been a looooong time since I dealt with 239 specific parts but weren't the fuel pumps on the 239's installed "upside down" as opposed to all other Y blocks? Not sure if that is your issue or not but I would think it might be an issue. Maybe some of the veterans will chime in here.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Fuel should flow from the outlet when engine is idling or simply cranked over with the starter. Most mechanical pumps were something along the lines of "1 pint in 30 seconds", in terms of volume spec. Static output pressure can be tested with a mechanic's vacuum gauge. Make sure any rubber fuel line going back to the tank, and any fitting connections, are in good condition, and tight. Any slight air leaks along the way can prevent the pump from doing its job.

Trying to start a remanufactured 292 on a 1956 T-bird. Fuel pump came from a running 239 Y-block but has not been used for over 4 years. After no luck in starting the engine, we disconnected the fuel line that goes from the pump to the fuel filter at the fuel filter fitting. When cranking the engine, no fuel was coming out of the fuel line.

Is this a proper test? How can you test the fuel pump to determine if the inlet is sucking and the outlet is pumping out fuel? Can this be tested while the pump is installed or do you have to remove the pump for a bench test?