ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP

[z3skybolt]

The button is for filling the carb.  I fixed vapor lock with a fuel return
line/pump setup, added it to cars that did not already have it.  I
recommended using the oil pressure switch control for a continuous
running pump.  Bruce Roe

Bruce,

You are way ahead of most of us and I knew that I was not addressing the complete information that you had posted. Thus I created an opportunity for confusion. I should have been more precise.

Bill Ingler,

My oldest daughter lives in Anthem AZ.  I have driven I-17 from PHX all the way to Flagstaff many times.  But not in our LaSalle of course! My wife and I are often in the area visiting our daughter and grandchildren. Perhaps our paths will one day cross.

Bob R.

[bcroe]

Bruce: I understand you use the button only to fill the lines before starting the engine but please explain how you fixed your cars to prevent valor lock. Can your
method be used on the flat head engine of my 47?  Thanks  Bill 

I never owned anything earlier than 62 myself.  But I did manage to
get those cars to behave in any weather.  With no patience for marginal
machines, I upgrade the cooling system on each car.  I put in a 4 row
radiator, biggest that would fit.  Not hard back then, lately I have had
to have them nearly custom built to the best (not Asian) specs.  A
pressure cap, overflow tank, baffle, and big fan with fluid clutch go on. 
Except for the radiator upgrade, this stuff is pretty much standard for 
a 79 with air.  Electric fans with thermal control I regard to be used for
cooling off after a hot run, only did that once. 

For the fuel, my engine pumps might come with one hose for tank fuel,
or have a smaller hose connection for some circulation back to the tank. 
As necessary I install the 2 hose pump and add a recirculation line
back into the tank.  If no such pump is available, it might be possible
to install a T with a restricted port to feed a return line.  I think some
early Toronados did this, and do not be careless as some burned.  If
no such parts exist, someone should make them. 

Maybe the pump is a simpler solution, there are oil pressure switches
that can be used with them.  Perhaps with a push button to short
them for start.  good luck, Bruce Roe

[harry s]

...the old flatheads have mechanical oil pressure gauges.      Harry

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Bob R: I live about 10 miles south of Anthem just south of Cave Creek/Carefree in the north part of Scottsdale. If you have free time when you are in the area, please call me at 480-688-008 and maybe we can get together.   Bill

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Bruce: Thanks for you detailed explanation on your set up for dealing with vapor lock. As Harry pointed out, the flat head engines have mechanical oil pressure gauges so I am working with completely different set up than yours. I am OK with my aux pump  set up and yes it is not as fool prof as yours but my aux pump has worked well for me in controlling the vapor lock.    Bill   

[bcroe]

the flat head engines have mechanical oil pressure gauges    Bill   

Mechanical gauge, I thought those had a tube going into a threaded
port into the engine oil supply.  No problem to screw a T into those
for additional access.  Is it different?  Bruce Roe

[z3skybolt]

Bill,

My wife and I are camper/hikers.  Each Feb. we spend a month in AZ.  Roughly two weeks are spent with our little camper in the desert at the Pleasant Valley Airport, about 6 miles west of I-17 on Carefree highway. While there we spend time with our daughter's family and hike daily among the many suburban trails in the area, including Cave Springs Park and BLM land northwest of the airport.. On occasion we fly our little single engine airplane into Pleasant Valley.  The remainder of our Feb.  time is spent near Prescott, camped in the National Forest there and hiking the trails.

We may have already passed one another on the busy highways and streets. I will keep your phone number and try to give you a call in Feb. of 2020.  Would love to see your car/cars.

p.s.  Is your phone # missing one digit?

Bob R.

[Bill Ingler #7799]

Bob R:  You are correct on missing a number. The correct telephone number is 480-688-0038. I spent 30 years as a pilot in the Air Force so in Feb we have more to talk about than cars.   Bill

[kkarrer]

Guys,
     Here are a few things that I would suggest as you install electric fuel pumps:
1.) Be sure that you locate the pump as far back (towards the fuel tank) as reasonably possible.
2.) Most Cadillacs from the 60's and older have a rounded edge at the bottom of the dash.  Oftentimes there's a hole there that one can easily install a small toggle switch into.  O'Reilly's has some that     look antique and have "ON/OFF" on them. This is a great place to "hide" the switch.
3.) Consider installing a small light to indicate when the pump is on.  Most of us just use the aux. /elect. pump for starting and for pushing gas through when there's a vapor lock and then turn it off.
4.) Don't use a high pressure pump!  You'll wind up pushing gas into your oil pan and doing great damage to your engine.
5.) On pre-1932 Cadillacs you can easily bypass the vacuum tank and run the gas straight into the carb...probably a Johnson.  The lines can be hidden behind the tank for authenticity purposes.
6.) A mini-tubing cutter is best for cutting the metal fuel line, but be prepared to temporarily plug that line and catch the runoff.  The gas will come from both ends, but will continue to run from the tank end due to siphoning.  I like to slip a short piece of fuel hose (usually supplied with the pump) and then clamp it with a hemostat or padded vice grip pliers.  There's a tool for that as well that's available from Harbor Freight.
7.) It's advisable to use a fused electrical supply or use an in-line fuse.
8.) Wear rubber gloves.
9.) I'd mention that you shouldn't smoke, but you're Cadillac owners, so you're smarter than that.
10.) Be prepared to slightly flare the ends of the fuel line that you're cutting.  It will make a better seal against leaks.

Happy motoring!
Ken Karrer
CenTex CLC Reg. Dir.
1932 All Weather Phaeton

[harry s]

Ken, The '32 looks great. Love the color. How about some more pictures. Sorry about the Astros.      Harry