Hey Guys,
I checked out a '79 Coupe Deville today that needs a new fuel pump. The owner bought a replacement, but didn't get around to replacing it. Right now, it doesn't start since the pump went. He showed me the new pump, and also showed me where the pump mounts on the engine. It doesn't look THAT hard to get in there and change it.

He's taking "best offer" for the car, and literally his best offer has been $175. He claims it has 68K miles on it (ran a title check). I saw the car and it's in pretty decent shape, I would think it's worth around 800. No major rust, good paint, good vinyl top, etc. Anyway, I could get it for $250.

I'm pretty mechanically inclined, to the extent that I've done oil changes, tune ups, fan clutches, that kinda thing. What I'm wondering is, is it difficult to change a fuel pump, or could I just do it myself? Do I have to worry about getting air in the fuel lines when I disconect the pump? If so, how to I get the air out? Should I drain the gas tank first too? :hmm: Just looking for a few hints.

This could be my chance to score a classic Cadillac that I've always wanted for chump change, so I'm really interested.

Thanks for any ideas you've got.

Thanks,
Jon

Hi Jon :)

First I will say... that is a steal! I used to never like the Coupes of these years.. but now they are growing on me... to the point I wish mine was a Coupe... but, I'll stick with the Sedan d'Elegance :)

Anyway.... fuel pump is mechanical... you probably know that... it is a rather simple process... remove the radiator shrouding front engine compartment braces etc... then the fan and belts come off.... while your at it, replace the belts....

Also, since the waterpump has to come off.... simply replace that.... obvious reasons... then you should be staring at the fuel pump... if you wanted, you could even go as far as replacing the timing chain... but you don't have it... all in all I would say from start to finish, on a nice day it would be about 5-6 hours if you take your time...

gas dosn't have to be drained out... about getting air in the lines... I wouldn't worry about it... there will be some air in the lines since the new pump is in... it'll just crank over longer... one it fires, let it run for a little while if it stalls, it is probably form air, so start it again... then take it for a spin :)

off the top of my head, belts and waterpump would be good preventative maintenace items... just to a coolant change/flush since you'll need to rain the coolant anyway....

Keep us updated on the car :)

Hey Rick,
Thanks for the advice! I'm pretty stoked about the car. Right now it's SO cold here. When I went to see it, the car was covered in snow and ice. Had snowed one night, then rained the next night and froze. So the biggest thing will be just trying to find a day when it's warm enough to do the work. Still, it'll be my 3rd car, so it's not like I need it to run immediately, but I will want to do it same day, since I don't have a garage. :hmm: Maybe I can have someone help with it (unlikely, most of my friends don't like anything involving physical effort) lol.

I took a look on the NAPA web site and found a water pump for $52.99 so that's not bad. Sounds like a good idea to change.

I'm excited, this should be fun.
-Jon

wow... soo much in common....

really cold here... everything is ice... and my '79 is my 3rd car too :)

the waterpump should be even cheaper then that... like $35... check out Advance.... but, either way, just repalce it...

pour some gas down the carb, see if you can get her to run....just to make sure it runs good...

Hey Rick,
I would have tried some gas down the carb, but sadly the battery was dead since it sat for a while. We tried jumping it, but the battery wouldn't take a charge. The engine would turn just a hair, enough that I know it's free at least. And he said he replaced the starter about 4 months ago, so it shouldn't be the starter. I think it's reasonable to expect that the battery would be bad, it sat since november.

When I go back, I'll bring my '79 Olds Delta 88 (can you tell I like old GM) lol. That has the same type of battery (side mount). So I should be able to use that battery. My Olds has a 350, but the battery should be big enough for it, I would think. I'll know more tomorrow, I'm supposed to give him a call. He's taking offers till Monday. I offered $250, since his best was $175. I'll go higher if need be, but regardless, I should be able to get the car, and get it fixed up cheap. I even have AAA, so I'll have them tow it, lol. I'll keep in touch, thanks for your help.

-Jon

as long as the battery is above 650 cranking amps or so.. it should turn over the engine pretty good....

Do you have any pictures?

feel free to IM me.. I am always on AIM... my screen name is in my profile...