The Ford Barn

Merc Cruzer · 06-23-2023, 07:42 PM

I drive 98% of the time, with the factory dual action mechanical pump, in the car. I use it to fill the float bowl, after sitting for a long period of time and blowing the vapor lock bubbles through the system when that occurs.

Well since it appears Airtex E8902 electric fuel pumps are no more, I think I may have found the replacement or at least a backup for mine (that is performing beautifully by the way).

The requirements are: 6 volt pos ground, flow through design, works with modern gas, and can be used as a primary or primer pump.

Yes it's made in China. But for all intensive purposes it appears to be the same design as the E8902 and have the same specks, so I bought one and tested it and it works as advertised. From my tests with a multi meter, it appears the motor is isolated from the housing.

Interesting, as to how they advertise it, as to application.

https://www.amazon.com/AUTOKAY-Elect...e%2C118&sr=1-5

Kens 36 · 06-23-2023, 08:24 PM

It sure looks like the Airtex. I ordered one as a spare. Thanks Merc.

Ken

Eagle43 · 06-23-2023, 11:27 PM

It looks like a number of companies sell similar 6 Volt fuel pumps on Amazon. They look pretty much identical and some are quite a bit cheaper than Autokay's.

Merc Cruzer · 06-24-2023, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle43

It looks like a number of companies sell similar 6 Volt fuel pumps on Amazon. They look pretty much identical and some are quite a bit cheaper than Autokay's.

You are correct, I chose Autokay, since they had the highest customer rating.

corvette8n · 06-24-2023, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat/Ohio

I use a "momentary" toggle switch to activate my Airtex E8902 pump. Just hold the switch in the "on" position until the engine starts...then release the switch and it will automatically switch to the "off" position. Often times I hold the toggle switch in the "on" position for 5 to 10 seconds (after the car has been sitting for several months) then release the switch and then try the ignition and the car usually starts right up.

Pat

Just like Pat, I have a spring loaded toggle switch that I hold on until I hear a change in the pump noise, I hit the starter and it starts right up.

Pat/Ohio · 06-24-2023, 08:57 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kens 36

It sure looks like the Airtex. I ordered one as a spare. Thanks Merc.

Ken

Ken, You might want to check the pressure. Here is what I found on this pump: 6 volt Electric Fuel Pump Fits for Buick 1927 to 1930 1931 1932 -can be assist or primary 4-7PSI.

You may have to use a pressure regulator with this pump.

Stay Safe!
Pat

Merc Cruzer · 06-24-2023, 09:12 AM

I agree, if you use it full time, but other wise if it is is only used for filling the float bowl or clearing vapor lock, I think it could be sued with out a regulator. The Airtex had similar pressure specks and I have use it for 13 years without out a regulator. But maybe rather safe than sorry.

slowforty · 06-24-2023, 02:17 PM

It pays to research the prices on this type of pump. There is a Wide variety of prices. all different for the same pump.

dean333 · 06-25-2023, 12:08 PM

Fords ran for years as designed. As long as I have kept my stock pumps working properly I haven’t had a problem in over 40 years. People seem to want to bandage the problem with electric pumps.

40ford · 10-06-2023, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dean333

Fords ran for years as designed. As long as I have kept my stock pumps working properly I haven’t had a problem in over 40 years. People seem to want to bandage the problem with electric pumps.

I have been driving flat heads for 45 years.I have never owned an electric pump.If everything is right,whats the purpose?

Bruce_MO · 10-06-2023, 07:45 PM

Regarding your question of when to turn the pump off, with my Airtex there is a distinct sound of the pump slowing down as the carb needle valve closes. That’s when I shut the pump off and try to start the motor. My ‘53 has two 94 carbs, so it takes what I’m guessing l to be 20+ seconds. I’ve had no problems in 15 years with my Airtex, but it’s used only for priming.

Merc Cruzer · 10-06-2023, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40ford

I have been driving flat heads for 45 years.I have never owned an electric pump.If everything is right,whats the purpose?

I too, only use my Airtex for priming and clearing Vapor lock caused by cheap corn gas.

Bored&Stroked · 10-08-2023, 11:34 AM

One purpose is to not have to grind on the starter when the car has sat for a long period of time and the fuel has evaporated out of the bowls. I am going to add one to my 32 Cabriolet for just this purpose and use the mechanical pump the rest of the time.

tubman · 10-08-2023, 12:18 PM

About 25 years ago, I removed the electric pump from my '51 and bought a $.29 condiment squeeze bottle at the Dollar Store. The squeeze bottle doesn't seem to mind being filled with gas, and it takes minimal effort to remove the air cleaner and give it a squirt when needed.

Merc Cruzer · 10-08-2023, 02:35 PM

The electric pump comes in handy, when you are driving along and you get a good case or vapor lock and the engine begins to slow down. I then simply flip on the switch to the pump and the engine picks right back up and you are on your way. I usually leave it on or about a minute, then turn it off and the mechanical pump takes over again.

BobR35 · 10-09-2023, 07:29 PM

I've used this on my '35 now for three years. Works great! Mounted underneath on the driver's inside frame rail. Fuel filter and ball valve cutoff in line, toggle switch under dash.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/29306153683...mis&media=COPY

petehoovie · 10-09-2023, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobR35

I've used this on my '35 now for three years. Works great! Mounted underneath on the driver's inside frame rail. Fuel filter and ball valve cutoff in line, toggle switch under dash.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/29306153683...mis&media=COPY

jplutz · 10-10-2023, 11:28 AM

BobR, Where did you get the ball valve cutoff? I have not installed my pump yet and all my work is done on my back in the yard. The thought of gas down the arm is unpleasant. A good leakproof cutoff is what I need to have when changing the filter. JPL

glennpm · 10-10-2023, 12:59 PM

I have a ball valve on one of my cars but not on the others. I slip rubber hose over the jaws of a pair of vice grips, adjust the vice grip tension and squeeze the rubber hose adjacent to the fuel filter. Works great for me.

petehoovie · 10-10-2023, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glennpm

I have a ball valve on one of my cars but not on the others. I slip rubber hose over the jaws of a pair of vice grips, adjust the vice grip tension and squeeze the rubber hose adjacent to the fuel filter. Works great for me.

Check out the big brain on Glenn!

06-23-2023, 07:42 PM	#41
Merc Cruzer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Conifer, Colorado Posts: 2,429	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle I drive 98% of the time, with the factory dual action mechanical pump, in the car. I use it to fill the float bowl, after sitting for a long period of time and blowing the vapor lock bubbles through the system when that occurs. Well since it appears Airtex E8902 electric fuel pumps are no more, I think I may have found the replacement or at least a backup for mine (that is performing beautifully by the way). The requirements are: 6 volt pos ground, flow through design, works with modern gas, and can be used as a primary or primer pump. Yes it's made in China. But for all intensive purposes it appears to be the same design as the E8902 and have the same specks, so I bought one and tested it and it works as advertised. From my tests with a multi meter, it appears the motor is isolated from the housing. Interesting, as to how they advertise it, as to application. https://www.amazon.com/AUTOKAY-Elect...e%2C118&sr=1-5

06-23-2023, 08:24 PM	#42
Kens 36 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 376	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle It sure looks like the Airtex. I ordered one as a spare. Thanks Merc. Ken __________________ https://www.nirgv8.org

06-23-2023, 11:27 PM	#43
Eagle43 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 167	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle It looks like a number of companies sell similar 6 Volt fuel pumps on Amazon. They look pretty much identical and some are quite a bit cheaper than Autokay's.

06-24-2023, 09:12 AM	#47
Merc Cruzer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Conifer, Colorado Posts: 2,429	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle I agree, if you use it full time, but other wise if it is is only used for filling the float bowl or clearing vapor lock, I think it could be sued with out a regulator. The Airtex had similar pressure specks and I have use it for 13 years without out a regulator. But maybe rather safe than sorry.

06-24-2023, 02:17 PM	#48
slowforty Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tinley Park Ill Posts: 1,062	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle It pays to research the prices on this type of pump. There is a Wide variety of prices. all different for the same pump.

06-25-2023, 12:08 PM	#49
dean333 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Shorewood Illinois Posts: 863	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle Fords ran for years as designed. As long as I have kept my stock pumps working properly I haven’t had a problem in over 40 years. People seem to want to bandage the problem with electric pumps. __________________ Tim Carlig

10-06-2023, 07:45 PM	#51
Bruce_MO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 433	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle Regarding your question of when to turn the pump off, with my Airtex there is a distinct sound of the pump slowing down as the carb needle valve closes. That’s when I shut the pump off and try to start the motor. My ‘53 has two 94 carbs, so it takes what I’m guessing l to be 20+ seconds. I’ve had no problems in 15 years with my Airtex, but it’s used only for priming.

10-08-2023, 11:34 AM	#53
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,070	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle One purpose is to not have to grind on the starter when the car has sat for a long period of time and the fuel has evaporated out of the bowls. I am going to add one to my 32 Cabriolet for just this purpose and use the mechanical pump the rest of the time.

10-08-2023, 12:18 PM	#54
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,320	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle About 25 years ago, I removed the electric pump from my '51 and bought a $.29 condiment squeeze bottle at the Dollar Store. The squeeze bottle doesn't seem to mind being filled with gas, and it takes minimal effort to remove the air cleaner and give it a squirt when needed.

10-08-2023, 02:35 PM	#55
Merc Cruzer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Conifer, Colorado Posts: 2,429	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle The electric pump comes in handy, when you are driving along and you get a good case or vapor lock and the engine begins to slow down. I then simply flip on the switch to the pump and the engine picks right back up and you are on your way. I usually leave it on or about a minute, then turn it off and the mechanical pump takes over again.

10-10-2023, 11:28 AM	#58
jplutz Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Marlboro, NY Posts: 102	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle BobR, Where did you get the ball valve cutoff? I have not installed my pump yet and all my work is done on my back in the yard. The thought of gas down the arm is unpleasant. A good leakproof cutoff is what I need to have when changing the filter. JPL

10-10-2023, 12:59 PM	#59
glennpm Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Wiscasset, Maine Posts: 1,981	Re: Airtex E8902 Debacle I have a ball valve on one of my cars but not on the others. I slip rubber hose over the jaws of a pair of vice grips, adjust the vice grip tension and squeeze the rubber hose adjacent to the fuel filter. Works great for me. Last edited by glennpm; 10-10-2023 at 01:25 PM.