Fuel pump problem - Ford V6

[kaiaua]

Hi all,
I have had a Hamilton 32 c/w Ford V6 with a carburettor for a while now, but it often has a fuel starvation problem. The original mechanical fuel pump is still in line but doesn't have much suction, it can be used as the only fuel pump once the engine has been started. There are no apparent tears in the pump diaphram. There was an old electric fuel pump drawing out of the fuel tank and supplying fuel via the mechanical pump but this failed two years ago and was replaced by a new American electric fuel pump, supposedly a decent one, which has also now failed. Prior to starting the electric pump was used to fill the mechanical fuel pump transparent fuel bowl then would be switched off and the engine could be started. The electric fuel pump was not needed again until the engine needed to be started again. The fuel filters between the tank and electric fuel pump are clean and there are new fuel lines. Also once the engine has been running for a while and turned off it is hard to restart, the only thing I could think off was that as the engine is under cover that the fuel is evaporating out of the carb due to the heat in the engine bay. Questions has anyone experienced similar problems. Do I realy need the mechanical and electric pumps. Can I just replace one of them and if so any recommendations of the pump make and model and where it can be purchased. If we have an electric pump would there be too much pressure for the carb if it is left on continuously. Thanks

[fritz]

Hi all,
I have had a Hamilton 32 c/w Ford V6 with a carburettor for a while now, but it often has a fuel starvation problem.

That's funny I have a J30 with a Ford Zodiac motor and it had a fuel starvation problem last time I had it out as well, must be a Ford issue 

[Polarkiwis]

I had an old Mk3 Zephyr and prior to running it I send my fuel pump to 'Quality Rebuilds' in Christchurch. I've just got off the ph from Barry Emms and he said it could be a number of things including the valves not working and allowoing  fuel to flow back down the lines.

He has all the vacuum test equipment and charges are very reasonable. He specailises in replacing diaphrams in Fuel pumps and distributors.

His ph number is 03 342 5677. His rough price to overhaul your fuel pump is $90 + GST (call Barry to have a chat).

He also overhauled my Mk3 dizzy and fitted electronic ignition.

All I ever used was an outboard fuel inline 'hand pump' to precharge the pump and carb at the first start of the day. Then my motor would always start reliably hot or cold with a couple of cranks.

Cheers
Brian

[TonyT]

If you chose to install a new electric pump, a lot of people have used Facet or similar and completely done away with the mechanical pump.
I've used an inline electric on a couple of boats and not had any reliability issues with them. As long as the wiring and filtration is in order, I wouldn't think you would have any problems.
Appco and Repco sell the pumps, just make sure you get one for a carburetted engine.