Changing the fuel pump gasket on a Kent Ford?

[twobone]

I'm an all thumbs mechanic, but I've got to assume this is not rocket science.

 

As the pump connects to the block, do I need to drain the oil or will gravity have taken care of that? My engine is dry sumped.

 

Any specific torque settings?

 

Thanks

[lowflyer]

No need to drain the engine, if your engine is dry sumped there is no oil in the engine.

 

The gasket you're referring to is actually two gaskets. One on either side of a phenolic block that is a spacer to offer some insulation for the pump from the engine heat.

 

Disconnect the fuel lines... there may be some slight "drain back" so have a rag handy. Remove the two nuts that hold the pump to the block. You may need to give it a couple of taps with a plastic or rubber hammer to dislodge it from the block.

 

Once off, make sure to clean the area of the block since some of the gasket will most likely stick to the block. A razor blade is a good tool here.

 

Now for the fun... you must remove the gaskets from both sides of the insulator block. Again a razor blade, but be careful not to gouge the block. Once you get most of the gasket material off take a piece of sand paper, about 300 grit and lay the block down on the paper and rub it back and forth. Watch the block for any low spots/high spots. Look closely at the block to be sure it has no cracks in it.

 

Once you're happy that the block is flat, you can install the new gaskets, one on either side with a silicon gasket sealer.

 

Let the sealer set up a little, then install everything back on the engine. Should fix your oil leak.

 

It doesn't hurt to put a bead of silicon on the outside of the block where the pump sits either, just be careful not to get any inside the pump itself.

 

Have fun!

 

Ken Edney

Chandler, AZ

[twobone]

I think the gaset I bought is a combination insulator bloc and two sided gasket. Does that make sense?

[lowflyer]

If so, you save lots of time.

 

Lots of things available at places that cater to the Formula Ford people, like BAT.