Converting to electric fuel pump

[ragtop40]

I have a 1940 Pontiac 8 and have had numerous problems with the fuel pump. I had it rebuilt and reinstalled and it was fine for a couple of months and has again stopped pumping adequate fuel. I'm considering installing an electric. I can get a 6 volt pump, but the in/out fittings are 3/8 inch. Has anyone attempted this converstion and what sucess have they found?

[Larry]

Ah, the old fuel-pump-on-the-old-car-problem. I wonder if the rebuilding isn't being done with improper materials that are not compatible with the new fuels. If you like, check with Then and Now Automotive, one of our Featured Commercial Suppliers. They have a lot of fuel pump experience, and give our members a nice discount. Look under "AFFILIATES" and then "Member Discounts" for their contact information.

My '40 Pontiac 6-cylinder got to be such a pain in the summer with vapor locking that I installed a 3-gang electric fuel pump and manifold assembly from an old over the road truck on it. It fit snuggly between the trans and the frame about midway from tank to engine. I had a switch panel under the dash, and when it started sputtering, I kicked in a pump. If it sputtered more, I kicked in another, then another. It did the trick.

However, like many I didn't folow the proper safety precautions with an oil pressure kill switch. In case of an accident where I could not, or forgot, to shut off the pumps, it could be a problem. Check this On-Line Magazine article for some pointers on installing an electric fuel pump properly: http://www.pontiacregistry.com/members/online_magazine.php?view=1&article=94

As far as the fitting sizes on the pump you have, that shouldn't be a problem; there are plenty of adapter sizes available at a local auto parts (or plumbing) store to hook up. It doesn't need to be hooked up "hard." Most people use short rubber hose for these sort of connections. With the proper hose, it isn't a problem.

Remember that the electric pump needs to be as close to the tank as possible for best results. They push fuel while the manuals pull (suck) the fuel. There should be plenty of room on the inside of your left rear fender to mount a pump. Don't forget some good rubber insulators or the clicking will drive you crazy. A good ground will be needed too if rubber mounted.

Keep us posted on the project and results. We would like to share your experiences with everyone.

[50scars]

I have been running an electric fuel pump on my 51 for I don't recall how many years. I completely bypassed the mechanical one, but left it in place to operate the vacuum system. Running the electric through the mechanical pump is going to end up filling your crankcase with raw gas one day.
I wired mine to the ignition switch, so it runs when the switch is on.
The resulted in improved starting, among other things. I should probably invest in a spare, since there is no such thing as partial performance, it either works, or it doesn't.