Re: help with 53 cavilier!

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2012/6/1 17:59:44

Garrett; when I first got my '51 200 Deluxe, it had an electric fuel pump. It would start fine but, it didn't idle very well. After putting the transmission in "H" it would do pretty well until the engine was under load or I was driving over 50. One of the contributing factors to my driveability problem was the electric pump. Mine had a "one rate fits all" set up which resulted in the pump trying to force more gas than was needed into the carb at idle - resulting in a near flooding out condition. At 20 - 50 mph the flow rate of the pump was sort of matched to the engine's need. 50 and over, the pump wasn't supplying enough fuel and the engine was starving out. I removed the electric pump and rebuilt the OEM one which of course, matched the fuel supply more in keeping with the engine's need. That gave me windshield wipers as well.

The electric pumps have their place and I've been thinking of using one to pump up the carb to make for easier starting when the car has been sitting over 3 or 4 days. But for just plain driving purposes, the "Old School" design works best - at least it did for me.

I think you've got other issues than just fuel supply, but getting the engine happy will eliminate the basics.

Good luck,

Jim L. in OR