Carburetor or Fuel Pump Issue

[Mountain Dew]

I'll try a new neoprene gasket on the fuel pump and check out the gas line to the tank.

[tubman]

I've had the opposite experience with fuel pump bowl gaskets. I have found that cork gaskets work better for general use. Neoprene may last longer, but it gets hard after a few years.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Bill OH

I installed a 5/16ths copper line in 1988 and no problems.

I used a neoprene gasket on the mechanical fuel pump filter bowl - cork can develop an air leak.

Copper is not a good choice for a fuel line due to work hardening causing failure. Gasoline is not what you want to leak under your car. Your original line was copper plated rolled steel, which is still available. A newer product, Cuproweld, beats all competition for ease of use and longevity.


This is the first time I've heard a recommendation to use neoprene over cork. Cork will perform well forever, while neoprene ages quickly. Soak your cork in oil for a good seal that never dries out.

[mcgarrett]

ford38v8 is correct on both points above.

[chuck stevens]

Fuel pumps, mechanical or electric, only pump liquids. The new gas has methanal witch boils easier than the old gas, as low as 95 degrees. Check the tail pipe, and muffler area to see how close to the gas line they are. New cars with fuel injection return hot fuel to the gas tank to be cooled. Rebuilding the carb and fuel pump WILL NOT SOLVE your problem. By the way Charlie is the best.

[Bill OH]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have not had any problems with my copper fuel line, which was installed in 1988.I have removed steel lines from Fords - rusty and had holes.

Used neoprene gaskets on the fuel filters on farm tractors for years and the gaskets did not get hard - used the same gasket continuously as I have done on my Ford fuel pump since 1988.

[Lawson Cox]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Let's start by checking a couple of things...could be defective fuel pump diaphragm or power valve. Depending on how old they are, I would consider replacing them. At least you've taken a couple of potentially troublesome items off the table.

That's make work. Before replacing them, check to see if they are the problem. Easy Peasy.

[Pech33]

If you go to an electric fuel pump, you have to adjust the fuel pressure with a regulator. I believe 3 lbs of pressure is the recommendation. My pump is a 5-8 lb unit that was cranking 8lbs of pressure into my Model 94. All kinds of issues (flooding, fouled plugs, etc).

[Mountain Dew]

Originally Posted by Lawson Cox

That's make work. Before replacing them, check to see if they are the problem. Easy Peasy.

I think I know how to check for cracks in the fuel pump diaphragm but how do you test the power valve?

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

I think I know how to check for cracks in the fuel pump diaphragm but how do you test the power valve?

Remove it from the carb. The valve will stick to your tongue with suction in one direction.

[Mountain Dew]

I checked the cork gasket in the sediment bowl. It fell apart. I happened to have a neoprene replacement. We'll see how it goes.

[Mountain Dew]

I let the car sit for 5 days. The fuel level in the sediment bowl was full. I choked it and she started right up. I'll continue to monitor the situation.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

I let the car sit for 5 days. The fuel level in the sediment bowl was full. I choked it and she started right up. I'll continue to monitor the situation.

Which sediment bowl? You have 3. It's really the float bowl that you monitor, not the sediment bowl.

[Mountain Dew]

The sediment bowl on the fuel pump.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

The sediment bowl on the fuel pump.

That tells you nothing about the condition of the carburetor. The float bowl is under the air horn. That is where you watch the fuel level.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

That tells you nothing about the condition of the carburetor. The float bowl is under the air horn. That is where you watch the fuel level.

See posts 31 and 32.