dual action fuel pump

[mrcorvair]

Is there a dual action fuel pump that will work on a 59 flathead?
I know that Ford made some dual action pumps starting in 1949.
Will these pumps work on my flathead?
The reason I'm asking is I will want my wipers to work when I'm traveling up the mountains I live in!

[Lawson Cox]

I have a couple of Blackstone Dual Action pumps, but I believe they are for earlier engines. How does one tell for sure?

[cmbrucew]

Lawson
Ken ct could most likely tell you.
Bruce

[Charlie ny]

LC,
The early pumps have the small mounting face whereas the 8ba pumps
single or double action pumps have larger (longer) mounting face. The double action pump
versatility comes at a price, in my opinion, that price is a very stiff action. Speaking
for myself I cannot actuate a freshly rebuilt pump by hand. Often times when
I get a car so equipped in the shop I find the push rod is bent. JMHO !
Charlie ny

[Charlie ny]

LC cont'd,
The pumps I cannot actuate by hand are the double action ones. Also
the push rod cup on the 8 ba type is noticably larger in diameter than the cup on
the early pump.
Charlie ny

[flatheadfan]

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I don't think you can put a Ford dual fuel pump on a 59 engine without undergoing some exotic machine work to the block. Note the pictures.

The actual mounting between the later flatheads and its' pre-49 brethren is very different. The later engine requires a taller mount without an oil filler. The older engines have an integrated fuel pump mount and oil filler. I guess, this could be resolved by using a later intake which has a separate oil filler tube on the 59 engine or a '46-'48 Canadian intake.

Where things get sticky is with the fuel pump rod. The early flatheads have two lengths of fuel pump rods based upon composition of the intake (aluminum-7.5" and cast iron-8.5"). The '49-'53 is a full 10" in length." But, the difference doesn't end there. The '49-'53 rod has a diameter of 0.432" (more beefier) whereas, the early rod diameters are 0.372". Which means the internal block bushing diameter is larger for the '49-'53. If you were determined to use the later pump you would need to remove the smaller block bushing and bore out and re-bush the hole to accommodate the larger diameter rod. Hence, some complicated ($$), machine work.

If the wiper "pause effect" due to low vacuum is a problem you can't live with give some thought about going to either an electric wiper or use a vacuum reserve canister tank. I think you will find it would be much cheaper in the short run and the long run!

Hope this helps.

Tom

[tubman]

I bought a double action pump for my 8BA, but never installed it after seeing how much stiffer the action was and checking on these forums. I am thinking about adding a vacuum resevoir for the wiper. I have never used on for wipers, but I do have one om a '68 Corvette that will close the headlights with the engine off, so I think the capacity is there. Has anyone done this?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by tubman

I bought a double action pump for my 8BA, but never installed it after seeing how much stiffer the action was and checking on these forums. I am thinking about adding a vacuum resevoir for the wiper. I have never used on for wipers, but I do have one om a '68 Corvette that will close the headlights with the engine off, so I think the capacity is there. Has anyone done this?

Here's the cat's meow for good wiper operation on '42 - '48 Fords and Merc's. Any of you guys ever seen a complete kit in the box?
These tanks mounted beneath the front fender and were designed to do just what you guys are talking about... keep those wipers working at all times.

[John R]

Generic vacuum tanks for retrofit were available aftermarket back in the day. I got one from J.C. Whitney about 35 years ago. Still have it. The tank is very similar to the one that Kube shows. Also has a inlet check valve.

[mrcorvair]

Anybody want to sell one of these vacuum kits?

[tubman]

Summit Racing lists vacuum reservoirs of many shapes and sizes. Most come with the proper fittings and check valve, and some also come with a mounting bracket. About $40.00.

[mrcorvair]

Thanks everyone. It looks like I'll be placing an order with Summitt.

[DD931]

OK, Kube, you've whetted my appetite!! Haven't seen one in years. Do you know anyone selling a repro?