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Our 55 constellation after setting for a few days is hard to start. The carb is rebuilt as is the complete fuel system. After it starts there are no problems until the next time it is not driven for a few days.
Question what type/pressure fuel pump can be installed to assist in cold starting? Suggestions please
Thank You
John Miller

John, This topic has been discussed on the forum several times so you might try using the search feature in the upper right hand corner. If you don't find what you need I am sure you will get plenty of advice on the topic. I have a pulse type flow through pump installed in the gas line near the gas tank to assist with those starts after the car has sat for several days. Some will argue with some justification that it is better to crank the engine over to obtain some oil pressure before starting the car after a long sit rather than use an auxiliary pump to allow less starter cranking. Here is a link to one thread on the subject on this forum. The Packard Club also has some excellent information on the installation of an electric pump in the "Tech Tips section you may want to peruse.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... orum=4&post_id=47921#forumpost47921

packardclub.org/

Mark Lambert recommends the Airtex E-8011 available from CarQuest (and others). No pressure regulator needed. I use it with an on/off switch, to help in starting and for occasional use to eliminate on-the-road vapor locking.

Thank You to all who responded.

Will install tomorrow.

John Miller

Though I have never had the need for anything other than the factory mechanical pump I can see why some folks want one, especially if they live in a hot climate or are prone to vapor lock. In my view they should be wired to a "dead-man" type switch which requires you to keep your finger on it if you're pushing thru the mechanical pump because more than one engine has been lost when the mechanical pump diaghram sprang a leak and you didn't know it so you keep blissfully driving along. Eventually enough gasoline may dump into the crankcase to dilute the oil, wipe out bearings etc., with an occasional underhood fire with horrible consequences. If you add an electric pump, just keep this in mind!

I just bought the Airtex E8016S (12v, 2.5-4 psi) pump based on a recommendation from Randy. I believe he bought the E8012S which is a higher PSI, and then he used a regulator with it. I purchased it from RockAuto.com for about $50.

I'm showing the E8011 model that Mark used as being the only one in Airtex's lineup that is for a 6v application. It's rated at 5-8 PSI and is the same foot print, and style as the two pumps that Randy and I have.

Dave, I think you are correct about the dead-man switch. I don't run mine except to prime the carbs. I don't have an electric pump yet on the 400, but I am going to install one. If the 400 sits for more than a week, I have to crank it for a while to get enough gas to run it. I think I'd rather have the oil pressure of a running engine than the doubtful pressure of a cranking one. You say to-mah-toe, I
say toe-may-toe. I wouldn't want to run on the electric pump except in an emergency.

I just bought a Airtex fuel pump Model E8902-2-4 and 1/2 psi. This is a new item to their line. Teck department told me it is the same as the E-8011 but with smaller spring. Just put it on my 1953 Pat looks like it is OK . The man said they added it because a lot of cars were flooding out with too much psi.

Sounds like the 6v version of the E8016S. Which is the one I bought. Interesting that the E8902 is not in their online catalog.

All of the Airtex pumps mentioned allow the mechanical pump to pull through them when the electric pump is off. Just make sure if you buy a different model or make of pump that it allows that or you would have to rig a lot of extra plumbing and check valves to make it work correctly if you plan on using it just a primer/booster pump to the mechanical pump.

I only have electric pump on mine. They never put the new model on web page yet. You can call tec dept and talk to them

Thank you