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Old 06-16-2021, 12:18 AM   #1
Matthew_H
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Question 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

So I’m in the process of getting my fuel system installed and working properly as I didn’t go with the original cowl tank route.

Instead I have a RCI 15-gallon fuel cell, plumed with Fragola 6an lines and fittings to a K&N/Facet in-line pump 1.5-4 psi going into a pressure regulator hooked up to the fuel bowl for a nice concealed look.

Here’s the issue: with the regulator screw loosened counter clockwise (lowest psi setting 1-1.5) the pump still sends way too much fuel to the bowl, and eventually overflows. Yikes - the engine doesn’t even have the ability to keep up with the amount of fuel heading downstream.

I ordered a new Holley 1-4 psi regulator as I’m guessing the one I have from summit is is not regulating as designed? Gauge needle doesn’t even move… What else am I missing here Model A gurus? Here are some pictures to help show what I’ve done so far. Lines haven’t been fully attached to the frame rails yet as I’m still “in progress” but this first fire up today was a speed bump, as I had to essentially drain everything and sit there stumped trying to figure out why my system was sending so much fuel to the bowl…. The carb wasn’t even sucking it down the hard line either! Which is even more odd. It ran for a little bit on fuel I assume got pressurized and sent into the carb bowl, but it eventually sputtered and died, even know the glass sediment bowl was full of fuel? I did have the red cap off the tank (vent) fitting as well. Picture was taken before I ran it this afternoon.

Thanks to anyone who’s got some clues for me. I searched, read all the similar topics and couldn’t figure out what I did wrong…

Pics seen here: (uploader wouldn’t work)

https://ibb.co/c6zKrvL
https://ibb.co/zsZ6THP
https://ibb.co/JKKqwpb
https://ibb.co/L9TZkcr
https://ibb.co/7zgbG8R
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Old 06-16-2021, 05:21 AM   #2
Big hammer
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

Nice looking ride ! Nice looking shop/garage !
In my 50 years of wrenching working on all sorts of equipment pressure regulators have been port sensitive , pressure in pressure out and gauge port. Are you sure you have the regulator plumed correctly , it looks to me like you have it backwards ?
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Old 06-16-2021, 05:57 AM   #3
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

Matthew, That is a nice looking roadster and you are doing a good job building it. I cannot help you with the regulator issue except to check the plumbing as Big Hammer suggested. However, you are going to get a lot of flack from other forum members for not using the original gravity feed system. But I understand why someone would do this as it opens up the under the cowl area for things such as AC and a radio and a bunch of nice gauges.

Have you tried disconnecting the carburetor and running the fuel into a can instead? If the carburetor is full it will keep the fuel from filling up the lines and sediment bowl.
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Old 06-16-2021, 04:07 PM   #4
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

...

Last edited by Pete; 06-17-2021 at 10:03 PM.
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Old 06-16-2021, 04:55 PM   #5
Matthew_H
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big hammer View Post
Nice looking ride ! Nice looking shop/garage !
In my 50 years of wrenching working on all sorts of equipment pressure regulators have been port sensitive , pressure in pressure out and gauge port. Are you sure you have the regulator plumed correctly , it looks to me like you have it backwards ?

Thank you! It’s def installed correctly. But I think faulty, I ordered a new fuel pump by Facet 1-2 psi self regulated model. Going to try that and disregard the regulator all together to see if that will solve the issue. I wasn’t a bit fan of how the regulator looked inside the cabin anyways.

Trust me if I could have located a nice cowl tank that didn’t need loads of work I would have gladly stayed gravity! But I had no such luck, and the fuel cell in the back did free up a lot or space for added items later in the build.

Appreciate all of you’re help, great forum with some superb people.


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Old 06-16-2021, 05:17 PM   #6
Jack Shaft
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

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Carter P90091 rotary electronic fuel pump,2 psi,no regulator needed...the regulators are highly inaccurate btw.
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Old 06-16-2021, 05:57 PM   #7
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

Please also go to Hamb website. There is a monthly Banger page and a great resource for you.
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Old 06-17-2021, 08:13 AM   #8
Big hammer
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

Another thought! you could try a Zenith “B” carburetor, they are designed to run with a fuel pump. The float valve has a spring to help close off the fuel supply. Let us know when you fix your issues! Also it’s ok to post here at least by me ��
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Old 06-17-2021, 09:15 AM   #9
Matthew_H
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

Thanks for all of the great suggestions! Have a few items in-bound, hope to solve this soon.


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Old 07-12-2021, 01:36 AM   #10
PotvinV8
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

Looks like you have the regulator plumbed correctly. I might try adding a return line and see if that helps. Also, get a 0-15lb pressure gauge, will be much easier to read and more accurate in a low-pressure application. One other observation, make sure that ignition coil is designed to be mounted upside down. Some are not and the oil being at the wrong end doesn't bode well for keeping things inside cool. For what it's worth...good luck!
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Old 07-12-2021, 08:02 AM   #11
Nosetime
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

I would skip the original glass bowl, was never designed for pressure.
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Old 07-12-2021, 08:42 AM   #12
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Default Re: 1930 Model A 4-Cyl. with Electric Fuel Pump Dilemma

You should try HAMB !
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