Counterfeit Carter M6866 mechanical fuel pumps being sold on Amazon. Buyer beware!
Well here’s a real good picture of the original fuel pump I just took off of my 1972 340 Duster. I bought the car new off the dealership lot with zero miles. It had an Airtex pump which I believe is listed in the service manual (not parts book) along with the Carter. It apparently was dual sourced by mopar. It has a straight arm and it’s the original pump. I replaced it with a Carter branded pump with a straight arm. Remember, the actual arm whether straight or curved ended up in the same place on this model. I think the Carters had multiple angles, the Airtex did not but both fit. Old castings had to be thicker because of core shift and a lack of precision in the manufacturing process. New casting techniques are far more accurate so the body of the part may be just as sturdy but have less mass. Hard to tell unless you have knowledge of this particular part and manufacturer.
New one says Carter, was sourced from Korea. Most low volume parts are out sourced with the oems approval. Very low volume for LA engine fuel pumps I’m sure. New one fits and runs fine. Had two green gaskets. The hardline fitting from the pump to the carb was off just a touch but not enough to prevent installation. Just called Fred Ballard about rebuilding the original pump and he also said it’s news to him. I have seen mid 60’s Mopar’s with original Airtex pumps some screwed together some crimped. So another strange deal.
The service manual calls out two models (not part numbers) and I think one is Carter and one is Airtex. If you look, it’s not just small block, but other families.
I worked for GM my entire life and we frequently dual sourced critical parts so I’m pretty sure the other oems did too.
The Airtex must have been a pretty good one, it’s lasted over fifty years.
Well here’s a real good picture of the original fuel pump I just took off of my 1972 340 Duster. I bought the car new off the dealership lot with zero miles. It had an Airtex pump which I believe is listed in the service manual (not parts book) along with the Carter. It apparently was dual sourced by mopar. It has a straight arm and it’s the original pump. I replaced it with a Carter branded pump with a straight arm. Remember, the actual arm whether straight or curved ended up in the same place on this model. I think the Carters had multiple angles, the Airtex did not but both fit. Old castings had to be thicker because of core shift and a lack of precision in the manufacturing process. New casting techniques are far more accurate so the body of the part may be just as sturdy but have less mass. Hard to tell unless you have knowledge of this particular part and manufacturer.
New one says Carter, was sourced from Korea. Most low volume parts are out sourced with the oems approval. Very low volume for LA engine fuel pumps I’m sure. New one fits and runs fine. Had two green gaskets. The hardline fitting from the pump to the carb was off just a touch but not enough to prevent installation. Just called Fred Ballard about rebuilding the original pump and he also said it’s news to him. I have seen mid 60’s Mopar’s with original Airtex pumps some screwed together some crimped. So another strange deal.
The service manual calls out two models (not part numbers) and I think one is Carter and one is Airtex. If you look, it’s not just small block, but other families.
I worked for GM my entire life and we frequently dual sourced critical parts so I’m pretty sure the other oems did too.
The Airtex must have been a pretty good one, it’s lasted over fifty years.