Here's a breakdown of how to replace the fuel pump on a 1959 Ford Fairlane:
1. Safety First:
* Disconnect the battery's negative terminal. This is crucial to prevent sparks and potential fire hazards.
* Work in a well-ventilated area. Gasoline fumes are dangerous.
* Wear safety glasses.
2. Gather Necessary Tools and Parts:
* New fuel pump: Make sure you get the correct replacement pump for your 1959 Fairlane's engine. A parts store can help with this using your VIN.
* Socket wrench set (metric and/or standard, depending on your car): You'll need various sizes.
* Wrench set: For various nuts and bolts.
* Screw drivers (Phillips and flathead): Possibly needed depending on your specific pump mounting.
* Pliers: For accessing clamps or lines.
* Fuel line disconnect tool (optional but highly recommended): Makes disconnecting fuel lines much easier and prevents damage.
* Shop rags: To clean up spills and leaks.
* Catch pan: To collect any spilled fuel.
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
* Torque wrench (optional but recommended): To ensure proper tightening of bolts.
3. Replacement Procedure:
This procedure is general; specifics may vary slightly depending on your engine and body style. Consult a 1959 Ford Fairlane repair manual for detailed, model-specific instructions.
* Locate the fuel pump: It's usually mounted on the engine block near the fuel tank.
* Drain the fuel tank (partially): This reduces the risk of fuel spillage. You can do this by using the fuel tank drain valve if available. If not, siphon some of the gas out carefully.
* Disconnect the fuel lines: Carefully loosen the fuel line clamps (using pliers or a fuel line disconnect tool) and disconnect the lines from the old fuel pump. Have your catch pan ready to collect any remaining fuel.
* Disconnect the fuel pump push rod (if applicable): This connects the pump to the engine's camshaft.
* Remove the fuel pump mounting bolts: Carefully remove the bolts that hold the fuel pump to the engine block.
* Install the new fuel pump: Carefully install the new pump, ensuring all the gaskets are properly seated. Tighten the mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
* Reconnect the fuel lines: Ensure the lines are securely connected and the clamps are tightened properly.
* Reconnect the fuel pump push rod (if applicable): Make sure it's correctly aligned.
* Reconnect the battery.
* Check for leaks: Before starting the engine, carefully inspect all connections for leaks.
* Start the engine: Listen for any unusual noises from the fuel pump. Check for fuel leaks.
* Run the engine for a few minutes: This helps ensure proper fuel pressure and primes the system.
4. Important Notes:
* Consult a repair manual: A shop manual specific to your 1959 Ford Fairlane is invaluable. It will provide detailed diagrams and instructions.
* Gasoline is highly flammable: Exercise extreme caution when working with fuel lines and the fuel tank.
* If you're uncomfortable performing this repair, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Working on fuel systems requires careful attention to detail to prevent accidents.
Replacing a fuel pump isn't excessively difficult, but it does require some mechanical aptitude and careful attention to safety. If you lack experience, it's best to leave this task to a professional.
