VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1930 fuel filter

Hi Guys,
I know that there is a fuel filter as part of the pump. I think I have some sediment in my tank ( the car was laid up for 30 years). A couple of times after filling the tank, within 4-5 miles I have had misfires & loss of power, which clears after a few moments.
What I want to ask is whether it would be a good idea to fit a modern in line filter? If so where? Before the pump or after ( and there is not a lot of room in either position). Would such a filter be too much of a restriction on the pump, I.e. Give the pump too much to cope with?

Drop your gas tank and clean it....then install an inline fuel filter.

Ok,but would you recommend fitting the filter before or after the pump?

Before the pump is best, because it keeps the little particles from getting into the small disc-type valves in the fuel pump. The easiest place to put it is on the suction side of the fuel pump. But to be clear, if you get the gas tank thoroughly clean and the screen in the fuel pump settling bowl is in place, there's really no need for an additional filter.

All the Best, Chip

Hi Chip,
I have just had the bowl off the filter, but where is the screen. Is it in the inlet to the bowl? Or have I something missing?

I think the screen is suppose to stay with the pump with the glass bowl off. With the glass bowl off get a mirror and look in the area where the bowl seats you should see a screen.

I just checked the FS catalogue and see that they list a paper element to use with the glass bowl for 1929-1933. Does anyone have experience of this?

peter, i put a simple, plastic fuel filter (generic)in line, just upstream from the carb. i replace each spring. it will be gratifyingly dirty. i rinse out the sludge from the fuel pump glass bowl then too. ('30 coupe). jim

the chevy six clatter means nothing's the matter.

The screen is located in the fuel pump housing, in the opening for the glass settling bowl. It fits tightly around the fuel inlet in the center of the bowl and is exactly the right diameter to fit into a recess in the underside of the pump housing. The bowl gasket holds the screen in place and the whole thing is snugged down by tightening the bail on the settling bowl.

The screen itself is (guessing here) probably a 50 squares per inch brass mesh -- very fine. The Filling Station sells it as part number FS-691.

If you remove the bowl on your fuel pump and look up into the opening with a mirror, you should see the screen there. If it's not there, then definitely replace it.

I again maintain that there's no need for an added filter if you've cleaned your tank thoroughly and you have the proper screen in place.

All the Best, Chip

Hello Peter---yes,I have a filter element of folded paper from the FS---just set it in the bowl and put the bowl back on---easy as that---I also did as JYD suggests and dropped the tank--also really easy---took it to radiator shop where they boiled it for several days and cleaned it down to bare metal for $50.00 !! I did choose NOT to have the tank coated as I do not trust the coatings not to turn into gel and plug up everything!! Seven years later the tank is shiny new and no fuel related issues for me !! I have learned one thing at VCCA ---the dog knows his stuff so best to go with his advise !!!! Best of luck!! Jay

Here is what i did on my 1929 w/ Pictures

1929 Fuel Filter, Screen, & Gasket Installation

Thanks guys,
I guess you have answered my questions. Looks like I will have to get the tank cleaned.
Appreciate the responses.

Seems like my links in the above post are not working for all, i have updated them here:

Hi Bearsfan,
I am planning to install a paper filter & new screen. Have any tips and is the paper filter effective?

pretty simple process really

not sure how effective it is but it gives me peace of mind and added protection. i am happy with it and will keep it in there.

Many thanks to all the helpful comments. I ordered a new copper filter + gasket + paper filter from FS. just installed it - surprise surprise, no old copper mesh filter in the filter, so there was nothing to actually clean the gas - not surprising if I got the odd misfire!
This car came from Uruguay and I think they had trouble getting spares, so every thing has been 'bodged' ( not sure if you have that word in US, but it mans that it has been patched up with anything that was available) so the filter should be no surprise.
At least it must indicate that the tank itself is pretty clean.