Fuel pump broke :( -with pics-

scr2000 · 04 August 2010, 15:48

So I was finally able to start going over the engine in my 74 Super AS from California (has a 34PICT-4 carb) and while I was attempting to replace the fuel hoses my fuel pump just cracked! I wasn't all that rough either. Anyway, after trying to remove it unsuccesfully I looked to my Bentley and saw that it should just come right off after I remove the nuts at the base of it. Well I did in fact remove the nuts but the pump seems like it it doesn't have enough room to come off because the carb is in the way. Am I doing something wrong? OR is my goofy 1974 car from California such an oddball that I need to employ a unique strategy? Also, can any of you recommend how I should proceed with the pump? Certain brands? Or places to order from? Or should I go with a modern electrical type? I will attach a few pics for your enjoyment or horror

Please feel free to blast comments at me if you see anything wrong or dangerous. Thanks!!!

Anyone know what that unplugged connector is for???

scr2000 · 04 August 2010, 16:32

also, what is this part? the thing with the red dot on it? i have no idea...

volkenstein · 05 August 2010, 02:11

Scr2000,
Mein Gott! An all original, one year only intake manifold and the rest

!
You Fuel pump appears to have just flat out failed from metal fatigue, assuming your engine hasn't really had a spanner laid on it lately.
The Red Dot is on yet another emissions fitting piece of trickery. Under the tinware where the tube goes is a coil type arrangement that looks like an old immersion heater element.

You have a rare beast to be so stock. '74's (California) had the 34 Pict 4, the dual heat riser manifold, the dual heat riser exhaust, an various emissions equipment. Most people fling all that stuff. What's the distributor number (on the body). It should be an 043 numbered Bosch svda if it's a '74.

Can't help with the VW/Audi logo'd box.

Regards
Volkenstein

Bookwus · 05 August 2010, 07:11

Hiya SCR,

To echo Sean, that engine bay is in amazingly good condition. Don't do anything rash. You have quite the treasure right now.

About your questions..............Sean gave you a pretty darn good rundown. I'll see if I can add a tidbit or two.

The thing with the red dot is your EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. This emissions regulation device was mandated by the State of California in the seventies. It has a California only intake manifold which makes your intake manifold all the more rare. This EGR valve does not work (properly anyway) on most vehicles still sporting them. However, yours could well be the exception to that rule. I've played around with EGR valves not very much but it is my understanding that failure in this system most often occurs at the bottom of the the pipe leading down through the rear tin and into the exhaust. You might want to check that out. Whatever you do, don't pull the EGR off the car. The State of California knows it's supposed to be there and they will want to see it when you have the car inspected.

Your fuel pump is an alternator only style fuel pump. Notice how it slants away from the alternator body? It was made that way to allow for the alternator diameter. Previous Bugs with smaller diameter generators had fuel pumps that sat on the case "straight up". In any event, you will have to purchase an fuel pump made for use with an alternator. Your FLAPS or online vendor will likely sell you a Bocar or Brosol. They are serviceable and will do the job but do check how the pivot pin (near the top of the fuel pump stand) is held in place. You want to see e-clips holding each end of the pivot pin. Some newer fuel pumps just have the pin more or less pressed into place. These pins have been known to work their way out of the fuel pump stand - which leaves you high and dry by the side of the road.

Also if you change out your fuel pump (and you will, IIRC, have to remove the EGR valve to do so) and you run into what seems like carburetor problems (dieing at stoplights or long downhill runs) you are likely to have fuel pressure problems with your new pump. These can easily be rectified with the use of extra base gaskets for your fuel pump.

Dunno about that unplugged connector.

And..............go to the VWAR Technical Information Forum and look at the AS Distributors 2 and AS Carburetors 2 threads. You'll find pretty complete information there on just what distributor and carburetor should be in place on your car.

scr2000 · 05 August 2010, 17:44

Thanks for all the info guys! The car is actually here in Chicago with me, not in California so I don't think the EGR is a must have regarding the emissions. Pretty sure the people that run the test facilities here would have NO idea about it. I bought the car 20 years ago in Illinois, from a guy who bought the car from a woman who bought the car from the original owner. I acutally JUST had email correspondence with the original owner. He is/was a professor at Stanford univeristy in California. Kinda neat i thought.

Anyway, I will start looking for a new pump. I'm so swamped with work and other tasks around the house that I am leaning towards procuring a pump and then finding a decent air cooled mechanic in the Chicagoland area. I want to get this car back on the road and start enjoying it again. It's been in storage for about 6 years.

Bookwus · 05 August 2010, 22:34

Hiya SCR,

Chicago?

Well that puts a whole different shine on the apple, doesn't it?

I know of a really good VW guy near the Windy City. I just sent him a note asking for his contact information and I'll relay that to you as soon as he responds.

Bookwus · 06 August 2010, 04:18

Hiya SCR,

Here's the man...............

Darby Milnor
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
847-417-5671

Darby asked me to let you know that he will be on vacation starting on 8/7. So give him a call.

scr2000 · 06 August 2010, 15:15

wonderful!!!! a trusted air cooled mechanic. i will call him today for sure. thanks Book!

and i was able to free the pump from its mounting location. i just needed to squeeze the inner spring down in order for the whole pump to clear the mounting studs. when it broke the pump height was increased due to the spring and made me think that it was bigger than it actually is.

scr2000 · 06 August 2010, 17:21

Volkenstein-
Regarding your questions as to my distributor:

043 it is:

indeed a BOSCH:

Bookwus · 07 August 2010, 01:08

Hiya SCR,

Darby is a good guy and a long timer on the VW scene. He has a reputation for both quality and knowledge. Definitely a good man.

By the way, that 205A is the OEM distributor for your car.