Bob Zetnick Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 I've had an old fuel pump on my '29 since I've had it. I have a Stewart Warner vacuum tank that I'd like to restore and use. I've never used a vacuum tank before and have heard stories of them working great and stories of them working not so great. I know there can't be any vacuum leaks....I'm not much of a mechanic and don't want any problems on the road, especially in Texas heat. (I've heard if you protect the gas lines from exhaust heat there is less of a chance for vapor lock, though I never had this problem when driving and using the old fuel pump). I kind of want to hide a 6v fuel pump as well as a toggle switch where I can use the vacuum tank, but if there's a problem I can pull off to the side of the road, open the hood and turn an inline valve to change gas supply from vacuum tank to pump, then turn the pump on (w/ proper regulator) w/ the toggle switch. I think others have done this and I wondered if there are other issues to consider or if anyone has photos of the setup.....lastly, anyone have a vendor that restores the vacuum tanks?...it looks relatively simple, but I've messed up some simple things before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Zetnick Posted July 28, 2015 Author Share Posted July 28, 2015 Sorry if this is a stupid question.....my current gas line that's been on the car since '71 and I assume is original, is brass...the lines I see on vacuum tanks online are copper w/ brass fittings. Should the gas lines be copper or brass...or does it matter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Bob, I forget what kind of '29 you have, think it may be a DA? A vacuum tank is very much trouble free if you follow the theory and make it work right. They are not that complicated, the DBclub store has a very good article explaining how to fix them. Electric pumps usually provide too much pressure, even with a regulator. As to vapor lock it is usually just an excuse for a bad tune up. These cars were driven in heat when new, should run OK now. As to fuel lines they should be steel. Copper and brass work harden from movement and vibration and crack. I've cheated on my DA and used cunifer. I think that's how it's spelled. Very easy to work with and will not rust or corrode or work harden. It's also excellent for brake lines. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Zetnick Posted July 28, 2015 Author Share Posted July 28, 2015 Thanks, I've just been reading up on gas lines and many recommended Cunifer...I used them for my brake lines. I guess I'm just nervous about the vacuum tank as I'm just ignorant about them and have been using a fuel pump for so many years and never had a problem.....anyway, I'll look at the DB store and find the article.....again, thanks....oh and yes, my car is a DA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30dodge35 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 I know nearchoclatetown , doesn't see the need for a backup electric, I put one on my 30 DA, the car runs great on ether the electric pump or vacum tank, I installed a t fitting from the tank line, with a inline filter, Then one line went to vacum tank inlet and one to the inlet of electric pump,Vacumn pump was hook up like normal . With vacum line to canister and outlet to a glass filter then I installed a shut off valve, a tee was then installed connecting out let from the electric pump, I don't have a regulator installed and I haven't had problems, most electric pump will only flow one way, so no need for an additional shutoff. It is like insurance , when you need it it is there, I use it on the start after car has sat for week, I don't shut off my fuel valves, and the electric pump fills the Carburator bowl , car start promptly, then I shut off electric pump and run on vacum tankI put an hour on the car this after noon in 98 degree weather, vacum pump works fine, Jesse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Zetnick Posted July 29, 2015 Author Share Posted July 29, 2015 Thanks Jesse...I was wondering about that if the car sat...or climbed hills in the heat....I like the idea of "insurance"...or "backup" in case something goes wrong....I'll have to scratch my head on this one...thanks for the description of the lines, filter, valve, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30dodge35 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Bob attached are few shots of my installation My canister was stuck also I went around edge with sharp blade Then I flip it down and applied low pressure air to bottom It popped out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Zetnick Posted July 29, 2015 Author Share Posted July 29, 2015 Jesse, thanks for the photos! I did a diagram of what you described...I'll have to compare your photos w/ my diagram and see if I got it right. I ordered the gas line and bought some brass fittings today for the project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Zetnick Posted August 7, 2015 Author Share Posted August 7, 2015 Based on what I read and saw I think this setup will work for both vacuum tank and fuel pump....the 2 filters may be redundant. Going to try installing tomorrow if I can stand 105 degrees! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30dodge35 Posted August 8, 2015 Share Posted August 8, 2015 That how. I have mine set up, it works Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted August 8, 2015 Share Posted August 8, 2015 That how. I have mine set up, it worksThat's cause your a sissy. Half the fun of driving these things is not knowing if you're getting home. Makes you look like a hero when you fix it along the side of the road with a toothpick and a pocketknife! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30dodge35 Posted August 8, 2015 Share Posted August 8, 2015 It is too hot down here to be on the side of the road fixing it, Insurance!,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now