Fuel pumps keep going

First of all let me introduce my self, I am, as you can tell by my name, a ford guy. But my brother has a 1984 Dodge 2wd 1/2 ton with a 360 auto in it, and he needs help with something. He keeps going through fuel pumps, about 1 every 6 months. When he first brought it to the mechanic the tried everything, including cleaning out the fuel tank, but it still happens. We brought it to another mechanic and he said that the reluctor in the distributor was hitting the pickup. I don't see how this could ruin a fuel pump. Any ideas would be appreciated as we are stumped.

The distributor thing is bullcrap...that has nothing to do with a mechanical fuel pump. What brand fuel pump is he using? And does he keep using the same brand? I've had good luck with MASTER pumps through Advance Auto Parts.

If the fuel lines have rust on the inside, I can see where the rust is coming loose and damaging the pump. One thing is to install a filter before the pump. Also, mounted on the front of the camshaft timing gear is the eccentric that runs the pump. If this is extremely worn (read: grooved) it could be damage the fuel pump arm.

Hopefully this helps.

Ya, I figured that the two things are not together, I don't know the brand of fuel pump used but I guess we will try putting a fuel filter before the pump line, and take out it and see if there is damage on the arm.

Thanks for the help

Try getting an AC Delco pump or a Carter pump. Some of the aftermarket pumps may have a lifetime warranty but you spend a lifetime replacing them.

check the amount of vacume that is being drawn throught the line, and the diamater of the line.