VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1939 fuel pump question

HAS ANYONE INSTALLED AN ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP , BEHIND THE MECHANICAL FUEL PUMP TO USE JUST TO PRIME THE CARB FOR START UP ? I DON'T WANT TO BURN THE STARTER UP . THANKS , FRANK

Yes and it works very well.
Al

I have electric fuel pumps on a couple of old Chevys. They are installed between the tank and original fuel pump. One is a backup for the vacuum tank and only used on very long grades when my foot is too heavy and the tank runs out of fuel. Only had to do that a few times when I am not paying attention. Engine is worn out, makes terrible noises, lacks power but still runs. The other is on the 6000 lb fire truck that likes to vapor lock in parades at 90+ deg. and walking speed. Only takes a few seconds to collapse the vapor bubble and get the mechanical pump working again. The Boss likes that solution much better than jumping out, lifting the hood, pouring cold water on the mechanical pump and then jumping back it during a parade.

I have one on my '31. Mount it as directed by the instructions. I turn it on for 3 seconds and then turn it off . Than I start the car. The car fires right up.

Yes, I have one attached to the frame of my truck, between the tank and the mechanical fuel pump. When the truck has been idle for several days I flip it on with a toggle switch for a few seconds before hitting the starter and it works great.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE INFORMATIVE AND QUICK RESPONSE'S . I AM GOING TO INSTALL ONE .ON ANOTHER NOTE - QUESTION ? HAS ANYONE EXPEIRIENCED THE CARB FLOAT STICKING IN THE OPEN POSITION AND FLOODING OUT ? I HAVE A ROCHESTER THAT I REBUILT ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO . IT WAS HOT WEATHER AND SHE FLOODED BAD LAST YEAR. I ALSO HAVE AN INLINE FUEL FILTER . COULD THE NEOPRINE FLOAT NEEDLE BE WORN DUE TO THE ETHANOL ? JUST WONDERING , AS I DO NOT WANT TO WORRY ABOUT A FIRE OR BEING BROKEN DOWN SOMEWHRE . THANKS GUYS . FRANK

Carburetor float sticking is primarily due to oxidation of gasoline. Gums and Varnishes are formed which plug small orifices and glue the needle to the seat. The solid metal needles are heavier than plastic or composite so resist the sticking a while longer.

There are several common problems with ethanol containing gasoline. First is ethanol is hygroscopic (adsorbs water from the air). That is both pure or mixed with gasoline. When ethanol oxidizes it forms aldehyde and acetic acid. Acetic acid can be very corrosive especially when water is present. It will corrode metals (steel, iron, copper, brass, zinc). That is gas tanks, fuel lines, carburetors. It can cause rapid deterioration of rubber parts like flexible gas lines, seals, gaskets and even some fuel pump diaphragms.