Why is gas spitting from the bottom hole in my mechanical fuel pump of my 88 Ford Festiva?

Question

I've recently noticed a strong gasoline smell every time I drive my Festiva. To be honest, I thought that it might have just been because the car is old and has lingering smells already. Anyway, I've also noticed that my gas mileage has been dwindling so I checked the gas lines and everything looks fine (no rust and the gas tank doesn't appear to be leaking either).. So I then popped the hood to see if I could find anything, and I noticed that the Mechanical Fuel Pump beneath the carburetor was literally spitting gas on a consistent basis out of a small hole at the bottom of the pump. I'm assuming that this is the culprit. Why is gas shooting out of this hole, and how can I fix it? I planned to just try and install a new pump, but then I thought that maybe the pump isn't at fault. Maybe something else is causing the gas to spit out like water from an overpressurized hot water tank. I don't know. I've got a replacement pump in my garage, but is there any special process that I'll need to follow to replace it? Or is it just to disconnect the battery, unhook the old and install the new? Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

The pump has a torn diaphragm. Replacement is easily within the ability of the average do-it-yourselfer. Don't put it off. Not only is the car dumping expensive gasoline, some of it is probably diluting the oil and some is inviting a fire. I paid $20 for the last mechanical fuel pump I replaced, but it is probably up to $30 by now. There should be an insulating gasket under the pump mount to keep engine heat from vapor locking the pump, as well.

Answer 2

It is a straight forward R & R thing. Remover old, install the new. It has a torn rubber diaphragm inside the housing. Sometimes, you can just get a replacement diaphragm, but it is NOT worth it. The FEST IVA as a GREAT little runner, if kept up well. Good economy and decent reliable power. Get your valves adjusted and use Bosch Iridim polugs for best economy and power. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 3

Hi man. You have leaky fuel pump diaphragm ! You need replace this rubber diaphragm inside fuel pump, or Install plunger pump, it work match beter. This happened because the octane of fuel often raise ethyl. Ethylized fuel destroys some rubber parts fuel pump and fuel system. Folow link bellow...

Answer 4

I don't say this to troll. I'm completely serious. You need to get a new car. You're spending time, effort, and money on a 1988 Ford Festiva. It's a MASSIVE, MASSIVE pile. You could've made probably close to double-digits in dollars per hour doing something else other than posting this question.

Answer 5

you need a new pump