I needed to replace the fuel pump on my 1971 Karmann Ghia. The local foreign parts store sold me one that looked a little different, but the coupling fit together as expected. I attempted to start the engine, but it still wasn't pumping gas. My neighbor (a mechanic) came over and confirmed that the pump was not working. I took back the fuel pump to the parts store and learned the fuel pump they gave me was for a 1973, not a 1971. The invoice showed a part number for a 1971 fuel pump, but the clerk gave me the wrong one. They swapped it out right away, but here's where the problem begins. While fitting the new (correct) pump, I discovered the metal shaft that pushes the pump mechanism was bent by the first incorrect pump.
I obviously need to replace the shaft with a new one, which the local foreign parts store will be responsible for paying. My concern is that the internal rotating mechanism that pushes the rod is somehow damaged. If this is true the parts store could be liable to repair any damage.
However maybe the rod took all the bent on the first crank and there's nothing to worry about. Maybe the proceeding 3 or 4 more cranks didn't do anything because the rod was already bent out of the way. Does this make sense?
Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Any comments, suggestions and/or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.