The Ford Barn

Pamlico · 03-02-2023, 10:07 PM

I'm having issues with my 36 LB engine regarding fuel. There is no fuel filter so I want to add one. I have a fuel pump from a 51 truck motor with the built-in glass bowl filter. It will physically bolt up, but my concern is it having the correct "throw", that is enough to actuate the pump but not so much as to cause it to bottom out or jamb/bend or break anything. I can use the original "tower" with the oil fill cap and the original pump shaft. Am I setting myself up for failure or disappointment? Thanks in advance!

ford38v8 · 03-03-2023, 01:50 AM

Yes, it will interchange with the earlier pump without damage. It may not be clocked to the same position as your current pump, but you should also know that if you are careful to preserve the gasket, you can remove the top and clock it to the new position without issue. Just know that even if in perfect working order, this change may not cure your stated fuel problem.
Tell us what that problem is, maybe we can suggest a solution that is meaningful.

Kurt in NJ · 03-03-2023, 06:26 AM

The original pump would have a screen for a filter under the top cover and a sediment drain on the side of the pump

Pamlico · 03-03-2023, 09:16 AM

Alan, I did clock it over 1 click and it sits nice and close to the firewall now. Kurt, I didn't know about the screen in the original pump and I was wondering what that petcock was for. This is a car I just bought and I am in the early stages of sorting it out. I has been sitting for 4 or 5 years. The seller told me he replaced the tank but it has that varnish smell. She will fire right up and idle beautifully, but is hesitant to take gas when you step on it. It has a model 59 Holley on it and I have had it apart twice now. I pumped out what gas I could (a couple of gallons) and put some fresh in it. Thank you for your replies.

38 coupe · 03-03-2023, 06:01 PM

The 51 fuel pump is not the same as the 47-48 fuel pump with sediment bowl. The later pumps have a flange that hangs down lower below the hold down bolts. I haven't tried the later pump on an earlier engine but apparently it works. The earlier pump on a later engine is a poor idea.

Pamlico, have you checked that the accelerator pump is working properly? You should have two streams of gasoline in the carburetor when you open the throttle, one for each barrel.

Pamlico · 03-03-2023, 10:55 PM

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38 coupe, yes I have checked the accelerator pump and had the little check ball out(it was stuck both times). I will take it apart again and do a more thorough cleaning. I will probably end up taking the tank off for cleaning and to blow out the line to the front.

5851a · 03-04-2023, 10:06 AM

After the tank and lines are cleaned out with fresh fuel it wouldn't hurt to use some seafoam or MMO for awhile.

Terry,OH · 03-04-2023, 11:49 AM

The later fuel pump may not have the correct threaded openings for input and output. They went to NPT thread the slightly earlier pump with the filter does have the correct threaded openings with seats and will work properly if in good condition. Both pumps are identical in outward appearance.

Pamlico · 03-04-2023, 02:48 PM

Terry, you are right. I had to use some adapters to go from NPT to compression fittings. Luckily, I had two. Thanks for the heads up.

03-02-2023, 10:07 PM	#1
Pamlico Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern North Carolina Posts: 56	Fuel pump interchange I'm having issues with my 36 LB engine regarding fuel. There is no fuel filter so I want to add one. I have a fuel pump from a 51 truck motor with the built-in glass bowl filter. It will physically bolt up, but my concern is it having the correct "throw", that is enough to actuate the pump but not so much as to cause it to bottom out or jamb/bend or break anything. I can use the original "tower" with the oil fill cap and the original pump shaft. Am I setting myself up for failure or disappointment? Thanks in advance!

03-03-2023, 01:50 AM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,646	Re: Fuel pump interchange Yes, it will interchange with the earlier pump without damage. It may not be clocked to the same position as your current pump, but you should also know that if you are careful to preserve the gasket, you can remove the top and clock it to the new position without issue. Just know that even if in perfect working order, this change may not cure your stated fuel problem. Tell us what that problem is, maybe we can suggest a solution that is meaningful. __________________ Alan

03-03-2023, 06:26 AM	#3
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: Fuel pump interchange The original pump would have a screen for a filter under the top cover and a sediment drain on the side of the pump

03-03-2023, 09:16 AM	#4
Pamlico Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern North Carolina Posts: 56	Re: Fuel pump interchange Alan, I did clock it over 1 click and it sits nice and close to the firewall now. Kurt, I didn't know about the screen in the original pump and I was wondering what that petcock was for. This is a car I just bought and I am in the early stages of sorting it out. I has been sitting for 4 or 5 years. The seller told me he replaced the tank but it has that varnish smell. She will fire right up and idle beautifully, but is hesitant to take gas when you step on it. It has a model 59 Holley on it and I have had it apart twice now. I pumped out what gas I could (a couple of gallons) and put some fresh in it. Thank you for your replies.

03-03-2023, 06:01 PM	#5
38 coupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,631	Re: Fuel pump interchange The 51 fuel pump is not the same as the 47-48 fuel pump with sediment bowl. The later pumps have a flange that hangs down lower below the hold down bolts. I haven't tried the later pump on an earlier engine but apparently it works. The earlier pump on a later engine is a poor idea. Pamlico, have you checked that the accelerator pump is working properly? You should have two streams of gasoline in the carburetor when you open the throttle, one for each barrel.

03-03-2023, 10:55 PM	#6
Pamlico Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern North Carolina Posts: 56	Re: Fuel pump interchange Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 38 coupe, yes I have checked the accelerator pump and had the little check ball out(it was stuck both times). I will take it apart again and do a more thorough cleaning. I will probably end up taking the tank off for cleaning and to blow out the line to the front.

03-04-2023, 10:06 AM	#7
5851a Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Iowa Posts: 1,665	Re: Fuel pump interchange After the tank and lines are cleaned out with fresh fuel it wouldn't hurt to use some seafoam or MMO for awhile.

03-04-2023, 11:49 AM	#8
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,751	Re: Fuel pump interchange The later fuel pump may not have the correct threaded openings for input and output. They went to NPT thread the slightly earlier pump with the filter does have the correct threaded openings with seats and will work properly if in good condition. Both pumps are identical in outward appearance.

03-04-2023, 02:48 PM	#9
Pamlico Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern North Carolina Posts: 56	Re: Fuel pump interchange Terry, you are right. I had to use some adapters to go from NPT to compression fittings. Luckily, I had two. Thanks for the heads up.