VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 1936 Starving for fuel

When I got the 36 from my Dad it had a electric fuel pump on it but I wanted it to be all original so I bought a rebuilt original pump and put it on. The engine start's no problem, idols fine and can Cruz at 40-50 with no issues but after driving it for about 30-40 min with it totally warm at 180 and no over heating problems when I start to slow and come to a stop it act's like it is starving for fuel.
If I down shift to cause the motor to draw fuel to the carb or pull the idle knob it will catch up with itself and the motor will run.
Could it be the manual fuel pump can't keep up and that's why the electric one was being used or maybe because the carb is right over the exhaust manifold which get's really hot causing the fuel to evaporate before it can get into the motor.
I have heard I can use the electric pump inline to assist the manual pump ? Any and all suggestion's and direction very welcomed.

If you find it easier to talk on the phone my # 805-302-7353 AZ time.

I don't know about '36 fuel systems, but the older carbs have screens in the inlet and if that screen gets clogged, the vehicle acts like you've described.

Just a thought. Dean

I have stock fuel pumps on both my '35 car and '36 truck. I do not have any of the issues you describe.

Mike

I would clean out the gas tank and blow out the fuel line at the back of the fuel pump.
At least drain and flush the tank on the car.

It would be using more fuel at 50 MPH than when slowing. I would first check the float level in the carb if I thought it was a fuel problem.

Exactly what do you experience "when I start to slow and come to a stop it act's like it is starving for fuel." Does it pop back through the carburetor? start missing? runs rough?

My first thought is that the idle circuit is adjusted a little lean. Could also be the throttle plate is not centered in the throat.

Thanks to all for the great advice. When I went to start the 36 after it sat in a garage in Santa Barbara CA for 3yr with out running we 1st drained the tank of old gas and put fresh gas in it but did not clean out the tank.
I think I will start with cleaning the tank, blowing out the fuel line and do a rebuild on the carb. What do you suggest to clean out the tank ?
I did try to adjust the needle on the carb as it idled in the garage with no difference weather it was all the way in or out. I will take the suggestions given and apply them and let you know what the result is.

Thanks again;
Pop's36

To flush out the tank I would use the garden hose. To pick-up the trapped water some form of alcohol at the end of flushing..

I agree that you should make sure that the whole fuel system is clean and operating properly. These vehicles do not need electric booster pumps to run properly and reliably.

The booster pump is hiding a problem that will only get worse.

So to be clear I should drain gas from tank, replace drain plug fill with water ONLY no cleaning agent as I have seen different kind's and then drain and let air dry which will be quick in AZ now that the temp is 112.

I would think it would be prudent to remove the gas line from the carb and turn over the engine to see how much and how clean the gas flows into a jar or can before going to all the trouble of flushing the system. But maybe I'm just lazy.

The "dirt" in the fuel pick-up in the tank may plug-up and then float way when not running.
do not believe it is the low speed jet as I have seen a low speed jet un-plug its self.

J Franklin makes an excellent suggestion for starting your troubleshooting. If the pump is delivering like it should that indicates you need to look at the carburetor.

With respect to cleaning a gas tank, I doubt if filling it with water and letting it run out the drain plug will help much if at all. Think of it this way. Why would filling and draining with water be any different that draining the gas that is in it?

The only way I know to clean a gas tank is to take it out so you can fill and flush through the filler if you are going to do it yourself.

I take mine to a radiator shop about 20 miles away. Thankfully I have that service still available.

Thanks Guy's,
Sound's like J has a great idea. I will check pump flow first and if all good I will check and rebuild carb ( the Fueling Station has a kit for my carb) as I believe it has probably never been done.

This forum is FANTASTIC.
Pop's36