If...and I say If....you set it up the way the truck came from
the factory, then it will perform the way it did when it was
new. Pipe nipple out of the bottom of the tank, fuel shut-off
for servicing, one addition I'm all for is, as Gus points out,
an inline filter after the shut-off, then run to the pump,
then run to the carb. The GM AC accessory glass sediment bowl
was installed on many with out an inline filter before the
pump but that can cause problems if crud gets into the fuel
pump and screws up the valves. I ran my 50, 216 as it would
have been setup from the dealer with the AC sediment bowl for
a couple of years and had to clean the screen in the fuel pump
a couple of times a year, then decided to add the inline
filter. I like a clear ones so I can see when it needs changing.
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/155908075If you have a new tank there shouldn't be any crud getting in
the system all the way to the carb unless you are picking it
up at the gas station. If the tank is full and you're on
level ground, gravity is pushing the fuel, nearly up to
the top of the block. A good fuel pump should have absolutely
no problem getting fuel up to the carb in about 10 seconds
even if the truck has been sitting over the winter.
I installed a new dual action fuel pump for a friend a few
years back. The truck only ran a few miles and then it sat in the
garage the rest of the time. We went to start it recently and the fuel
pump was not pumping. I have a feeling that from sitting with
E10 in the pump that the diaphragm or valves may have swollen
or gummed up the works. I have the same fuel pump, put on at
the same time, on my '50, 216 and haven't had a bit of problem
with it, but I drive mine all the time.
dg
After 30 years without a stovebolt, you would think that I would remember that those two marks on the gauge aren't for 1/4 tank and 3/4 tank, but since it goes all the way up to F when it's full, that's what I thought. Anyway, after calling a friend to bring me some gas, it wouldn't start unless I poured it down the carb, and then only ran till that was gone. The fuel pump is fairly new, and the PO told me he had this problem. So, my question is, since the tank feeds out of the bottom, I'd like to remedy that, and I'm wondering if the '54 sending units will fit (and work) in place of the bottom feed '51's. The tank is "new", as are the hoses, etc. I don't plan on running out of gas, and wouldn't have if I'd known exactly where empty is on the gauge (I know now!), but it would be nice to think that if I ever do, I won't have to worry about any crud in the bottom of the tank causing me to clean out my system, and call AAA to bring the truck home, like I did last night. A 2 mile trip. SO, will has anyone else had that problem? And does the '54 sending unit, which sends the gas out of the top and has a screen on the unit, work with the behind the seat '51 tanks? Thanks for any help on this, folks! Lee (note: I'll be outside under the truck for a while, so I'll get back in here after while)
