Interesting day to say the least. This morning started with looking at the information that came with the new fuel pump. Its manufactured by Airtex (#429) for NAPA and its assembled in Mexico. No problem. For all you folks out there, here are two interesting "Caution" notices that came with the fuel pump.
#1) CAUTION, To insure long life and leak proof service with this fuel pump, tighten all exterior bolts and screws before installation.
And the next real important "CAUTION" is: ( was worrying about this at 4:30 this morning)
#2) CAUTION: If the old pump had a ruptured diaphragm gasoline may have leaked into the crankcase. Check and change engine oil if necessary to prevent engine bearing damage due to poor lubrication.
Well needless to say I did both. Tightened bolts and screws and did an oil change.
Installed new fuel pump.
Lucille started with little effort with the choke pulled out slightly. Good! Ran up the hill out of my development before I really let her warm up good. Choke pushed in. Struggled a bit but we got to the top and then I pulled over to check out readings after 5 minutes run time.
Manifold vacuum 15.5"
RPM 700
Temp 140
After 10 minutes run time.
Manifold vacuum 16.5 to 17"
RPM 750
Temp 160
After 20 minutes run time.
Manifold vacuum 17-18"
RPM 800
Temp 170
Time for a ride! 8 miles. Lucille cut out on me three times when I was trying to climb a hill. Just enough where I had to let off the gas and she would immediately "catch" and resume power.
Came back to my starting point. The readings were:
Manifold vacuum 18.5"
RPM 925
Temp 170
So here we go again, she racing like crazy, so I'm thinking I've got to adjust the throttle on the carb to slow her down.. After throttle adjustments she was:
Manifold vacuum 16.5 - 17.5"
RPM 650
Temp 180
Now it gets really interesting!!
I put her in gear and can't move!!! My left rear brake has locked up due to an incorrect adjustment. It's overheated and all I can do is let the wheel cool down. I have all new relined brakes, new brake cylinders and stainless steel lines with new master cylinder and the system is leak tight. I will pull that wheel and adjust the pads. No problem.
So today, in the end, I believe my power performance had improved as long as I would have let Lucille warm up a bit more at the start. It was quite warm today (got to 85) and that surely helped the tight brake pad/drum to over heat. An easy fix that may have also contributed to Lucille not being able to perform at her peak.
I still have to figure out how to maintain good vacuum and the correct spark advance.
Another gremlin in the system may be my vacuum windshield wipers. I may try to run Lucille without them and just temporally cap off that connection to the intake manifold and see if the truck performs any better. Gotta get that vacuum right! Trying to get everything RIGHT! I just want to enjoy my truck more and get her out more often so folks can see her. She's a beauty!
In response to Kurt_51carryall,:
I have a fuel filter just ahead of the carb that is not very old. Gas is new. Sparks are all new and vacuum advance is 6 degrees.
To all, any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
