[NoVa-Corvairs] RedBrier

[Curtis Shimp]

Greg:

Regarding the life of the fuel pump 15,000 is far short of the original
design criteria.  However, as you know they are all after market pumps
now and who knows how long they are expected to last.  I have no first
hand experience to give you as I changed to an electric pump 20 years ago
(it's still working).

There have been numerous articles about premature failures with after
market pumps and from this two camps have emerged.  One, lead by Lon
Walls, says that the mechanical pumps now being ordered by he and Clark's
have resolved all the past issues.  The other says don't take a chance,
get an electric pump.  The problem I have with the first group is, how
can you tell by looking whether you have a "no problem" new pump or not. 
I guess you could order a new one and cross your fingers.

By the way if the pump fails it does not necessarily push gasoline into
the crankcase.  There is a form of failure where the gasoline is shot out
of the vent hole on the top of the pump.  You know we have a local expert
on this subject, John Moody.

Regarding oil viscosity, use the lightest viscosity oil that maintains
good oil pressure.  In a Corvair that is about 30 lbs.  The rule of thumb
is 10 lbs. per 1,000 rpm but Chevy did not build Corvairs that way.  If
your doing the freeway to the convention at 65 mph and only getting 20
lbs., that is too low and you will need to put a heavier oil in the
engine.  I have "tweaked" my oil pump to put out 40 lbs.

Curt