Took the bird out for a spin last night and noticed she was hesitating and sputtering a little while stopping. When I did park there was the smell of gas, so checked out the lines, filter and carb. All seem to be in good shape which now leads me to believe the fuel pump is starting to die, was able to get her home and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for either the Edelbrock mechanical fuel pump or Holley, or stock style from an auto part store. I do want to stick to the mechanical style on the motor, so any tips or tricks would also be great as I have yet to replace a mechanical fuel pump. The motor is a 72 400 with an Edelbrock 600 carb. Thanks in advance for any info it is greatly appreciated

A stock mechanical fuel pump should work fine. You probably
have a rubber hose on a portion of fuel line. It would be a good idea to replace
all rubber hose as it could crack due to age and then leak.

Only use stock hose spring clamps. Avoid gear clamps as these
could cause your hose to crack in the future if over tightened.

Also, replace fuel filter.

If that’s an old fuel pump the rubber diaphragm probably succumbed to ethanol

Yea it looks like it was the original part from 1972

Your diaphragm is probably wearing out though I will buy a new one

Also probably a dumb question but the oil does need to be drained when changing the mechanical fuel pump correct?

No. The oil level is not that high. Not a difficult job. Can be tricky getting the lever compressed so you can gets the bolts in. Just takes some patience. You’ll see how it goes together when you remove the old one. Remove the two bolts and it comes right out. The gasket may hold on to it.

Awesome thank you all for your info and help

If the diaphram has developed a leak you could possibly be leaking gas into the crankcase. This will dilute your oil and create other forms of havoc. Pull your dipstick and take a whif. If your oil smells like gas better do an oil change as well when you replace the pump.

Check to see how many fuel lines are going in/out of your fuel pump. Some engines come with 2 lines from/to the gas tank.

One for fuel supply and one for a vapor return line.

Good tip Bob!

There is a large difference in price in mechanical fuel pumps

A holley is $140
A carter is $19

If you might hit the strip only once in a while WTH ?
Holley 600cfm

Update, went with an Edelbrock fuel pump and to my surprise had no issues getting it in and installed a few carb adjustments and she is running smooth again

That’s what I like about those all 60s technology mechanical fuel pump they wear out slowly to give you heads up there going down to give it time to replace Them.

Congrats