Fuel Pump Issue

[stevef1972z]

Sorry to bother you all again, but the more I work on this car, the more I find. 1972 Z with Weber DVGs on it, the rest of the car is stock, and getting nicer every day. I replaced a blown head gasket and re assembled everything. The car is running, but sometimes seriously looses power, bogging down, and then picks up after putting in neutral and getting the rpms up to 3500 or so. Figure that is in the fuel or ignition system. New points, condensor and coil added, plug wires and coil wire are within resistance readings. Plugs good, clean and gapped to factory specs. Cap and rotar good. I did notice that the lever that activates the fuel pump is not in contact with the cam eccentric all of the time. It rides off of the eccentric but makes contact at the etreme of the eccentrics orbit and does pump fuel. Is it supposed to ride on the eccentric or off? I may not be getting the fuel pressure I need. Please advise. I cant make out or find anything in the service manual or the Haynes.

[rdefabri]

Steve,

I'm no expert, but I am having what I believe are fuel pump issues. I'll try to replace mine to see if that's my problem.

However, having taken apart my fuel pump and recent history here, the pump should ride on the eccentric. The eccentric (obviously) activates the lever that causes the pump to operate. I don't believe that at any point, the pump lever is EVER off the eccentric. It's important that once you replace the pump, the lever is touching - to the point where you must push on the pump to get into position.

Make sure that there is no interference (e.g., gasket sealer) and that the gaskets on the pump are placed back in the order they were in originally! Otherwise, you may be effectively "shimming" the pump/lever away from the eccentric.

Rich

[bpilati]

Steve, have you tried installing a Pertronix electronic ignition?

[beandip]

I am assuming that you have changed the fuel filters. If you have a pressure gauge that you could connect to the supply line of one of the carbs and start the engine with it running on what is in the float bowl . your pump should be putting out 3 to 5 PSI. However it does sound like you have a faulty pump or one that is not meant for a Z engine.

Gary

[DeesZ]

Some pictures may help us help you....

[stevef1972z]

Turned out that I was the problem and not the pump. Once I disassembled the fuel pump and cleaned everything up, it was the gasket and rtv that had the lever off of the eccentric.

I have 4.2 psi now.

I have not put in a Pertronix in this car yet, had the Flame Thower dizzy and pieces in my last one liked it. It is definetely on the list along with getting the headlights and fan blower to work.