The Ford Barn

Robert/Texas · 12-14-2021, 09:35 AM

The fuel pump in my ’37 Ford has a needle valve in it. None of the other fuel pumps that I have seen have this feature. What is the purpose of this?

Thanks, Robert,

DavidG · 12-14-2021, 04:47 PM

It would be helpful to know "where" on the pump, but if it is external on the side of the upper body with a T handle and a spring on the threaded shank, it's the drain plug.

Robert/Texas · 12-15-2021, 08:46 AM

Thanks David, that's where it is located. I don't see much use for it though. I believe that the pumps sold by the vendors didn't have this feature. I've used at least a half dozen of those over the years and none did. This pump was rebuilt by a reputable rebuilder and I just installed it. I’m confident that it will last for a long time.

DavidG · 12-15-2021, 09:02 AM

It's original purpose was to permit you to drain off sediment trapped by the screen in the upper body of the pump. It was standard equipment on all '32-'34 pumps and was replaced with a special slotted screw with a fiber washer starting with the '34 V8 pumps.

35fordtn · 12-15-2021, 10:52 AM

As a side note if that drain valve is not seated and tightened properly the pump will not function. Personally I would not ever open it as it makes a mess of fuel on your intake

Robert/Texas · 12-20-2021, 09:23 PM

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Thanks to both of you. I don't plan to ever open this valve. I think that this fuel pump would go better with my '34 Ford though.

12-14-2021, 09:35 AM	#1
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	Fuel Pump The fuel pump in my ’37 Ford has a needle valve in it. None of the other fuel pumps that I have seen have this feature. What is the purpose of this? Thanks, Robert,

12-14-2021, 04:47 PM	#2
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: Fuel Pump It would be helpful to know "where" on the pump, but if it is external on the side of the upper body with a T handle and a spring on the threaded shank, it's the drain plug.

12-15-2021, 08:46 AM	#3
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	Re: Fuel Pump Thanks David, that's where it is located. I don't see much use for it though. I believe that the pumps sold by the vendors didn't have this feature. I've used at least a half dozen of those over the years and none did. This pump was rebuilt by a reputable rebuilder and I just installed it. I’m confident that it will last for a long time.

12-15-2021, 09:02 AM	#4
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: Fuel Pump It's original purpose was to permit you to drain off sediment trapped by the screen in the upper body of the pump. It was standard equipment on all '32-'34 pumps and was replaced with a special slotted screw with a fiber washer starting with the '34 V8 pumps.

12-15-2021, 10:52 AM	#5
35fordtn Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: McMinnville, TN Posts: 2,327	Re: Fuel Pump As a side note if that drain valve is not seated and tightened properly the pump will not function. Personally I would not ever open it as it makes a mess of fuel on your intake

12-20-2021, 09:23 PM	#6
Robert/Texas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Burton, Texas Posts: 681	Re: Fuel Pump Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks to both of you. I don't plan to ever open this valve. I think that this fuel pump would go better with my '34 Ford though.