Fuel pump?

The 74 Comet 250 I6 ran fine last year, it sat all winter and I have been doing body work so far this year. I went to start it and had a no start condition. If I put some gas in the carb it will start. I found a cracked fuel hose from the wheel well to the fuel pump. Now I have replaced that ( and have gas to the end of the metal tube where that hose was cracked) but still won't start. I unhooked the hose at the carb and cranked and no fuel. so I am assuming a bad fuel pump.

Should I just replace the pump or go with an electric? If I use an electric do all the hoses have to be replaced with high pressure hoses? I have no experience changing an old vacuum pump to electric so don't know what else may need to be changed/done.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Dave

 

Check the rest of the system for cracks. Usually, if it is cracked in one place, there is high probability that it has cracks in other places.

Put an air hose on the front end of the fuel line and with LOW pressure (6-10 psi) push air through it and then check for leaks (take gas cap off, just in case, so you don't pressurize and bust the tank). If there is a blockage and poor lines, you might create a new leak, suggesting that you need new lines anyway.

Either mechanical or electric pump should work, mechanical would be easier, just a direct swap, not cutting lines, no running wires and relays, etc.

I would check the lines for cracks and blockages first...

good luck

 

Scoop hit it on the head. Also, if you do go electric, you need to get one that is low pressure meant for a carb. A high pressure one will force fuel past the needle and flood the carb. I can't see any reason to put an electric pump on a stock 6 cylinder though.

 

Although some more fuel lines may need replacing that is not the problem now. I have fuel sitting in the line all the way to the rubber hose just before the Fuel pump (with no leaks) and that is why I asked the question, If I need to go to different hoses/lines it doesn't make sense to replace them now only to switch them when I go to an electric pump. (if that's what everyones recommendation is)

So, should I switch to electric pump? and if so do I need to replace fuel lines? ( meaning replace with different then what was stock)

 

Thanks Jamie, that kinda helps in knowing that replacement fuel pumps for carbed cars are low pressure. So no change in fuel lines?

I was not thinking of replacement for performance but to reduce the risk of vapor lock. and only considering it since it appears I need to replace the fuel pump anyway. Thinking if I need to replace it, is there a benifit to going electric.

 

If you go electric, you need to install it way in back near, and below the fuel outlet on the tank. You will have to run electric lines and some kind of switch or relay to keep it running only when the engine is on. It would be overkill, when you could probably just swap out your existing pump (I would guess $20-30) and drive on...

When you take the lines off the pump, I would still blow through them with mild pressure just to clean them out...there is probably rust, gunk, etc in them that will just clog up your next pump. Swap filters as well, while you are in there.

I would be that your pump is rebuildable, just needing to be cleaned out. But it is a hassle and a dirty job, just swap it out.

 

Thanks Scooper, I guess I need to be more clear when I post questions : ). That is the kind of info I was looking for. yes the lines will either be replaced or cleaned as you suggested. I just couldn't see doing it if I had to change to go electric. I think you guys talked me out of that.

I will probably add another filter before the fuel pump as well as the car had sat for about 23 years before I got it running last year.

 

this ...filter...topic was just discussed the other day .
the filter before the pump should be clear so you can keep an eye on it. if it stops up it will give you other problems...frank...

 

Also, if you decided to go electric, you don't need stronger lines. The stronger lines are only for fuel injection. Regular rubber or steel fuel line will work. Our cars run on about 6 psi fuel pressure, plus or minus. Fuel injected lines are rated up around 40-60 psi (I think...).