[bluesman77]

Forty-one years ago I ordered a new Firebird 400, drove it for a while, dragging it on the weekends and eventually used it only for racing. I still have the car and am bringing it back to life after many years in storage due to a motorcycle addiction that still rages. My Stewart Warner 240A fuel pump worked fine up until a few years ago. When I power it up, it goes "bump" just once and when I turn it off, again, it goes "bump" just once. Normally, it would bump rapidly until fuel pressure built up and then slow down. Any ideas as to what is wrong? Anybody know of a source of gaskets for this pump?

[58Apache]

The 240A is a model number?

Here's their support sight: http://www.stewartwarner.com/Tech/tech1.html

[bluesman77]

That's correct. It's no longer in production and hasn't been for some time. I wrote Stewart Warner, but they weren't able to help. Thanks for the response.

[58Apache]

Can it be taken apart?

For reliability you might be better off with a new one?

Might you consider a mechanical pump? I had problems with an electrical pump years ago that vapor locked on hot days. I know many have never had problems, but that was my experience.

Steve

[bluesman77]

Yes, it can be taken apart. However, since there aren't any gaskets or seals available, I've only opened up the top and cleaned the sediment chamber. It's a diaphragm design and I was hoping somebody had run into a similar situation they rectified and could point me in the right direction. I'm trying to avoid damaging any parts, especially the diaphragm itself.

You're quite right, chances are I'd be better off w/ a new one, but since this car is a time capsule for me, I was hoping something just needed unstuck since it worked fine until I drained the tank w/ it.

I've installed a new mechanical pump and if I can get the engine to come back to life, it may be all I need. Don't laugh, but it was a drill I always enjoyed: turn on the ignition, flip the toggle switch, wait for the "bumps" to stop & then light the engine. Wouldn't quite be the same w/ a newie - but it may come to that. In any event, I appreciate your response & suggestions.

Jim

[58Apache]

No way I'd laugh at that! To me that's the biggest advantage electrical pumps have over mechanical. If you have a dry float bowl or lose prime the cranking needed on a mechanical is a pain!

Turning the switch to on and having near-instant fuel supply is a comfortable feeling. Not only that, but knowing your setup and what it takes to start, a routine just makes it comfortable and reliable. If something ever goes wrong, you know it instantly.

I will likely carry an electrical fuel pump in my trunk for emergency.

Steve

[Charlie Farley]

Guys,

I have had complete Gasket & Seal kits for the SW 240A pump, remanufactured using modern materials. They contain gaskets and
seals for both the pump body and switch.
I have also had the black Top Rubber Boot remanufactured.

If i can help you resurrect these beautiful pumps, please let me know
at email boothcn43@ntlworld.com