<VV> Fuel pump recommendation?

[Frank DuVal]

I think your neighbor is full....

I don't know if Vaseline will protect the rubber. It is not recommended 
for those other latex personal items!

The fuel pump rubber will dry up, but it will take years. A non-issue to me.

Also note to OP, most fuel pumps fail from leaking.  If it isn't 
leaking, you can test the pump in your hand by covering the inlet and 
pushing the plunger. If suction develops, it probably is a good pump. 
Similarly, cover the outlet and check for pressure.

Vaseline is a petrolium product, and is dissolved by gasoline. It will 
pass through the fuel system. It also is cut by engine oil. It is the 
shop manual recomended stuff to pack a Buick oil pump with during 
rebuilding to insure priming of the oil pump.

Frank DuVal

Dave Thompson wrote:

>[SNIP]
>
>It has been my experience that the single greatest failure
>in Corvair fuel pumps is when one of the directional flow
>valves pops out of it's seat.  Next time on fails take the
>cover off and you will most likely see the little valve loose
>in the chamber.  Push it back into place and restake it
>in place ... fixed!  This can easily be done on the side of
>the road ... don't ask me how I know :-)
>Ken P
>
>[SNIP]
>
>That's interesting. I am carrying a fuel pump and tools in my trunk as
>suggested here in VV. 
>
>Question:
>
>The "know it all" from down the street was over the other day. He said that
>if I was to keep a spare fuel pump that I should open it up and coat the
>rubber parts with Vaseline to keep them soft. WHAT?!? I see his point about
>keeping the rubber soft but what chemical properties will happen when it is
>washed off and mixed into the gasoline? I don't know. Vaseline is an oil
>derivative but would it cause issues in that small amount? 
>
>Is it really necessary? What about shelf stock in the FLAPS? Do they dry up?
>
>Is my neighbor full of it again or does he have a point?
>
>Dave Thompson
>Westminster, CA 
>
>
>  
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