Can I bypass the mech fuel pump with an electric one on a '51 239 with a single carb?

The fuel pump on my 1951 F1 is leaking and I have a small elec one on the shelf. It would only be a temporary solution.

As always thanks for reading

 

Sure, but put the pump down low near the tank. Electrics like to push, not pull fuel.

 

Yep. Have done it many times. Some worked so well that I made it permanent. As halaferd said: down low. Good luck.

 

It'll work without a hitch as long as it's a low pressure pump.

 

How low? I think my pump is 4-8 psi... That to much? I assume no, just wanted to check with y'all

 

Most of those small pumps are rated 5-7 IIRC.

 

Go with whatever the carburetor manufacturer says for pressure. If it's a stock carb, use the service manual to find the stock fuel pressure range. 4-6 psi is probably OK for most carbs....if it's much more than that, it makes it harder for the float to close the float valve in the carb....so what ends up happening is that the fuel level in the float bowl rides up a little higher than it would with a lower pressure. That makes the engine run a little more rich through all of the operating ranges.

A thing to watch out for is to make sure that your pump isn't a fuel injection version that is set to run at 20 to 30 psi.

Dan

 

You'll need a pressure regulator unless it is a low-pressure pump. The best pressure for a Holley 94 used on stock flatheads is 1.5 - 2.0 psi. I recommend the Holley 12-804 regulator, I've been running one for more than 5 years with no problems. I see lots of people complaining about the Spectre round-dial regulators sold at AutoZone and such.

 

Ok well the one I have is a 4-7 psi. So I'll have to get a regulator, or just order another stock pump.
Thanks for your help guys

 

No matter what pump you use your going to need a regulator.