My 350 has developed a steady stream of gas dripping down from the fuel pump. A visual inspection indicates the three lines (this is an A/C car) are dry and it does not appear to be leaking from the gasket. The leak is coming from the body of the pump, near the horizontal crimp dividing the upper and lower portion of the unit. The unit has part number 61095E11B (8?) stamped into it where it bolts into the block.

Do these things go bad?

I've read that the proper replacement for a non hi-po car is the Airtex 40523. Correct?

 

Yes they go bad, the diaphragm inside is probably cracked. You can get them from any auto parts store for less than $50.

 

And they are really easy to change. I would not drive it with the leak, or you'll possibly wind up with a charred hunk of steel!

 

Check your oil level and smell it. I bet there was fuel getting into the crankcase, too. If the dipstick reads above full and/or smells like gas, change the oil after the fuel pump.

 

Changing the pump looks like it may be a blessing in disguise, as the rubber fuel lines from the pump to the metal lines going to the tank almost fell apart as I took them off. No telling how old they were.

I was due for an oil change anyways so I'll go ahead and do that as well in case there is gas in there.

Almost through the swap, although of course the ubiquitous $1.00 part has held up completion of the project, in this case the threaded brass insert into the pump. I'll grab that Tuesday.