Momentary Toggle Switch

[Robert/Texas]

I plan to install Airtex fuel pumps on my 34 and 37 Fords. Both cars need priming after 10 days or so of nonuse. I want to retain the mechanical pumps and just use the electric pumps for starting or when I get vapor locks. I’ve been looking for momentary switches in hardware, auto parts and tractor stores with no luck. I’ve found some on-line but without being able to examine them I’m reluctant to go this route. Suggestions on where to get these will be welcomed.
Thanks, Robert

[1931flathead]

Napa should have them or any part store should be able to get you one

[JSeery]

I have never seen an auto supply store that didn't carry momentary switches. Haven't looked lately, maybe things have changed. Boat supply places are a good source for electrical parts. If I was wiring it up I would use a relay with a momentary switch for a trigger.

Did some store searches and looks like you are correct! Again, I would check a boat supply store.

[RalphG]

Used to have a toggle switch like that on the Massey 510 combine. Long handle toggle push forward to speed up the pickup. Pull back to slow down. Maybe they are still available from Massey (Agco) dealers? But I'd guess Napa or Rock Auto could beat their price.

[VeryTangled]

Hi Everyone. I know what you're saying Robert, and this isn't what you were asking about, so feel free to skip. When I got my '35 last June a fuel line with check valve had just been put on it. I noticed it would start after a week or ten days a lot better than my '36 which would need priming after the same type of layoff. So I put one on the '36 and, well it's an improvement. Now I don't have to get out the priming juices after a week plus of rest. I got it from Bob Schewman, the same vendor that does the 'stats. His contact is gadgiteer at aol.com if you're interested in trying that route, not that the pump is a bad idea in any way.

[tubman]

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If you want to order on-line, I got some toggle swiches from this outfit : http://www.allelectronics.com/ a couple of weeks ago. They have a great selection, their sevice is very good, and the prices are very reasonable.

[alanwoodieman]

do you have any big truck body shops/dealers/stores in truck stops around? the truckers love those switches

[51504bat]

I had similar issues on the 8ba in my '39 p/u. I installed an inline electric pump that I wired to an on off toggle switch below the dash. When I needed the pump I hit the switch and let the pump run for a couple of seconds and shut off the switch and it fired right up. I had the switch in my box of misc. electrical stuff but you can get one almost anywhere.JMHO.

[fortyonerag]

Starter button and relay?

[Bob C]

like these? https://www.napaonline.com/en/search...h_form-allprod

Bob

[4dFord/SC]

Originally Posted by 51504bat

I installed an inline electric pump that I wired to an on off toggle switch below the dash. When I needed the pump I hit the switch and let the pump run for a couple of seconds and shut off the switch....

I use the same set up. In addition to priming, it allows use of the electric pump as a backup in case the mechanical pump fails.

[drolston]

For the same purpose, I used a switch that had spring loaded on (momentary) down, off in the center position and on when up. Use the momentary to prime and have "on" available to keep going in case of vapor lock or fuel pump failure. Do not like to run with the electric pump on full time, because I do not have an oil pressure switch in the circuit as crash safety. Also do not like to listen to that pump chatter.

[51 MERC-CT]

Got my switch for the same purpose at Radio Shack.

[Paul Bennett]

Also consider a push button switch. And it doesn't require remembering which way is off.

[Drbrown]

I use my mechanical pump and prime my system with my Airtex using a long handled toggle switch with an LED in it that lights when "on" .... most the auto dealers here carry them. I turn on the toggle and slowly count to "5" before pushing the start button. If I get a vapor lock situation in hot weather, I just leave the toggle/Airtex on until the mechanical pump, line to carb, and engine compartment cool down allowing the system to work normal. (Better than having to hold a momentary switch in.)

[cretin]

You could also look at McMasterCarr. you won't be able to handle it before buying, but they have a lot of info on the switches, along with drawings showing dimensions.

[36rgtop]

Originally Posted by Paul Bennett

Also consider a push button switch. And it doesn't require remembering which way is off.

Then if you need to have the pump on continuously all you have to remember is to hold the button in?
Or have a designated button holder while you drive

[Bill S]

I have a rocker switch with a led light that lit when its in the on position. Using the rocker switch if the regular pump fails I can use the electric pump. Got the switch from the local auto parts store.

[alanwoodieman]

if regular pump fails won't electric pump flood the engine with gas, because let us face it #1 cause of fuel pump failure is the diafram

[Robert/Texas]

Many thanks to all of you. I think I’ll go the on-line route as it is about a 50 mile trip to the nearest auto parts store. When I bought the 34 in 1992, it had an 8 volt battery and a heavy piston type electric fuel pump with a fuel regulator and an immediate toggle switch. When the pump died I removed this stuff and converted everything to 12 volts negative ground. This worked fine and I didn’t have these problems until the 5% corn gas was changed to 10%. Since then problem has been getting progressively worse.