The Ford Barn

fortyonerag · 06-18-2017, 12:29 AM

I may have had a fuel blockage problem on my 41 convert.

Its a stock v8, single 94 carb (marked 59), 6V + earth, helmet distributor etc. It has a glass bowl mechanical fuel pump (which I understand is a later unit not correct for 41) .

I have only had it a few months, and the previous owner had the fuel lines and tank replaced. The car has been sitting for a few years following this I assume.

Its been running fine but recently would not start. Plenty of spark but it turns out there was no fuel coming from the fuel pump when I cranked the engine. The fuel bowl was full and no grit or water in evidence.

The problem seemed to right itself after I reinstalled the pump to carb fuel line. I did nothing to the pump or carb except maybe a bump or two, a few choice words and a cup of gas to prime the carb.

It runs OK now (but am planning a carb rebuild due to rich running - carbon fouling of plugs). Unless the fuel pump is getting alzheimers now and then I'm assuming I inadvertently cleared a blockage.

Feel free to chime in here and tell me what really was wrong!

This episode got me to thinking about a fuel filter. I'd like something effective, but not look out of place in the 41 engine bay. The car is a driver, not a points perfect car.

Alternatively is there a downstream location that would not hamper the mechanical fuel pump?

Apols for the long winded post, all help gratefully received.

ford38v8 · 06-18-2017, 01:06 AM

As the car has been sitting for a few years, it is a safe assumption that several parts in the fuel system have been damaged by modern fuel, such that would cause the symptoms you describe and more. All parts of the fuel system are vulnerable to this damage, some more than others. The PO replaced the fuel tank and fuel lines, which itself tells you that these problems precede your ownership.

Modern fuel will attack and destroy parts having steel or iron: The fuel tank; the fuel lines; the gas gauge sender unit. Parts having rubber or cork: The fuel gauge float; fuel flex line; the power valve; some main needle valves; and some gaskets. You will continue to have problems until all these areas of concern are addressed. Parts impervious to modern fuel are available from many sources today, as it is not a new problem.

Charlie ny · 06-18-2017, 06:10 AM

While working thru this issue did you remove the pump and flex hose ? On the inlet
side everything has to be air tight as you know. Perhaps during the re install ,being the careful guy you are, you may have made things air tight where prior the seal was
marginal.
Charlie ny

fortyonerag · 06-18-2017, 07:16 AM

I only disconnected the line between the pump and the carb (at the pump) , not the suction side of the pump, so I'm still scratching my head

Wondering if I had some kind of airlock and stuck needle and seat, beats me

Thanks for the kinds words just the same

chap52 · 06-18-2017, 07:52 AM

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New tank and lines that have been sitting does not necessarily mean "no junk build up there. As Ford38V8 said, there are parts that need to be kept moist or the dry out and fall apart.
A clear filter between the tank and pump could let you know of issues in the tank, When you had the fuel line disconnected from the carb did you place the end of the line in a clear jar and crank the engine (disconnect coil wire) to see what may be flowing through the fuel line after the pump?
I am sure you will track it down, or it will just clear out the junk and all be well. An inline filter may not be "stock" but it can sure save a lot of frustration.
Don't start replacing anyything until you are certain of the need to do so.

06-18-2017, 12:29 AM	#1
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 541	Fuel supply problem and filter recommendation I may have had a fuel blockage problem on my 41 convert. Its a stock v8, single 94 carb (marked 59), 6V + earth, helmet distributor etc. It has a glass bowl mechanical fuel pump (which I understand is a later unit not correct for 41) . I have only had it a few months, and the previous owner had the fuel lines and tank replaced. The car has been sitting for a few years following this I assume. Its been running fine but recently would not start. Plenty of spark but it turns out there was no fuel coming from the fuel pump when I cranked the engine. The fuel bowl was full and no grit or water in evidence. The problem seemed to right itself after I reinstalled the pump to carb fuel line. I did nothing to the pump or carb except maybe a bump or two, a few choice words and a cup of gas to prime the carb. It runs OK now (but am planning a carb rebuild due to rich running - carbon fouling of plugs). Unless the fuel pump is getting alzheimers now and then I'm assuming I inadvertently cleared a blockage. Feel free to chime in here and tell me what really was wrong! This episode got me to thinking about a fuel filter. I'd like something effective, but not look out of place in the 41 engine bay. The car is a driver, not a points perfect car. Alternatively is there a downstream location that would not hamper the mechanical fuel pump? Apols for the long winded post, all help gratefully received.

06-18-2017, 01:06 AM	#2
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,644	Re: Fuel supply problem and filter recommendation As the car has been sitting for a few years, it is a safe assumption that several parts in the fuel system have been damaged by modern fuel, such that would cause the symptoms you describe and more. All parts of the fuel system are vulnerable to this damage, some more than others. The PO replaced the fuel tank and fuel lines, which itself tells you that these problems precede your ownership. Modern fuel will attack and destroy parts having steel or iron: The fuel tank; the fuel lines; the gas gauge sender unit. Parts having rubber or cork: The fuel gauge float; fuel flex line; the power valve; some main needle valves; and some gaskets. You will continue to have problems until all these areas of concern are addressed. Parts impervious to modern fuel are available from many sources today, as it is not a new problem. __________________ Alan

06-18-2017, 06:10 AM	#3
Charlie ny BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,019	Re: Fuel supply problem and filter recommendation While working thru this issue did you remove the pump and flex hose ? On the inlet side everything has to be air tight as you know. Perhaps during the re install ,being the careful guy you are, you may have made things air tight where prior the seal was marginal. Charlie ny

06-18-2017, 07:16 AM	#4
fortyonerag Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 541	Re: Fuel supply problem and filter recommendation I only disconnected the line between the pump and the carb (at the pump) , not the suction side of the pump, so I'm still scratching my head Wondering if I had some kind of airlock and stuck needle and seat, beats me Thanks for the kinds words just the same

06-18-2017, 07:52 AM	#5
chap52 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Marana Arizona Posts: 1,776	Re: Fuel supply problem and filter recommendation Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) New tank and lines that have been sitting does not necessarily mean "no junk build up there. As Ford38V8 said, there are parts that need to be kept moist or the dry out and fall apart. A clear filter between the tank and pump could let you know of issues in the tank, When you had the fuel line disconnected from the carb did you place the end of the line in a clear jar and crank the engine (disconnect coil wire) to see what may be flowing through the fuel line after the pump? I am sure you will track it down, or it will just clear out the junk and all be well. An inline filter may not be "stock" but it can sure save a lot of frustration. Don't start replacing anyything until you are certain of the need to do so.