My thanks to all who responded. The list came through with numerous and
informative responses so I thought I'd share them with all.
FYI, the fuel pump that I bought is made by Berk/Arnley Worldparts (made in
Italy)and their claim is that they make parts that conform to the original
performance standards. Looks like the fuel pump IS OEM based on the responses I
got so I decided to mention them by name. Other than the $75 that I paid for
their fuel pump, I have no financial blah, blah, blah in the company.
The silver lining from me being forced to buy the part that was quickly
available is that: it is a "good" pump (pivot pin MAY last longer than cheaper
pump), the priming lever is a handy feature, and it is rebuildable.
As far as towing insurance goes. A cell phone has apparently become the MVT
(most valuable tool)for LBC owners out on a ride. Then you can call for
whatever towing program you've decided on.
Bud 71TR6 CC57365
Question: What's the "hand pump lever" on the bottom of my new fuel pump for?
Responses:
"The priming lever that you refer to is very handy when the car has been
sitting for an extended period. Pumping the fuel by hand until the float
chambers are full saves a lot of engine cranking."
"It was an original feature, and a great idea. If you have left the car
standing a while, or have had a vapor lock, you can prime the float
bowls by pumping on the lever and not have to crank the car for 60 seconds
to get fuel into the bowls. Another advantage is that these pumps are
rebuildable. They are worth the big bucks, you;; be glad of it."
"I have an AC pump in the car with this lever. I believe it is original and is
described in the manuals. I've used it to pump gas out of the car (put a gas
can by the carbs) and prime the carbs after my rebuild."
"The pump in question sounds like the OEM pump on my '69 GT6+ (but w/English
not Italian), and the replacement motor I bought for it. The handle in
question is for priming the fuel system."
The original pump had the "priming lever". Its the later replacement pumps
that don't have it. The newer pumps are also not rebuildable while the
earlier pumps are.
Problem: The pump lever arm that sticks inside the engine had lost the pivot
pin that it rotates on and also holds it into the pump.
Response:
"I've seen this happen twice this year. The first guy complained never buy a
Moss pump. It was his second. Both had the pin fall out. I've had people tell
me it's common for the pins to slide out."
Question: Does anybody have towing insurance with their vintage car insurance?
Responses:
"Through my Cellular One contract, I pay an additional $2 per month for
"MobilAssist", an emergency roadside service good anywhere in the U.S. Provides
tows, other misc. services, for up to $150 per incident (I think, or it may be
$100)."
"I have AAA Plus just because of the LBC. The difference is that
the Plus includes 100 miles of towing. Here in Massachusetts, which has weird
insurance laws, I can get a 10% discount on my auto insurance if I buy from
certain companies and also buy AAA. In effect, the AAA turns out to be free."
"I've got towing insurance with State Farm for my "historical" license plated
64 spitfire. Cost 2.50 every 6 months for this feature."
"I have AAA. When I renew I'll have AAA Plus, which provides increase towing
range (50 miles if I remember correctly)."
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