Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Okay. I finally got around to rebuilding the fuel pump. Not rocket surgery. Not too much fun, either, but the anticipated reward of the availability of fuel for starting was an enchanting reward.

Pumps like an SOB! Overcoming the frail float needle and flooding fuel everywhere! A bit more than I expected/asked for.

Okay. Take it easy. Must be a faulty or dirty needle and seat. Pulled the uppermost part of the carb to see what was up. Looked normal. Called Mike's Carbs, where I purchased the kit five years ago, and spoke with Krystal. Not Mike, like the last time I called. She says that I need a FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR!

Why do I need a regulator when I have a carb that WAS working just fine, and now have a refreshed fuel pump???

Unless you substituted an incorrect driving spring in the fuel diaphragm, your rebuilt pump should deliver the correct pressure as is, never heard of a pressure regulator being used or needed with a correctly built mechanical pump. But if in doubt, just use a gauge and check the pressure which generally should be between 2.5 and 4.5 psi.

I'm pretty sure I put the same spring back, at least it looked like the one that came out when I disassembled the pump. The vacuum side has a heavy spring as I recall, which was not supplied with the kit. The fuel side had a replacement spring, and I think that is the one I used.

And also make sure the diaphragm(s) are not adding to the spring tension. If you pushed the arm down so the diaphragm was moved to its full flexed or travel position before tightening the screws holding the halves together it should be OK but if the screws were tightened while the diaphragm was mostly flat then when it is flexed it could be stretched tight and causing a higher pressure.

Howard,

I just spoke with Al at Arizona Vintage Parts, who sold the pump kit, and he says he thinks it's carb related. That's what I thought too, and I called Mike's Carb Parts yesterday, (where I bought the carb kit in 2014) and spoke with a woman named Krystal who tried to tell me that I needed a fuel pressure regulator. That doesn't make sense at all. I would think that if we were dealing with an electrical pump, yes, but I don't think the spring was incorrect, and more than likely the float seat and needle is the problem.

I removed the top off the carb, and realized I hadn't replaced the needle and seat. I found the kit with the new parts, and attempted to install the new needle, which had the rubber tip, but it wouldn't fit into the old seat. Removed the old seat, and now the float is way out of adjustment, and almost doesn't fit. That's probably why I didn't replace those parts. I've come to the conclusion that the issue lies with the needle and seat. I just need to find the correct ones.

Going to call Daytona Parts for advice.

Just went to Daytona Parts site, and this is probably going to cure my problem.

daytonaparts.com/daytona-carburetor-float-valve.html