[Limey Simon]

Guys. I've been trying to fix an annoying 'cutting-out' fault which happens under load with my 32 sedan, which I've traced to the gas supply. I'm running a crate SBC (basic spec) with Edelbrock Performer inlet and carb (all clean), with a Mr Gasket mechanical fuel pump (no problems here). Done only 2000 miles since I build it.

I think the culprit is my in-line fuel filter causing too much obstruction. I'm using alumium hard lines with AN fittings and an Earl's in-line aluminum filter with a sintered bronze element, between the tank and the pump. The filter element has got dirtier and despite cleaning in gas its looking a bit clogged after my first 2000 miles. Looking at the Earls catalog again it says the filter is good for only 4 or 5 gallons per hour-which seems low. Taking the element out seems to give loads more gas. Here's my questions-

How much fuel per hour would a small block demand when its pulling hard?
Does a mechanical pump work on suction or pumping? - ie does it need a free flow siphon effect out of the tank, and then blasts it up to the carb??
I think I need less restriction in the tank-to-pump line. Can I safely lose this rear filter and just have one after the pump before the carb? or should I go for a simple mesh filter at the tank end to keep the big stuff out of the pump?
Maybe I should expect to replace the mesh pretty often, or maybe just this once now the build-up muck has come through the system?

I'd be grateful for your advice, thanks guys
Limey Simon

[Limey Simon]

Just testing to see if I can post a reply....
Any thoughts appreciated
Simon

[Limey Simon]

Anybody??

[johnsongrass1]

4-5 gallons per hour is not enough for a performance engine.

60 gallons per hour would be sufficient but still a little low.

Block mounting pumps suck not blow...er push

I would use the rear filter just to keep the pump clean. The sock on the pickup tube in the tank can be safely used.

Clean the tank really well next time you have it apart and this should fix you fuel delivery problems.

[Limey Simon]

Thanks for that Johnsongrass

The way I see it if I get 15 miles per gallon at 60 mph cruise then its using 4 gallons per hour. Mash the pedal and fuel flow goes way up - but not sure how much?
I'll install a gauze-type filter in the rear line to hopefully restore full flow of gas. Any thoughts? Limey

[TurboS10]

You definately need to upgrade that filter. If the tank has some kind of screen, I would eleminate it all together and just run an inline filter between the carb and pump. I usually just run straight from the tank, screen or not, to the pump and then through a filter, but that is just me.

Chris