I’m running a electric fuel pump that will be flowing through my stock pump to make it look like it’s running the mechanical pump. But since I am not running it I will not have the pump rod in there. Do I need to plug the oil hole in the guide or just leave it open. Just making sure before I bolt everything down Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I removed the fuel pump rod from my 8BA 15 years ago when I installed an electric fuel pump. I did not pug the hole and have had no problems or lowered oil pressure. There has been much debate about this on Fordbarn with lots of differing opinions. Peruse this info. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/search.php?searchid=13963160 With push rod removed a greater amount of oil splashes up into the valley of the engine. I guess you could plug the hole to eliminate the splash. If you do decide to plug it,do it in such a way that you don't damage bearing just in case you ever want go back to a mechanical pump. I decided to make an oil fill pipe with a cap extension that reaches down to the top opening of the bearing to reduce splash. Here's some photos.
If I was going to run an electric pump, I'd just block off the mechanical spot with a plate or something. Two less fuel line connections to worry about leaking, and fuel won't leak past the pump diaphragm and get in the oil.
Why not just shorten your pushrod so it doesn’t work and leave it in there. It wouldn’t take much, (as they wear, they stop working anyway). That would solve both problems. A couple of years ago mine stopped working due to wear, so we made up a new one that was adjustable - threaded bolt in the original cut down rod, with a lock nut. Next time it plays up, we can adjust it on the side of the road........
Well if I shorten it so it’s just sitting in there would it be bouncing around? Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I can’t see any reason why not, as long as you only shorten it enough to just touch on maximum stroke. Others on here might wish to comment.
Just cut a short section off fuel pump rod and clean block and apply silicone sealer around rod and let it set up.
Boden, Easiest thing to do is just remove the push rod, label it as to what engine it is for and put it on the shelf. Those push rods are hardened on one end and are of various lengths for different year flat heads and intake manifolds used. You will notice that early flat head fuel pump push rods had an umbrella on them to reduce oil splash. I think you will be fine with just removing the push rod from your 8BA and leave bushing alone. be sure to read Fordbarn discussions. Do not even think about cutting push rod off or leaving it in the engine making noise. Do not use silicon to seal it as silicon will eventually soften and come loose. You don't want any foreign matter getting in your oil p***age ways.
Why have a dummy mechanical pump? Electric fuel pumps are period correct and go back at least as far as the early postwar days of hot rodding. AutoPulse was an early Hot Rod favorite and has been around since at least 1949. I sold two N.O.S. a couple a few years ago. As were Stewart Warner Also Stewart Warners, these are not mine but I have a few of these for my projects.
The old traditional pumps like Autopulse and the rest may look great but, the rubber parts dissolve with today's gas making them very unreliable. Plus, parts are not readily available.
The reason I am doing this is due to the fact that my fuel pump height above the guide is way different than any other intake. It is in between a 8ba and 59a rod. So I already cut my original rod to make it work and the tip cracked when I was removing it. Bought a new one and the tip is not removable from what I can see and it is not hollow. So I’m at a standstill. And I don’t see the problem with hiding a electric fuel pump and having it flow through the mechanical one. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I don't have a problem with it, I thought you were thinking electric fuel pumps aren't period correct. Plus the racer in me is always looking for was to take wight out of a car. Even if it is a few ounces. You, missed the point. I saying there is nothing wrong (period correctness) with an electric fuel pump and a block off plate on the fuel pump boss on traditional style car. However the AutoPluse parts are still available (Click Here) they are ungodly expensive, but 99% of people will never know if you put a modern electric fuel pump on the frame near the tank on a traditional style car. Here in New York state (where myself and Boden live) we can buy non ethanol 93 octane gas, at several brands of convert stores I have had to luck with mechanical fuel pumps, I am on my four in nine years on my 261 Chevy. I have used several good name brands, it's not the rubber parts that have failed it was the mechanical parts that failed, springs lever ect....
Completely agree. I was just trying to find the cheapest way to do this since I don’t have much money. I like those auto pulse pumps. But the ones working are expansive and the cheap ones that aren’t working need the expensive parts. And plus I want to get this on the road sooner than later. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
From previous posts on the HAMB, I have heard of several who have done this. Did I understand correctly that you are doing it just because your pushrod is the incorrect length ? If so could you make your own ?
I was planning on doing that. But the tips of the rod are hardened. And when I removed my old ones they cracked. And the new ones are a different style. So I’m pretty much screwed with doing that. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
So what will happen if I run this without plugging the oil galley? Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
If you want to run a mechanical pump just cut a rod and throw it in. Dont worry about hardened or not. When it fails just replace it. Everything doesnt have to be built for the end of the world especially something as easily accessible as that. Its easy to over think this stuff but usually good enough is good enough for non safety stuff. Get that thing running and drive it. I seriously seriously wouldn't hesitate to just cut a piece of hollow tube open on both ends and throw it in. They arent under alot of force. Youd have to put some real miles on before it ever wore down. I've owned a few old Fords. They are about one step up from a lawnmower in stock form. Move forward with confidence, it'll all be ok.
The Jalopy Journal
