Fuel System: Airtex fuel pump question

[graylark]

I have a v8 61 Lark and would like to know if a new in the box Airtex pump is possibly a good one. The original pump went bad and I ordered a new pump. I installed the new one and it leaked as soon as I started engine. I bought an electric and got it runnig . in the mean time returned the defective new pump and I put it on the shelf. The electric pump went bad. I put in another electric pump because the wiring was already there. The second pump went bad. I hate the noise of the pump and the static it put on my my radio. Are all Airtex pumps bad?

[JoeHall]

Best advice I can offer is do NOT buy cheap, offshore parts. Airtex is junk, and not worth installing. A good electric pump i.e. CUBE type, made by Facet, will cost around $75 and up. If you bought a $20 counterfeit off the internet, it's no better than an Airtex. How long did you get out of each of the TWO electric pumps before they crapped out? I have had two of the Facet CUBEs go out in the last 30+ years.

[altair]

Not all Airtex pumps bad but compared to an original Carter they appear inferior, the castings are considerably lighter and may not have the longevity. I have an Airtex on my Lark 259 engine and it pumps very well, but I don't know for how long.

[mbstude]

Yes, the new Airtex pumps being sold today are junk.

Your original Carter pump can be rebuilt, and is a much better pump than any of the aftermarket mechanical pumps.

[graylark]

The box says made in USA. My problem is I'm not able to do my own work anymore and have to pay people it will hurt if I have to pay to put a leaky pump in.

[StudeRich]

There is quite a lot of Miscommunications going on here.
Posters are getting all mixed up between the Quality of TWO completely different TYPES of Fuel Pumps: Electric and Mechanical.

Please mention WHICH one you are talking about, it will help the Asking Member to figure this out.

It appears to me that if Labor Cost is an issue, just order the Quality Electric Pump and a Very Common to all Makes, Fuel Pump Block off Plate for the Mechanical Pump Hole.

You will need a Metal 5/16" piece of metal Fuel Line, and Fittings, and or Short Rubber Fuel Hose and Clamps.

Since the Car is already wired for Electric, the Labor should be minimal.

[graylark]

I had two mechanical pumps go bad. The original pump and the replacement pump that leaked immediately out of the box. I also had two electric pumps go bad, everything is fine I wasn't aware of the Facet CUBE.

[E. Davis]

I had two mechanical pumps go bad. The original pump and the replacement pump that leaked immediately out of the box. I also had two electric pumps go bad, everything is fine I wasn't aware of the Facet CUBE.

I wasn't aware the new Airtex pumps would even work since the activator arm was not properly shaped. I have one made by Airtex but has a Carter name stamped on it and it is about 13 years old and still works but everybody says the new ones are junk. I was lucky enough to find an AC core the other day and since they are rebuildable I am going to have it worked over and have it in reserve. Original fuel pump cores are like hens teeth anymore.
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[23 cratae]

ive bought 2 new Carter pumps for my 63 259 .. absolute rubbish.. the actuator arm didnt even touch the cam lobe on either .. living in New Zealand made it just not worth sending them back to the US supplier . the Exchange rate cost me as much for one , as the USD would for 2 !

ended buying an electric holley locally, havent looked back .. when the car is idling i cant hear it ..

ive since picked up a stock NOS mech pump .. so will fit that ..

i have since read the Stude Carter and Airtex late model pumps are no good .. Bobs Studebaker resource has a good article re nos Mopar 318 V8 fuel pump adaption ..

luck !

[StudeRich]

PLEASE Do Not call the Airtex Pumps CARTER ! The Box can say whatever they want, but the design of the pump tells the story, an AC or AC Style AIRTEX Fuel Pump is NOT an actual Carter.

[23 cratae]

hi StudeRich,

my post initially a warning, merely suggesting the large cost to myself re these pumps.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/310829088443?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050

without meaning to start a B**** fight, and full respect to your knowledge , check this Ebay link it does include both carter and airtex part number cross in the description, listing models of Studebaker the pump is suited to.

my first failed pump purchased via ebay, (attached link) and the 2nd ( turned out to be identical to the first) was purchased through a well respected Stude parts supplier. Pump was designated correct for '63 259 V8..

both cost me a total close to $450 nzd landed and were scrapped.. despite conversations with Stude parts supplier... it could be said i was unhappy ....

For Anyone wishing to block the mechanical fuel pump hole in the Studebaker block . a Smallblock chev will fit nicely..

apologies all

[StudeRich]

Yes those ARE the correct pumps for Stude. V8's however, Airtex offed them to China and they were not made correctly and do NOT work.
Also, as I said, the Pumps you bought (Pictured) were NOT Carter Pumps, just Airtex sold under the "New" Carter Corp. Name.
Stude. Vendors have been refunding the bad ones purchased there, and they are now discontinued.

Repair Kits for Real Carter Pumps and Carter Design real Carter Super Pumps, designed for Jet Thrust and Avanti Engines are available and DO work on all '55 to '64 V8's.

I am sorry you have the Shipping issue to NZ causing the cost to double.
Here are Real Carter V8 Pumps, Note the "C" Channel actuating Lever and rounded corners/edges with "Carter" raised in the casting: