brand that is dual diaphragm?  I rebuilt my vacuum wiper motor a while back and it works very well. I prefer not to go to electric wipers just so I can run a single diaphragm pump.

Even with the eccentric in its uppermost position, I have always had to manually push on the pump to get it to line up with the bolt holes.  Nature of the beast, I guess.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

The first one I put in was almost too easy. The spring on the action arm gave almost no resistance. The second was so tight I almost needed a second hand. I'm sure the position of the cam was a small factor. I'd suggest getting a couple bolts that are a lot longer and cut the heads off. Use them as guide pins. Should help a little.

Durham Missouri

Spectra SP1285MP Brand new Pump. I just ordered an Airtex from Rock Auto before reading Post also. I will be sending it back. it's good to hear others experiences with these types of Parts. Wonder if they are made "Offshore"? Anyone know?

  

I'm sure they are. The second one I bought was rebadged as a Carter. Identical in appearance and same problems.

Durham Missouri

From what I've been reading in some of the forums the imported pumps are notorious for excessive fuel pressure. For most of us 3-4 psi is plenty.

Somebody mentioned that the addition of an extra gasket or two as required can be used to fine tune fuel pump pressure.

With the new Airtex pump sitting on the bench, it takes something like 5 times more force to depress the lever than the old one does. There is no way you could overcome this force and raise the pump so the bolt holes would align. Maybe a jack from underneath would work.  However, I'm thinking that the spring inside the pump which gives resistance to the lever is related to the fuel pressure output of the pump. Stiffer spring - higher pressure. The 1956 Ford shop manual calls for 4 to 5 psi pressure. Excessive pressure would cause the carburetor float valves not to seat which would lead to flooding.  I'm running the original "teapot" carb.  I'm going to try to send the Airtex pump back for a refund.

The question is - what to do now?

Rebuild the old one. There not complicated at all. Document items as you pull it apart and you'll be fine.

Durham Missouri

Spectra pump from Summit $154 from Amazon $130
I wish ALL suppliers would be required to state the origin of their parts, a few do but not many...

NewBill, I I've installed 3 Airtex, the first two leaked and didn't experience any issue with high spring pressure to make instillation difficult..

I emailed Spectra out of curiousity regarding Origin of this Fuel Pump. Made either in USA or Mexico but assured Me they are made to High Standards either Location. These are New not Exchange Units.