Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

I would like to put an electric pump on my 55 T-Bird. I start it seldom and the carb is usually dry. The Carter 4070 mentioned in another thread by JeffB2 looks pretty good. My Auto Zone guy tells me a small inline pump he has works well also.

Is the Carter OK with new fuels? What pressure does it pump. Jeff mentions needing a pressure regulator with the Edelbrock. Why and which one?

Any experience with the more modern inline pumps? I don't know any specs on the Auto Zone one, but it is about $40 or so.

Finally, any thoughts on just using the electric pump and eliminating the mechanical one. Just remembered, maybe the wipers work off it, haven't looked at that.

Sorry about the shotgun approach, but I have not worked on Y blocks since 1961. I have a '56 Vicky, but it has a 302 in it.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Yes the oem style mechanical fuel pump could/should have a booster for the wipers. Depends on what a previous owner did. You can leave the mechanical pump in place and just use an electric one to fill the carb after it's been sitting.
That will also leave the booster for the wipers in place if you get caught in the rain. The vac booster fittings on the pump are usually labeled, so I'll guess a previous owner of this one wasn't paying attention.
Most electric fuel pumps work better when mounted closer to the fuel tank, rather than near the engine.

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Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

This is the Mr Gasket pump AutoZone sells note ratings of 41% that gave it a 1 because of a high failure rate. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Gasket-12S...3?pageNumber=3 Because of limited space use this between the tank and the pump,it uses a bronze element you can take out and clean rather than paper which can degrade and clog and burn out a pump. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-645080/overview/

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

My experience has been not good with the inline pumps. Easy to install and replace, which is good because I did that often. I had them in my F100 and a 46 coupe with 302's. Changed each to Carter 4070's, no more problems.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

I am gonna order the Carter P4070 today.

Thanks

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

The 4070 is 12 V, jfyi. Stock '55 Fords are 6 V.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

true enough but, from a previous post...
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Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Just my .02 cents, I would keep the mechanical pump and add an electric pump just to run for a few seconds to fill the carb float chamber after the engine has been sitting for a long time. Two reasons; first, since the electric pump would see very limited use, I would think that it would last indefinitely possibly. Second, if you only knew what a can of worms you might be diving into by changing to a non-stock pump. The output fuel pressure MUST not exceed the limitations of your teapot carb. If the fuel pressure output of the pump is too high, it will overcome the carb inlet needle and cause flooding. Then you are looking at adding yet another device to fix that, namely a fuel pressure regulator, for which you have to figure out where and how to mount and re-pipe. In the past, I have had very bad luck with even the best of brand names that make regulators. If highway driving is involved, you will be putting a lot of constant stress on the rubber diaphragm in the reg and they just don't last.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Thanks. I either missed or forgot that. :)

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

I have been running electric fuel pumps, in an aux mode on every old car, RV and boat since 1952.
Improves starting when the vehicle has been sitting for awhile, eliminates a vapor lock on a hot day and generally is cheap insurance to avoid fuel pump failure.
As a general rule the fuel pump should be located close to the fuel tank, electric pumps push better than they pull. It is also advisable to install a disposable fuel filter in the line before the electric pump.
It is recommended that an oil pressure switch be installed in the power source which prevents the electric pump from working if the engine is not running, however, the oil pressure switch eliminates the option to use the electric pump to improve starting when the vehicle has been sitting for a prolonged period.
***I generally use a toggle switch that has a light in the end or in the dash to alert me that the electric pump is on.
I have found that the Carter inline rotary pump works very well, this pump is sold by NAPA P74019, Car Quest E8012S. The pump works well with mechanical pumps, allowing fuel to be pulled through the electric pump for normal operation. DON'T PAY ANY ATTENTION TO THE PUMP PICTURE ON THE BOX.. It is a one size fits all packaging.
Care must be taken to make sure you purchase a pump that is friendly with modern alcohol based fuels. In the last couple of years I have had to replace the electric pumps on every vehicle I own.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Before I took my barely driveable '55 Bird apart I had 2 fire extinguishers in the car, one behind each side of the seat. Yes your teapot carb was replaced with an Edelbrock and I've replaced mine with a Holley from a '57 Bird, and old fuel lines were replaced. But the extinguishers will be staying behind the seat once it's on the road again.
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Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

As far as Mr Gasket fuel Reg is concerned......be careful as I had a serious situation a couple summers ago. Reg went bad because of modern fuel and I had gas spraying all over the place ! I then found out the bad Rep it was given. I went with a Holly and not a drop in 3 years now !

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

The Mr Gasket regulators are pure junk and don't last any time at all. I've had a top of the line Holley regulator with all the bells and whistles go bad in a month of use.
You gotta watch out for the specs on these new replacement type fuel pumps. 5-7 psi output was waaay too much for the Holley 1bbl on my 223. I wound up having to discard the regulators altogether and go with an orifice ahead of carb and a bypass fuel line all the way back to the tank. That solved the problem, but you have a much easier fix available to you.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

I have the original 1955 T Bird -- Dual Action Fuel Pump -- BRAND NEW With Ethanol Gas Compatible Material....
Brand New with No Core Required / No return Shipping...

You are welcome to call me --Craig -- 516 - 485 - 1935 .... New York....:):)

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

I have a 57 and just installed the electric fuel pump, it is rated 2.5 - 4 of pressure, my stock put out 4. So it is good for my Holley without a regulator. I plan on using it intermittently after she sits too long to prime the engines pump, lines and carb. I mounted it midway against the frame away from engine heat, there was a fitting joining the lines near a crossmember protecting the pump. I used all new metal lines, up to the engines pump (glad I did too, found a badly smashed section of fuel line), added a toggle switch under the dash so no one sees it.

http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/...pss4kjvkpo.png

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Bob
What make of pump is that?
Thanks
Jim

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Hey Jim, it is an airtex E8016S

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/atx-e8016s

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Sorry, deleted duplicate post.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Just thought I would update this thread, along with my 'T-Bird stalling' thread.

Got my Carter 4070 today, and hope to install it next week. I will put it back near the tank. I am undecided about how to hook it up. I could put a switch to use it only when the carb is dry from sitting, or I may just hook it up the the ignition.

Any reason not to run it along with the mechanical pump??

Oh BTW, the mechanical pump does have the wipers going through it.

Thanks for all the replies and info, guys.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Put a fuse in the wire for it right at the source for its power, to protect the whole run of wire.
If you intend to only use it to fill the carb after sitting you could use a momentary / push button switch powered off of the 'run' position of the ignition switch.
As long as your mech pump is working good there's no reason to run it all the time, and it should last longer too.
If it's on a toggle switch wired to the ignition switch give some thought to what might happen in an accident if the electric fuel pump kept running.
An oil pressure safety switch or a fuel pump inertia switch, from a later model salvage yard Ford, would be a good idea. (I don't know what year's to look for / would be best.)

I was trying to think of something super simple, without having to add a handful of extra parts: switches, plumbing, indicator lights, whatever... and thought of having the power for the elect fuel pump come from the 'start' position of the ignition key switch or the "I" terminal of the starter solenoid. But then it wouldn't pump until the engine was cranking. It might or might not be enough, and would come on every time.
Since the weather here is pretty decent most of the year I'm hoping my '55 won't be sitting for long periods of time, and am leaning toward a push button switch IF it needs an elect pump.

Usually a mechanical and electric pump in the same line don't bother each other, sometimes it depends on the internal construction of the elect pump.

Oil pressure safety switch...
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1438

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Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Here is a great option for the wiring harness, it makes it very easy to install your new electrical pump. It allows you to use the standard wiring to power the switch, which feeds the pump from the larger gauge wiring that the pump needs. I am using a toggle switch with a small LED light so I can see when it's turned on. I am using the pump to prime the system but decided to use a toggle switch to allow me to use the pump if the mechanical pump ever fails. I can just flip the switch to keep her running without having to holding the button in.

Summit® fuel pump relays will protect your electrical system from frying under the high amp draw of your electric fuel pump. Each relay includes a 30 amp circuit breaker and relay, terminal ends, and all necessary wiring.

Here is a photo...

http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/...psfw3de6id.png

And a link to the store.

https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...MobileSwitchNo


I am not sure if you also need a fuse because of the included breaker, a fuse may blow too quickly. I assume if a fuse is needed that it would have been included and the instructions indicate direct connection to the battery.

Let me know if you want a photo of it all wired up.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Wire it the correct way and with the correct gauge of wire,electric fuel pumps should always have a relay this kit is best bang for the buck: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prf-50102/overview/

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Let me know if you need photos of the install.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Update: I had the Carter pump installed by a mechanic (getting old and lazy). It is back near the tank, comes on with the key, feeds through the stock pump, and is protected by a new circuit breaker.

It's noisier than I expected, but when the car is running you don't hear it.

Thank you for all the info and good suggestions.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

I know this is an old thread & I appreciate Grumpy updating his stuff. Helps all of us.

I was just going to mention that I have that Mr. Gasket pump installed on 2 cars.
On one car the pump failed, or so i thought. Turns out that these pumps (come with a filter) that a small particle can get by the filter & stop the pump from pumping. Still makes the pumping sounds, but nothing comes out. After removing & removing the filter assy., I was able to look into & remove a small piece of grit & the pump again functions as normal.
Oh, and BTW, these pumps put out 5# pressure which is perfect for my Holley Teapots.
Just some trivia
Jim

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Hello all! I found this forum while searching for info on how to install an 6v Airtex fuel pump on my 1955 fairlane. I realize this is a pretty old thread and I am new to forums. This is my first time posting!

I have a question in regards to the electric relays listed above. I see that they are 12v on the summit website. Can anyone tell me if a 12v relay will work on my 6v reverse polarity fairlane?

Thanks for the info and knowledge.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Welcome to FordBarn, I'm sure we can help you out.

Is there a reason you're wanting to add an electric fuel pump?
It may or may not be an effective solution, depending on the problem.

You'd need a 6 volt relay, a 12 volt one won't work on 6 volts.
But the 6 volt fuel pump can be connected to power without a relay. Just don't use wire that's too small.
Do use a fuse at the source of the new power wire and something (oil pressure or impact sensor) that shuts the pump off when the engine isn't running.

Do you already have the 6v fuel pump? Do you know if it's wired for positive or negative ground? Hopefully it's labeled.
If it has two wires coming out of it for the power connections that will be the easiest.
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Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Here is a complete AIRTEX KIT 6V POS or NEG GRD that will have all of the correct electrical components-

There is also a shut-down kit offered.


https://cdn3.volusion.com/hgyae.utpf...jpg?1505816138



https://www.vintageautogarage.com/Ai...-p/ae8902k.htm


https://www.vintageautogarage.com/Ai...-p/ae8902k.htm

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

As far as power connection and switch selection, I don't see where you could go wrong with using a heavy-duty momentary contact pushbutton wired from the battery terminal of the ignition switch. The pump cannot operate unless the button is pushed, but it will always operate even if the key is not in the ignition yet. (That would be preferred method if the purpose is only to prime the carb after the engine has been sitting for a long time).
I have an old momentary contact pushbutton with chrome plated pushbutton, metal and phenolic casing and the hub size turned out to be perfect for fitting into the '55 Ford factory dash bezels. I currently have it installed in my '55 Courier and using it to operate my aftermarket windshield washer pump. They used to sell those pushbuttons at the hardware store, but I think the new ones they offer are cheap Chinese junk, mostly plastic. Be sure to look at the contact ratings before purchasing.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

I know many may cringe at my method of priming a carb on a car that sits. I just pour a few ounces of 40:1 2-stroke mix gas right down the carb. Sometimes it takes an extra few ounces of gas to get it to run enough to fill the carb. Once it's filled, the air cleaner goes back on and I'm on my way.
I've never had a back fire or any accident in about 40 years of doing this. Do it at your own risk though and keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

So, can you install an in-line electric fuel pump near the gas tank, and not have to do anything to the mechanical fuel pump? Should the electric fuel pump be powered off the ignition key so it runs anytime the engine is running?

My 56 T-bird (with a new Chinese fuel pump) would not start after sitting just a couple of days. We could pour gas into the carb to get it to start but had to do that a few times to finally get the pump to pump enough gas up to the glass fuel filter. We suspect a bad check valve is letting the fuel drain back into the line or tank. Or should we wire in a toggle switch to just run the electric pump long enough to get the car started?

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Most electric fuel pumps can push gasoline thru the mechanical pump just fine. More info...
https://www.ctci.org/vapor-lock-and-...ic-fuel-pumps/

An inline fuse in the wire to the pump, a push-button or toggle switch and/or an impact sensor are all good ideas to power an electric fuel pump.

Many of the new replacement mechanical fuel pumps are defective in the box. See this comment...
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...88#post2037988

Re: Electric fuel pump on '55 Bird
 

Here is a like thread, this one showing a fuel gravity drop pump install with by-pass -

- https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...99#post2042199