Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Sounds like it

http://www.revolutionelectronics.com/Fuel_Pump.html

. . . But it apparently needs to connect to a tach lead which I hadn't noticed before. Otherwise it seems like a good device to use in antomating the system (without a toggle switch!).

There have been some who install an ordinary idiot light type oil pressure switch to provide the same function. When the key turns on and engine is off the pump will operate. As soon as engine starts and oil pressure is up the pump turns off. Need to make sure the switch can handle the pump load or else provide a relay but that is one way to have the pump turn off when not needed. I think it would be a good idea to add a toggle switch in parallel with the pressure switch for those times when you might want to run the pump with the engine running (vapor lock) but otherwise an inexpensive and easy to wire control. For anyone wanting to do that I would get a pressure switch with a fairly low switch pressure rating. A low threshhold and the switch would not trip and want to turn the pump on when the oil pressure drops during engine idling.

Have u guys ever heard of Rube Goldberg

Pull the Elect Pump and run down the road. Ive been running my 34 since 1970 and can only remember one sign of a Vapor Lock and that was just a sign and it went away. That with many VMCCA Tours and CCCA Tours. Many miles and a lot of fun.

IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT

Quote:

Thanks, OD. Are you referring to electrically or mechanically operated pumps, or both? Interesting discussion and lots of good input from all.

Thanks to you all for the interesting and useful comments. I am overwhelmed by the interest my query generated. At present I am using solely a vane electric pump as my mechanical is not working.
I will send for a kit as advised, and then the electric can be returned to its original purpose, which was to get fuel to the carburetor before starting.
Thanks and kind regards, Dennis.

Hello All, Thanks for the replies to my query. I am overwhelmed by the interest in the subject. I will order a kit. Kind Regards. Dennis.

I had good luck dealing with vapor lock problems by adding about 5% diesel fuel to the gasoline. Vapor locking stopped after this. Did not notice any smoking or other signs of the diesel fuel mixture. This was on a 47 Custom Clipper that had been prone to vapor lock. I did not have any vapor locking problems with a 37 Six and a 55 Super Clipper.

Also, I prefer to crank the engine until I see a reading on the oil pressure gauge, then start it. This allows some oil circulation so the engine does not start "dry". Figure it is less expensive to overhaul the starter a little more often than deal with ring, cylinder, bearing and journal wear caused by "dry" starting.

The 55 Clipper did have an electric pump when I bought it and left it there, but did not need to use it.

One person's experience, yours may be different.