Electric Fuel pump add

[MAQ's72]

Hey Guy's

This has been probably covered on here but had not found a direct topic. 

Everytime I go to start my 72 and it's been sitting for more than a week I have to crank the heck out of it to get it to start, it's like the fuel bowl is dry and I know that's not good for the rings and such with hardly any oil pressure before start up.

 

Would I be able to add an in-line electric fuel pump that would give me preasure as soon as i turn the key without taking off the mechanical one? Is this not a good idea? It has an aftermarket Edelbrock on a stock manifold.

 

Any suggestions on what type of pump / installation help etc.? would be appreciated.

Thanks ,

Mike

 

 

 

[GatorDog72]

I've never had one apart, but I would guess that the mechanical pump has check valves inside to keep fuel flowing towards the engine instead of back to the tank. Maybe your mechanical pump is about to kick the bucket. I can't recommend adding an electric pump with the mechanical still in place. Electric fuel pumps typically need some sort of pressure regulator to keep fuel pressure within spec. Too much pressure and you could damage the needle/seat/float assembly in the carburetor. It will flood your engine too. I would try replacing the mechanical unit first to see if it solves your problem. 

[Mo's70MCs]

A way to test a pump is to put a pressure gauge on one side and a vacuum gauge on the other. What you're experiencing is somewhat normal, fuel percolates or evaporates out of the carburetor bowl vents, and as it does it's replaced through the carburetor fuel inlet until the residual fuel pressure is gone. Our fuel system is not a closed system, eventually the fuel pressure in the line from the pump to the carb will bleed down, a hot engine will just about deplete most of it after shutdown.

[MAQ's72]

For now I will just replace the mechanical one and see if it helps.

Thanks, Guys