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Old 03-14-2021, 10:47 PM   #1
zuburg
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Default Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

I see several brands of fuel pumps from various suppliers including the T-bird specialty sources as well as Rock Auto. I have read about problems with Airtex. Which is the best pump? Airtex, Carter, US Motor Works?
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Old 03-15-2021, 08:02 AM   #2
Lamar Wadsworth
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Default Re: Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

Are you looking for an original type mechanical pump or an electric pump?
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Old 03-15-2021, 08:19 AM   #3
zuburg
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Default Re: Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

Original type, the three brands I mentioned all have the original type but I have read Airtex has had some quality and reliability problems. I have not seen any comments about US Motor Works (probably sourced from the same China source as Airtex?).
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Old 03-15-2021, 08:57 AM   #4
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Default Re: Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

Don't know about one for a Y Block but the Airtex on my 8ba flathead has been working for 5 years or so with no issues.
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Old 03-15-2021, 12:51 PM   #5
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Default Re: Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

In a T-Bird group I belong to there have been more than a few reports of failures of the most recent crop of chineseium fuel pumps, often in less than a few weeks. So many in fact that some of the suppliers are declining to sell them.

Chose a supplier for a new replacement pump carefully. Will they accept returns?
There may be a few places left that still rebuild fuel pumps. Look in the SwapMeet section?

or... you can buy ethanol compatible rebuild kits.
Here's one example...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1956-1...A/224157096175


.

Last edited by dmsfrr; 03-15-2021 at 01:22 PM.
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Old 03-15-2021, 04:48 PM   #6
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Quote:
or... you can buy ethanol compatible rebuild kits.
AMEN!

Rebuild it (desc in SHOP MANUAL). Don't let old parts such as this go to the core barrel. Once they are gone it is all over.
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Old 03-15-2021, 07:44 PM   #7
Daves55Sedan
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Default Re: Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

The chain auto parts stores started selling new replacement pumps for Y-blocks a couple decades ago. The guts inside the new pumps are not like the originals and not interchangeable, so if you still have a factory original pump, DO NOT discard it. Keep it and have it rebuilt if possible.
You would be very lucky to get a pump made in china of any quality to last anywhere near the original pumps normal life expectancy.
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Old 03-15-2021, 09:14 PM   #8
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Default Re: Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

I've been told that CASCO (Tbird Parts supplier) sells locally rebuilt fuel pumps
they are located in Ohio 740-622-8561

Last edited by CSPIDY; 03-15-2021 at 09:23 PM.
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Old 03-16-2021, 03:01 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmsfrr View Post

or... you can buy ethanol compatible rebuild kits.
Here's one example...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1956-1...A/224157096175
KEY WORDS AGAIN!

ETHANOL COMPATIBLE
.

Even fuel hoses have to be upgraded as are carb kits.
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Old 03-23-2021, 12:04 AM   #10
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Default Re: Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

After having pump failures (one died after ONE DAY'S use) from new pumps I've since bought either used or old NOS pumps and send them to a rebuilder before using them. They will outlast any of this imported junk on the market now.
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Old 04-01-2021, 10:41 PM   #11
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Default Re: Which is the best fuel pump for a 1956 T-bird?

I used Then and Now Automotive in Weymouth MA for fuel pump kits. Their kits are Alcohol tolerant and they also will rebuild your pump. They also make the fuel pump flex line. It is not an exact duplicate but I have had 3 of the original style ones go bad in less than a year. I will never buy a new Airtex again.
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