1955 Fuel issue under load up a hill.

[ClassicsandConvertibles]

Hi there. Having fuel issue under load up a hill. Car just slowly dies like fuel starvation. Was fine before we refurbished carburetor and serviced car. We took carburetor back and had it retuned again, new fuel pump, fuel lines and tank. Still the issue. Need help or a specialist in New Jersey that someone can recommend to help as i am at a loss as to what to do. Thanks

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[74 Harley]

Check your float level, it may be set too low.

 

[Tom Alpers]

If gas cap vented?

 

[widgits]

Can the fuel filter keep up? Is the pump putting out right pressure? (Thinking about 4.5-6 psi? for a Holley)

There have been reports of import (China) made new fuel pumps being very poor quality and not lasting very long
And some have noted a difference in the screws holding the unit together (hex vs phillips) , bad, weak or leaking diaphrams mostly
Some US made rebuild kits are available, also heard some reliable shops rebuild these with great success.

I've been looking at adding a nice electric fuel pump as a backup or way to fuel the carb if it's been sitting awhile
I dunno about the quality of the electric pumps sold by some of our T'bird parts suppliers
Thinking about a Facet Gold Flo series with a built-in filter that's easily cleaned or changed, most have the ability to draw fuel thru when
the mechanical pump is being used.
The Facet pumps are US made and actually started many years ago under the name Bendix
I called Holley and asked about some of the pumps they offer, apparently the black label units can be used for E85 fuel
but I was wondering where it was made (Some of their products are from China) and it was over $200 for just the pump

One thing I worry about is a bad mechanical pump and switching to electric, can a bad diaphram lead to fuel in your oil?
Would an inline bypass hose and valve be wise?

Curious what others think

 

[Frankie the Fink]

You need to do a fuel pump pressure AND volume check, they are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. An $18 dollar Autozone vacuum gauge and a clear mason jar are all that is needed as described in the attachment...

And as noted, float level AND position are critical; if the float setting is causing a low fuel level or hanging up in the bowl it'll produce the symptoms you describe... There are carb rebuilders and there are carb experts - also two different things. I use Daytona Parts or Chuck Smith for my rebuilds. If you request it Daytona Parts will even run the rebuilt carb on their "test mule" engine setup.

And yes, fuel pump rebuild kits from overseas have issues in many cases, a NAPA Echilin or Walker kit are the best route anymore.

A 'booster' electronic pump may resolve the issue but there are several "gotchas" for novices thinking about installing one:

1) If you have the e-pump operate THROUGH the mechanical pump and the mechanical pump oil seal fails the crankcase will get filled with raw gas but the car will still run

2) Without an oil pressure 'rollover' switch cutoff an electric pump will still run and pump gas in a crash even if the engine dies - very dangerous.