Why did Buick use an electric fuel pump in Rivs anyway? Was there a clearance issue with the mechanical pump, or were they just trying to be "hi-tech?" Just curious.
I really don't know. Rivieras are oddball Buicks. Just check out the service manual. Every picture says "All except 9000 series". Check this out... My 68 Riv has a mechanical pump from the factory. But the gas tank and fuel lines are on the right side of the car. The metal lines stop right behind the right front wheel. Rubber lines then run inside the frame rail and through the engine cradle to the left hand mounted pump. The run of rubber line is like 5 feet! It passes real close to the right side front spring too. Then theres my 69 Riviera with an electric pump...why?? I have no idea! But you have to give them credit for designing an access hole in the trunk so you dont have to drop the tank. I must say, I've owned my Riviera for 21 years and have never replaced that electric pump. I even bought an NOS pump years ago in anticipation of it going bad. But it doesnt stop with the fuel pump. No sir'ee! There's the left side mounted battery and the right side mounted starter with the extra long battery cable that runs under the front of the oil pan. Why??Another mystery! And dont get me started on the automatic climate control vacuum line spaghetti I have going on under my hood! But, thats what makes them unique. Jason
I always figured it was a way for GM to real world field test the idea of an electric pump in the tank. The consumer became the guinea pig. I know that from the 2 70's I've owned that if you let the gas in the tank get low enough, and try going up a steep hill, or take of from a light fast the engine stumbles or even kills. :grin:
