Leaky Holley Pump
 

I am on my second Holley Blue fuel pump. The first one started leaking between the motor section and the vane section after about three weeks. The second one now has the same problem after four weeks. What is going on? Are these pumps just prone to leaks? I just had my fuel tank off to replace gaskets, and I replaced the fuel lines, so there shouldn't be any kind of obstruction in the lines. The car runs fine and has plenty of fuel at the gauge on the regulator, but it drips lots of fuel.

I am planning on getting a Carter pump to replace it. Everyone recommends the "Carter 7lb pump". I can't find a Carter 7lb pump. Summit Racing has a 6lb and an 8lb that flow 72gph. Which one should I get?

well it shouldn't matter what pump u use provided u have a regulator to control what pressure u need for the carb ur using. i currently use a regular facet 6lb pump and no reg cause the carb i use needs 6lbs.

The holley pumps are notorious for leaking through that bushing. The rebuild kit also does not include it as it is not considered a user serviceable part.

Is it mounted horizontally or vertically?

We need more installation details and what you're running with it to help you out with more confidence.

Theres no reason for the pumps to only last a few weeks at a time. They are high quality pumps that usually last years. Something with the installation or use has to be goofy.

Are you using a return line? If so, did you remove the restricter in the return line between the carb and the hard line on the firewall?

I am using the stock return line with the check valve removed. It was plugged, so I just took it off. The pump is mounted horizontally in the stock location. The stock hose routing is used with new hoses. All hoses are zip tied and/or fastened so that they do not kink. The pump feeds the regulator that came with it, and the regulator is mounted on the firewall under the hood. I have heard some say that the pump should be mounted vertically, but that is mostly due to safety reasons. I have seen several installations on this site that were done horizontally.

So.... Which Carter pump? I am leaning towards the 6psi.

The problem is that the Holley fuel pumps arent supposed to be mounted horizontally because the seal wont actually seat correctly. It will cause this premature failure you are having.

I was recommended the Mr. Gasket 12s fuel pump (advanced auto, summit, etc, about $50) if you want to mount it horizontally.

SGT Fox will know more about the Mr. Gasket as I believe he installed on recently. I will be doing this very shortly. Sometime in February.

I've an holley blues for years and I have never had an issue with one. In fact the current one on mycar is at least 3 years old, and the first one was on 2 FB's and lasted from 2001 until the 2nd Fb went turbo in 2006. It's still in a box and still looks brand new woth over 40k on it. Do not mount them horizontally or run them without a regulator. They say specificaly not to mount them horizontally for a reason.