Technical Model A's, downdraft carburetion, and fuel pumps.

Anyone have some insight into fuel pumps? I want to run a downdraft carb
I have read of many guys successfully running them without a pump. But most of them live in the flatlands. I need to drive up some very steep grades. So I believe a fuel pump is mandatory. With that in mind I have been looking at my options.

The first thing that comes to mind is pressurizing the tank. But I feel that isn't something I want to do or that would really fit the build. Its more of a racecar thing.

Then I thought about just running a modern pump. But they are so ugly...

Then I stumbled upon stewart warner vacuum fuel pumps. That won't work as they are more designed to draw fuel from a low mounted tank then gravity to the carbs from the pump.

Then I started looking at old aftermarket electric pumps. But I feel they will be to new. More of a 60's thing.

Is there anything I haven't thought of? I am hoping you guys have some other ideas.



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I would try it without a pump, what do you have to lose. If that doesn't work what about a modern pump up near the tank on the inside of the firewall and run it out to the carb through the existing fuel line.

 

I may try it out. We'll see. As far as the idea for the fuel pump inside and running it out so you can't see it...i love that idea, but that won't work as I forgot to mention it is a late 31.

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Remember you can go up the hill in reverse. Of course if you try it on the freeway you will have other problems.

Charlie Stephens

 

I got a small pump and mounted it to the underside of the toe board with it directly connected to the fuel filter then to the regulator. I then put the preasure guage on the regulator. It hides it all very well. I still get to use the gl*** bowl too.

 

If you're running 12V, hide the wires and this looks kind of like a fuel filter. http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...ap?ck=Search_N0515_-1_358&pt=N0515&ppt=C0128#

 

I run that one ^^^^^

 

I was thinking that pump on the late 31, if you put it right below the shut-off you could run the wires through the grommet and it'd hide pretty well. Might even cut off the hose barbs and put flare fittings so you get way from rubber hoses.

 

I had a similar set up on my banger before.. doing the same to current one...

 

What about tucking it inside the frame rail (after the shut off)?

 

I saw this done a lot at a Model A show in the spring. It wasn't overly noticable other than the fuel line came up from the frame. The pump and wires can basically be hidden. I'll look but I don't think I have any pics. Most of those stock guys like Webbers and they just look wrong so I doubt I took any.

 

Put it inline with the fuel line that goes from the tank to the firewall and hide it there. It will work well and be out of site.

 

Hand-operated pump to pressurize the fuel tank

 

he cant do it on his truck because its a indented firewall

but i thought you were running a b engine now

 

What difference does the indented firewall make?
There is still a fuel line from the tank to firewall right?

 

There is no fuel line inside the car like the older models and the shut off is under the hood.

 

Thank you for the clarification.

 

Looks like this, A Rodder:

 

The only thing I could think of that wouldn't look terrible would be to run the line from the shutoff straight down to the frame rail and into an electric pump then bring the line back up toward the front of the engine and into the carb. You could easily make a shroud to cover the pump inside the frame channel.

 

Ran my line from the bowl, down the firewall to a cylindrical carter low pressure filter/ pump. Fits nicely in the open frame rail. Line back up, parallel to the line that went down. Using a regulator to get pressure down to 1.75 and into a Holley 94. Works seamlessly.
I'll try to get some photos.


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1931 "A" pickup, indented firewall, dual 97's no fuel pump.

Here is a picture at Northwood last year, "A" motor, babbit bearings.




Gary in MN

 

How does it do going up steep hills?

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I first hooked up mine with no pump. I got stuck at the bottom of a steep hill and had to drive around the long way and got gas.

 

that is better looking than the new ones I was looking at.

Possible, I just don't want to see it.

I want to, but they have been hard to find. I haven't been able to score one and I need to do something soon.

I have a core that needs building. But I'm going to convert that to inserts and full pressure yada yada yada...that's for after this one expires.

I'd like to see that.

Yeah, that is my fear. In case you guys don't know Seattle has some epic hills...check this out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regrading_in_Seattle

the old photos of the regrade are crazy.

 

I think what I need is a Autopulse fuel pump.

 

If you really have your heart set on a hand pump, just make one out of an old T or A era tire pump. Just need to shorten it up, fab a mounting bracket, and put a knob on it.

 

I attempted to hook my downdraft up with no pump. Anything beyond an idle and it would starve out. To do the math, head pressure is .434 psi per foot of elevation. If you have a full tank, you might have a foot of elevation between carb inlet and top of fuel level (i'm being generous here). In my experience, and reading, Strombergs/Holleys like around 2.5 psi. Leaving you around 2 psi short. I personally don't see any way that you could do it without a pump. Sorry if this is a bit redundant.

-Mitch

 

Ad from September 1947.

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Hi Hitchhiker: I have been to Seattle and you have some serious hills. I tried an old auto pulse on my Rajo Model T Ford, worked for a short time and then the rubber parts turned to goo. If you are running 12 volt here are a couple of not too ugly fuel pumps. Mr. Gasket 42S = 2-3 psi or 12S 4-7 psi. Good luck.
Gary in MN.

 

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