American Motors: engine stalling on pick up, pressure gauge, older cars

Question
Hi Kevin, many thanks for your previoous answer to this question.  Since then i have had the car checked and the timing and vaccum are fine however the car still stalls and the mechanic pointed out that the in line filter ( a possible later addition) shows empty most of the time and he suspects it could be the fuel pump is weak and therefore at tickover there is not enough fuel in the pipe for acceleration.  is it simple to change the fuel pump diaphragm? and if so where do i get a replacement one.  The technical service manual just states it is a Carter.  My car has electric window wipers not vaccum.

Many thanks again.

Graham.

Answer
You would have to replace the fuel pump as an assembly. It cannot be rebuilt. You should be able to locate one at your local parts store. I have found NAPA to be pretty good on having parts for older cars available.
I do have a concern, though. If your fuel pump is weak, it does not deliver enough fuel. How than is your engine running rich, too much fuel? You can hook up a vaccuum/pressure gauge to the fuel pump and measure its pressure. It should be 4 to 6 psi during cranking. You can also hook up the gauge to the suction side of the pump. It should pull about 10" of vaccuum while cranking.
If you decide to replace the pump and you still have a problem, have someone who is qualified look at the carburetor.
Let me know what you find.
Kevin