mechanical or electric fuel pump

[Topsterguy]

I've got a basically stock '39 flathead in my '36 coupe ( just 2 carbs with the back one blocked off) , don't intend on driving it REALLY long distances, and I'm wondering if I should stay with the mechanical pump or block it off and put a small electric one back by the tank. I do like the "servicabilty" of the mechanical one but don't like the "perceived" lack of reliability of them. Who has the best / nosy reliable mechanical ones now? Thanks!

[Merc Cruzer]

I have both on the car...never an issue.

[WestCoast]

stay with the mechanical, use an electric fuel pump as a back up, if you do use an electric one just remember that most of them put out around 5 to 7 pounds pressure which is to high for the ford carbs, you will need a pressure regulator to go along with it

[Richard in Florida]

Originally Posted by Topsterguy

I'm wondering if I should stay with the mechanical pump or block it off and put a small electric one back by the tank.

For inexpensive peace of mind, put a flow-through electric pump back at the tank and run your rebuilt mechanical as usual.

I think the best rebuilder is Then and Automotive.

http://then-now-auto.com/fuel-pumps/

[Karl Wolf]

I've been running on the first fuel pump I put on the A V8... (Ten years ago) Got that from a pile of used parts... And, there's a spare pump under the seat that came from an engine core...
I was originally going to run an electric with this engine (in a different car)...

Don't think I'll bother with the electric.

Karl

[Topsterguy]

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Thanks guys!

[Richard in Florida]

Originally Posted by WestCoast

if you do use an electric one just remember that most of them put out around 5 to 7 pounds pressure which is to high for the ford carbs, you will need a pressure regulator to go along with it

Nonsense. There are plenty of excellent electric pumps that have just the right pressure for a flathead, stock or full race... without a regulator.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...facetpumps.php

The key phrase is FLOW THROUGH! The Facets do. Mine's been in service for over four years now.

[texas webb]

Good info.Thanx Richard.

[tubman]

With stock flathead, I consider an electric fuel pump to be a "Band-Aid" to get around solving real problems. I had one in my '51 because of perceived "vapor lock". It turned out to be a substandard (grounds, battery, etc.) electrical system. Once I got everything straightened out, I removed the electric pump and everything has been fine since then. (This was about 10 years ago.) All of this being said, I am in north central Minnesota where is only gets above 90 5 or 6 days a year. Things may be different in Arizona and similar locales.

[WestCoast]

your right Richard, but where are the 6v ones?

[Richard in Florida]

Originally Posted by tubman

With stock flathead, I consider an electric fuel pump to be a "Band-Aid" to get around solving real problems.

If you're driving on ethanol-laced gasoline, the rubber diaphragm in your mechanical fuel pump will eventually dissolve. There will be no warning. An electric pump will get you home; just carry a simple piece of fuel line to bypass the mechanical so you don't pump fuel into your crankcase which will wipe out your main bearings. Yes, there are ethanol-resistant diaphragms to be had and they're worth installing, but even those are not eternal.

I had one in my '51 because of perceived "vapor lock". It turned out to be a substandard (grounds, battery, etc.) electrical system.

It isn't always electrical. Trust me. I could make you cry with my sad story.

I am in north central Minnesota where is only gets above 90 5 or 6 days a year. Things may be different in Arizona and similar locales.

Ya think? Try 100° with 100% humidity.

[Topsterguy]

Great info, guys. Richard, I'm thinking the Facet 40171......3.5 - 2 psi would be best?

[Richard in Florida]

Originally Posted by WestCoast

your right Richard, but where are the 6v ones?

Fair question. I forgot about the kicking and screaming group, and I was once one of them.

1. Run a higher pressure than needed 12 volt Facet at 6 volts?

2. Use some other brand of pump? Just make sure it will allow fuel to flow through it when it's not running.

[Richard in Florida]

Originally Posted by Topsterguy

Great info, guys. Richard, I'm thinking the Facet 40171......3.5 - 2 psi would be best?

As I've just been reminded, those Facets are all 12 volts. Is your car?

[Topsterguy]

Originally Posted by Richard in Florida

As I've just been reminded, those Facets are all 12 volts. Is your car?

Yassir, I'm not part of the "kicking and screaming group" ....mine's now 12 volt!

[FlatheadTed]

Good to see someone's blaming Electrical for vapour lock .I run a Mechanical pump only ,but you should always carry a spare that's been on the car and tuned to suet the push rod then removed and stored in the car .Ted

[jake197000]

car quest sells a 6 volt electric pump got one on my 39 and 46 they work great just switch the power and ground wires around.ive put a couple dozen on differant cars as a back up.also nice when car hasnt been used for a whilecant recall ever having to regulate one.there also pretty quite.we always keep 2 in stock.work on a lot of old cars.primarally use them to save on starter and batt.cant recall one going bad.

[49r]

Never had any problems with mechanical fuel pumps. I put on a 6V Carter from Macs to prime the carb if she's been sitting a while. The first one, even on this minor duty, only lasted a couple of years. I got another to save having to re-plumb and out of curiousity as to whether the first was an aberation. Been on a year ...

[Fe26]

Not quite sure what your twin carb set up is, but if you set them up right it's possible to achieve a 5% saving in fuel over a single carb, plus your engine gets a bit peppier. If done right it's a win win situation.

Flathead Teds method is 'Gold Standard' that would be my preference, and very simple too.

[Topsterguy]

Again, thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated!