The Ford Barn

Bubsyouruncle · 10-02-2017, 08:30 PM

Was having a problem keeping my engine running. Diagnosis suggested fuel. After a bit of fussing around, and reviewing the forums (great info provided) I came to the conclusion that my problem was ethanol and a old rebuild kit.

Dug out an old (no kidding) carb from Bill Haley's day and removed the steel-brass fuel valve.

I am hopeful.

Drbrown · 10-02-2017, 10:42 PM

Some forum members say the ethanol gas promotes vapor lock. My personal experience ? I agree.

drolston · 10-03-2017, 07:41 AM

I have clear fuel lines running from the stock fuel pump to the carbs. When it gets really hot under the hood, I can see the bubbles coming out of the fuel pump. The only solution was an electric fuel pump mounted inside the frame rail, just in front of the rear wheel. I only turn it on to start after a long sit, or when the mechanical pump vapor locks.

I wish there were some way to insulate the fuel pump from the manifold, like the phenolic spacers commonly used on carburetors, but the added height would require a longer fuel pump push rod. Maybe some enterprising parts house should make up such a kit.

RalphG · 10-03-2017, 08:13 AM

My only experience with what I thought was vapour lock on the 52 Merc turned out to be a leaking fuel bowl gasket on the pump. Ran fine on the drive to a car show but when I went to start it a couple of hours or so later it would only run a couple of seconds and stop. Tightened up the fuel bowl gasket and it started and ran fine ever since.
How I found it?? I noticed the fuel level was down maybe a half inch in the bowl. Got somebody with strong lungs to force air into the tank opening while I watched the pump. The bowl filled up and then proceeded to leak down onto the engine. Pretty simple solution although it might only be unique to my car.

Bubsyouruncle · 10-06-2017, 09:31 PM

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Thank you all for the notes, but vapor lock is not my problem. Lack of fuel getting past the float valve was the problem.

The newer (1975) replacement fuel valve included a viton(?) tip rather than a machined steel tip. I suspect that when this rubber tip was exposed to ethanol which was never considered as a road fuel when the part was built, it swelled and became somewhat sticky and the fuel pump pressure was insufficient to overcome the bonding effect of the stickier tip.

10-02-2017, 08:30 PM	#1
Bubsyouruncle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Gurnee, Illinois Posts: 270	Old stuff is good stuff Was having a problem keeping my engine running. Diagnosis suggested fuel. After a bit of fussing around, and reviewing the forums (great info provided) I came to the conclusion that my problem was ethanol and a old rebuild kit. Dug out an old (no kidding) carb from Bill Haley's day and removed the steel-brass fuel valve. I am hopeful.

10-02-2017, 10:42 PM	#2
Drbrown Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Glens Falls NY Posts: 1,267	Re: Old stuff is good stuff Some forum members say the ethanol gas promotes vapor lock. My personal experience ? I agree.

10-03-2017, 07:41 AM	#3
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	Re: Old stuff is good stuff I have clear fuel lines running from the stock fuel pump to the carbs. When it gets really hot under the hood, I can see the bubbles coming out of the fuel pump. The only solution was an electric fuel pump mounted inside the frame rail, just in front of the rear wheel. I only turn it on to start after a long sit, or when the mechanical pump vapor locks. I wish there were some way to insulate the fuel pump from the manifold, like the phenolic spacers commonly used on carburetors, but the added height would require a longer fuel pump push rod. Maybe some enterprising parts house should make up such a kit.

10-03-2017, 08:13 AM	#4
RalphG Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Sask. Canada Posts: 2,424	Re: Old stuff is good stuff My only experience with what I thought was vapour lock on the 52 Merc turned out to be a leaking fuel bowl gasket on the pump. Ran fine on the drive to a car show but when I went to start it a couple of hours or so later it would only run a couple of seconds and stop. Tightened up the fuel bowl gasket and it started and ran fine ever since. How I found it?? I noticed the fuel level was down maybe a half inch in the bowl. Got somebody with strong lungs to force air into the tank opening while I watched the pump. The bowl filled up and then proceeded to leak down onto the engine. Pretty simple solution although it might only be unique to my car. __________________ https://www.youtube.com/user/roosty6/videos

10-06-2017, 09:31 PM	#5
Bubsyouruncle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Gurnee, Illinois Posts: 270	Re: Old stuff is good stuff Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thank you all for the notes, but vapor lock is not my problem. Lack of fuel getting past the float valve was the problem. The newer (1975) replacement fuel valve included a viton(?) tip rather than a machined steel tip. I suspect that when this rubber tip was exposed to ethanol which was never considered as a road fuel when the part was built, it swelled and became somewhat sticky and the fuel pump pressure was insufficient to overcome the bonding effect of the stickier tip.