1957 Fuel Pump Rebuild Problem | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models
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1957 Fuel Pump Rebuild Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter TbirdFan76
  • Start date Start date
TbirdFan76

TbirdFan76

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Thunderbird Year
1957
Purchased a rebuild kit from Hills last week and yesterday attempted to insert the new parts.

While trying to insert the valves from the kit I've run into a problem inserting the valves into the fuel section. The valves seem to be the same size as the ones removed but won't seat into the openings. I've used a fair amount of force to tap them into place but the best I can accomplish is to get only one side of the valve in place. I've smoothed out any stakes in the openings.

Picture of new valve (top) & old valve (bottom).
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I need some advise on how much force to use to get them into the openings. I'm using a socket to pound the valve into place. Is there some special tool for this?

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You need to stake the valves into the casting using a sharp centre punch. There is a series of YouTube videos showing the process.
 
You're right but you can't and should not do this before the valve is seated into the port and is in contact with the gasket.

The real issue is the new valves are just slightly oversized. I'll update more later but a YouTube video creator with great videos on the Tbird fuel pump rebuilds advised to use a Dremel and slightly round the sharp leading edge of the new valves so the will more easily fit into the ports without damage.
 
I've got the fuel pump rebuilt and installed BUT it doesn't seem to be getting the fuel to the carburetor. The engine starts after spraying starting fluid in the carburetor bit won't run.

So IF we assume all the insides are correctly installed what else could cause this? I had put gas in the fuel filter when reconnecting fuel line so it's hard to say if fuel is flowing.
 
I am adding this as a FYI. I was having fuel pump problems with my Tbird and a friend who was former Ford Mechanic for many years suggested putting an electric fuel pump on. I put it back under car so not as visible and wired it up. Fuel pressure is a constant 5psi and car starts and runs like new. I am never having car judged but just enjoying driving it.
 
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