YO! I have a FORD 34 Pirsch & Sons Fire Truck. I have everything running but it seems like the engine is starving for fuel. I checked the cap on the gas tank and it is vented. Can you put a low pressure electric fuel pump in line? I did not rebuild the mechanical fuel pump yet. Where can you get parts in Chicago for this pump or buy a new one?
Fuel Pump questions
- Thread starter GANGA
- Start date
Old Henry
Well-known member
I would start with testing your mechanical pump first. Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and connect a pressure gauge to it then run the engine and see what pressure you get. You only need a couple of psi to supply the carb. Then check the flow by running the engine with the fuel line in a can or bottle so make sure you've got good flow and don't have plugged filter somewhere. If both of those check out you would only need an electric pump to prime the mechanical one if it vapor locked.
Another thing that may make your engine act like it's starving for fuel would be the float in the carburetor bowl adjusted too low. That would keep the gas in the bowl too low and inhibit its flow into the venturi of the carburetor. Should check that and get it right on.
Here's the low pressure pump I installed in line back by the gas tank. It's an AirTex E8902 available here: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=1947+ford&_sop=10&_osacat=0&_sticky=1&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A5335&_sc=1&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=airtex+8902&_sacat=0
Another thing that may make your engine act like it's starving for fuel would be the float in the carburetor bowl adjusted too low. That would keep the gas in the bowl too low and inhibit its flow into the venturi of the carburetor. Should check that and get it right on.
Here's the low pressure pump I installed in line back by the gas tank. It's an AirTex E8902 available here: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=1947+ford&_sop=10&_osacat=0&_sticky=1&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A5335&_sc=1&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=airtex+8902&_sacat=0
Last edited:
Henry/Kokomo
Well-known member
GANGA - would love to see a picture or two of your Pirsch. There are a couple of guys who post regularly on this forum that can fix you right up with a rebuilt fuel pump. Be sure to check your present one BEFORE you order new parts. Problem diagnosis is one of the challenges of owning a flathead. Have fun and good luck!