Fuel leak

[DejaEntendu]

Fuel leak just to the right of my air filter and, slightly underneath. Mounted to the head. Shaped sort of like a bell, is this my fuel pump? (sorry, severe lack of automotive repair knowledge.)

[nonamekid]

Yes, that is your fuel pump if you have a festiva with a carburetor.

[DejaEntendu]

Indeed I do. How hard/expensive of a fix is that?

[nonamekid]

The fuel pump is held on by 2 bolts. Fairly easy. I would make sure that it isn't one of the lines that is leaking. The rubber can get old and brittle and then split. If you do replace the pump, I would suggest also replacing the the rubber fuel lines that are connected to the fuel pump. Fuel hose is fairly cheap and it comes in bulk length so you can just cut it to the length you need.

[DejaEntendu]

The weird thing is, it only does it sometimes. If it warms up with the choke engaged for a few before I take off, it runs perfectly and won't have a visible leak. However, sometimes when I start it, I can hardly touch the gas without it bogging way down /dying, and I can just watch has pour from the bottom of the pump.

Edit: it seems like the tell that its about to run like crap is that the choke won't seem to engage when I start it.

[WmWatt]

The pump arm on the mechanical fuel pump on carburetted models sits on the camsahft and is moved up and down by a cam as the shaft rotates. There is a rubber diaphragm inside the pump which can wear out and leak. I changed mine pump once. The replacement pump cost $37 in Canadian dollars at the time. There is also a gasket which goes between the pump and the engine block which might have to be purchased separately. Be sure to ask the salesperson about the gasket.

[DejaEntendu]

I just got home from buying a new fuel pump.. It was just under $42 bucks. I'm going to put it on tomorrow as soon as it gets light outside and I'll report back with the results.