Re: Help with hooking up an electric pump.

Posted by JWL On 2009/5/5 9:52:48

Is the need to have an electric fuel pump necessary? My two cars ('37 Six and '47 Custom) sit for weeks at a time, most times. A concern I have is for the dry engines to start on the first spin of the starter, before oil has been pressurized and circulated.

To start the '37 I run the starter, with the key off, for three or four short five second pulses. This is enough to indicate 15 or 20 lbs of oil pressure on the gauge. Then I turn on the key, depress the accelerator pedal once to set the automatic choke, and start the car.

The '47 is a little different because it has the starter switch on the carburetor and the key must be on to operate the switch. With the key on I run the starter like described for the '37, but do not completely lift or pump the accelerator pedal. Once I have gone through the starter pulsing, I pump the accelerator pedal two or three times, and the engine starts.

I do not have an electric fuel pump on either car and both run without any vapor lock or need for an electric fuel pump. I live in Austin, Texas and it does get hot down here. Both cars start with the first spin of the starter after they have been running or have been shut-off for a short time or even a day or two. To me starting a dry engine without getting oil circulating is asking for more rapid engine wear.

Something to consider...