There shouldn't be confusion if you ask a shop and they are honest with you about exactly what they can and cannot do.KenP wrote: There is still confusion out there and the fog doesn't clear until you hand the guy the pump, throw him your wallet, and ask him to fix it.
Everyone concurs that new parts are not available for each and every part in the pump. . .
All parts specific for your pump were discontinuted many years ago (not just "some parts." Happened in the early 80s. But, the C series pumps have some parts in common with D series pumps, so some parts are still available, new. At present, a few Chinese, Italian, and Indian companies are selling a few, newly made parts. Also, some places/shops have new-old-stock parts, and some other shops have box-loads of used parts.
In regard to prices. With any fuel injection pump, obsolete or current - the major part of the repair bill is the labor and cost of mounting the assembled pump onto the pump test stand and running it. A person with experience can take apart and Stanadyne/Roosamaster pump, repair it and reassemble in one hour. Most current pumps need less then $50 in new parts. So, you do the math.
With C-series pumps, you're going to be the victim of "supply and demand." Parts from any source are scrarce and priced accordingly.
Also, keep in mind that with current pumps, many aftermarket parts are being made, and that makes parts-prices cheap.
On the subject of Deere engines being known for fuel leaks into the engine oil - yes that is true. But, basically, it is a reference to Deere engines with DB or JDB pumps and NOT C-series pumps (CDC, CBC, etc.). DB and JDB pumps use dual umbrella shaft-seals that are difficult to install and known for leaking diesel into the crankcase. C-series pumps do not use these seals. They use a convention, usually dual lipped or twin set of conventional oil-seals and they rarely leak unless they are very old and/or have high hours.
