Drove my 53 Ford 700 miles with a fuel starvation problem, now I'm scratching my head

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Chris

Thanks for the response guys!

First off- I do not think it's bad gas as we filled up several times during the trip

I do not think it is the tank, I drained it through a paint strainer and although there was a few particles of dirt, not very much. I did remove the gas cap while running rough and it was not sucked on so I left it (It was raining so I did not want tater getting into tank), although a test with it off could have proven something. I did have the vent off the tank when I cleaned it, I will check it again

There are two rubber flex lines on the car- both new and E85 approved...but I will replace both.

The only reason I think it may be the pump still is maybe with the can behind the seat it is not having to work so hard? It's not pulling the fuel as long or around curves? Maybe that's a wrong thought, but one I had. The pump in the car is one I rebuilt, I think I will put a new pump on (35.00 from Rock Auto for a Carter) just for peace of mind.

So, I think I will double check the tank (The hole in pickup tube is a great idea I did not think to check for...still do not know how I will do that), check vent, doucle check entire line and all connections, replace both rubber flex lines, and new fuel pump puch rod. Aside from the fuel pump lobe on the cam, that should cover everything. I don't mind throwing a little money at it, I just want a good reliable car. I took this car on this trip because I thought it was my most reliable and comfortable, HAHAHA

Chris:

Not old Ford related, but kind of fuel pump related. I had a '85 Jetta GLI that was giving me fits. Similar scenario: Idled great, but when you got on it, it would die.

All tests at idle showed the pump working as it should. When "under load" is where the fuel pump issue was really happening.

Now carbs, F.I. mechanical and electric pumps are worlds apart, but I'm leaning toward your pump being the issue as well.

So, from all you've said you've done to the car and it's symptoms, I'd say it's the pump as well. It's hard to test a the pump while you're driving down the road. I guess the one way would be to install an electric pump. If that solves the problem, it would point to an issue with the fuel pump working correctly under a load problem.