The Ford Barn - View Single Post - 1951 Ford - Not vapor lock- but something going on

tjc1965 · 04-18-2017, 02:17 PM

Thanks in advance. I've had a '65 Mustang for 30 years now, this is my first older car experience so I'm still learning as we go. I've been lurking here a while, I sure would appreciate some experienced input!

My Dad and I have a 1951 Ford Tudor we bought a couple years ago, mostly restored to original, but a few little things needed, something he can putter on and take to cruise nights.

Always starts and runs good, but I think have messed something up this weekend. Previous owner installed a Mr. Gasket inline fuel pump many years ago. Pump mounted to the frame rail, basically under the drivers door. The pump is wired to only get power when the starter is cranking- hot wire right on the outlet from the solenoid. So I figure the pump is used to get the fuel flowing at start-up, and then the mechanical pump takes over.

Today I replaced the pump and filter, since the old pump had a slow leak. Bought a Carter electric, similar size as the old one, low pressure type. Wired it same as the old one - runs only when on the starter.

After installing, went for a ride. After about a mile, she stalls. Coast to the side, wait less than a minute, starts right up. Drive another half mile, does it again. So, we turn around head for home does it again a couple times.

Once home, decide to see if it's "vapor lock" due to heat. Let it idle in the driveway, hood closed for 20 minutes or so figuring it might make enough heat to boil the carb fuel. No dice.

However, with my foot on the pedal and holding it at 2000-2500 rpm, in about a minute she sputters and shuts off. 30 seconds, starts right up.

So, my theory now is the new pump is more of a restriction in the fuel line than the old one, causing the mechanical pump to lose prime when it's trying to suck thru the non-running electric pump. Any one have any thoughts on that?

For a solution, I think if I just run the new pump off the ignition hot wire, so it's running whenever the key is on, that should solve the problem. Only question now, do I need a regulator before the mechanical pump to not over-pressurize it, or not to worry?

Thanks for the help!

Tom C

04-18-2017, 02:17 PM	#1
tjc1965 Junior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 7	1951 Ford - Not vapor lock- but something going on Thanks in advance. I've had a '65 Mustang for 30 years now, this is my first older car experience so I'm still learning as we go. I've been lurking here a while, I sure would appreciate some experienced input! My Dad and I have a 1951 Ford Tudor we bought a couple years ago, mostly restored to original, but a few little things needed, something he can putter on and take to cruise nights. Always starts and runs good, but I think have messed something up this weekend. Previous owner installed a Mr. Gasket inline fuel pump many years ago. Pump mounted to the frame rail, basically under the drivers door. The pump is wired to only get power when the starter is cranking- hot wire right on the outlet from the solenoid. So I figure the pump is used to get the fuel flowing at start-up, and then the mechanical pump takes over. Today I replaced the pump and filter, since the old pump had a slow leak. Bought a Carter electric, similar size as the old one, low pressure type. Wired it same as the old one - runs only when on the starter. After installing, went for a ride. After about a mile, she stalls. Coast to the side, wait less than a minute, starts right up. Drive another half mile, does it again. So, we turn around head for home does it again a couple times. Once home, decide to see if it's "vapor lock" due to heat. Let it idle in the driveway, hood closed for 20 minutes or so figuring it might make enough heat to boil the carb fuel. No dice. However, with my foot on the pedal and holding it at 2000-2500 rpm, in about a minute she sputters and shuts off. 30 seconds, starts right up. So, my theory now is the new pump is more of a restriction in the fuel line than the old one, causing the mechanical pump to lose prime when it's trying to suck thru the non-running electric pump. Any one have any thoughts on that? For a solution, I think if I just run the new pump off the ignition hot wire, so it's running whenever the key is on, that should solve the problem. Only question now, do I need a regulator before the mechanical pump to not over-pressurize it, or not to worry? Thanks for the help! Tom C