Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

Hello to all...

It's my nature and from my training to build redundancy into systems. I have 3 separate ways to heat my home... I have backup power... I have surplus food stores... you get the idea :)... and now I'm considering the fuel pump for my 1935 V8.

Mechanical pump was rebuilt by Charlie in Buffalo... working well.

If the mechanical pump does ever cease pulling fuel from the tank then I'd like to have a 'Plan B'.

I am considering placing a 6 V electric pump in the line between the tank and the mechanical fuel pump. Both pressurized to 4.5 PSI. The electric pump seems to have a clear passage so that the mechanical pump can pull fuel right through it.

Id operate the electric fuel pump by use of a toggle switch and use it only as needed.

So... shoot holes in this idea... or advise even better ideas.

Take care all!

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

Very common to do it just like you planned. I think the type of pump you are looking for has a trade name, like flow through, etc., but I'm not 100% sure.

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

I not only have the back up electric pump on the car but a fully restored back up pump in the box. I still believe that if you have a back up you will never need it. So far that has worked for me.

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

Sounds good to me. I use only intank pumps. Junkyards are full of them!
Gramps

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

Thanks! I really appreciate the information!

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

On the pumps Charlie has done for me he has marked 2.5 lbs. pressure.

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

Thanks/// I'll look mine over now that you mentioned that.. and consider if there would be any issues as a result of the difference

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

I run an electric in-line pump on my 41 that is 4-5 psi and the mechanical is 2-3, it doesn't cause and issues really. I use it mostly to prime the system after its sit for awhile. Just keep in mind most electric pumps work best close to the tank, they are made to push mostly. If you put a inline filter in, put it after the mechanical pump. If you are all ate up about keeping the pressure down you can put a pressure regulator after the main pump if you want.

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

4.1/2 is to high for continuous use .

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

I installed an electric pump for backup on my '46 Coupe, and as other do, I just use it for priming. Make sure the pump you get is "flow thru", and kep in mid the polarity when connecting, if you have + ground. Charlie in NY did my pump for me, and it came back marked "2.5 PSI.

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

Great information. My expected use will be for priming the mechanical fuel pump. I had an instance where the mechanical fuel pump lost it's prime and I could not get it re-primed and had to be towed. Thanks Hagerty! I now keep a 1/2 wrench and a hand operated suction pump with me in the car (Plan 'C') so I can disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and pull fuel all the way thru to the carburetor. I installed the electric fuel pump and it's operated by a toggle switch under the dash...(on a 15A fuse close to the power supply). So I feel good about my setup now. Thanks for all of the information!

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

Mechanical pumps are reliable ,Check your pipe to the tank ,loose connections were pumps and filters have been removed and joints are sucking air etc .I have done two cars lately were the push rod had warn to half of what it should be .We use a push button under the dash for priming electric pumps .Ford pumps which are basically A/C pumps recommend 2,1/2 PSI for a 97 in the book . I did have a pump Fail were the arm chomped out the slot on the diaphragm rod likely due to a non harden steel rod or a dried out diaphragm because the car had been in storage ,Ted

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

That is how I have my 48 setup. It also helps on really hot days. When my car starts with vapor lock, I switch on the electric pump and no more issues. I turn it off right away. Great contingency plan.

Re: Fuel Pump 'Plan B'
 

I have been using the electric pump now for a week or better. My procedure is set the ignition and choke then press the starter switch... if V8 does not start immediately... which has only been a few times... i run the electric pump to set a prime. Run it about ten seconds. So far that has been great!