My '32 has an electric fuel pump and a regulator that looks like the one pointed to below (if the link works).
Long story short, I had the gas tank out for the past month for cleaning and sealing. During the time waiting for parts, I took care of a few items, one of which was replacing the carburetor float gasket. (I need to remember Bill Barker's advice of only fixing one thing at a time). Put the new tank in tonight, turned it on and gas came gushing out. I noticed the regulator setting wasn't "snapped" into place at 2 lbs. Pulled the float top back off, messed with it, put it back on, put the pump pressure at the lowest setting (1/2 lb) and no more gushing.
It sounds like 2 - 3 lbs is normal for mechanical fuel pumps. How low can I go with the setting for the electric? As long as gas is pouring in, lower pressure should be OK, but there's probably a limit. I'll crank up the pressure again to see if the float holds the pressure, but would like some opinions on where to set it first.
First problem is the electric pump.....put it in the trash you don't need it. I know if cars that have burned up because of them. An original pump works great! And I can help you build one if you would like.
As to your question, an original pump will push about 3 to 5 lbs.
Bruce
32 Confederate Bruce S. DeFord VCCA Judging Committee Chair
I agree with Brucie.....get rid of the electric fuel pump and go with the original mechanical pump. The electric fuel pump and regulator will cause you problems....as you are finding out.
The car came with the electric fuel pump, but my spare engine has one just begging for a rebuild. Everything in due time...
I put the pressure up to 2 lbs, and everything looked fine. Hours later, it appears that the bowl had overflowed again. This was with the power off. Very strange. I'd swapped out the float just 1.5 years ago with one that floats.
Yes, by "gushing out", I meant the float bowl was overflowing. I figure I got at least 1/4 cup of gas in just 5-10 seconds. At least I know the gas tank is no longer plugged...
The overflowing is being caused by dirt under the needle valve or the float hanging up on the side of the bowl or???I would say the fuel pump is not the cause.
It also sounds like the float might be sinking. Remove the float and shake it to see if there is gasoline inside of the float. If so....then you have found your problem.
I have an electric fuel pump on my 31 - it did the same thing. In my case, it has to do with the needle and seat being clean and free of debris, and proper float level adjustment.
I took off the carb and blew threw the fuel inlet while pushing the float up and down to be sure its closing and opening.
I am not of the opinion that the electric fuel pump is a waste, mine is great. I also use a pressure regulator at 2 and 3psi. With a clean needle and seat, and good float level adjustment, it works just fine.
If you do have further problems, I would then suspect the pressure regulator - the cheap ones will slip internally when you set the pressure dial. They are easy to fix and test by blowing through them.
I had no problems with fuel supply running all day for 13 days straight recently in all types of weather and temps.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. So far, so good. The float checked out OK, I dropped the level a tad, did some air pressure both directions (didn't see any debris come out). And now it all seems to work fine. It held gas and the car started up OK.
All I need now is another gallon of gas and we're ready to roll.
