Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1961 AMC ramblerAmerican, amc rambler, metal fuel

Question
My 1961 AMC Rambler American makes a continuous and annoying clicking sound comming from the fuel pump. Can it be covered to block the noise or repaired or replaced to stop the noise?

Answer
If your car still has the original mechanical pump, it should not be making enough noise to bother you. Either the pump arm is not staying in contact with the eccentric cam which operates it (due to the arm not moving freely or due to a failed return spring in the pump), or else the pump itself is failing in some way.   

The rule for mechanical things is:  if it is making an unusual noise, it is trying to send you a message.  In this case, I think the message is that there is something wrong with it - you need to investigate the cause and repair it before some other damage is caused.

If your original fuel pump has been replaced with an electric pump, it is normal for it to be making a clicking sound.  I know of no way to stop it, other than remoting it to the rear of the car where you can't hear it as well.   Mounting it in rubber helps, as does making sure that the metal fuel lines are not loose in their clamps.  If you isolate it with rubber, remember of course to provide a good ground wire to the pump body.

I hope this is of some help.

Dick.