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Thread: Do I need a fuel pump

  1. #1
    Senior Member Phill's Avatar
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    Do I need a fuel pump

    I recently bought a Beetle engine for my car which is missing it's fuel pump.

    But given that the fuel tank sits directly above the carb I'm wondering do I actually need to fit one? Would gravity feed alone be enough or am I missing something?
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  2. #2
    ***Euro-Nova Supporter*** Peter's Avatar
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    Gravity feed would indeed fill the carb' if using a single Solex but don't forget the pump is also a 'tap' and without it there would be nothing to stop fuel flowing into and possible out of, the float chamber. That's why there are taps on motorcycle tanks, either manual or vacuum, if you go gravity feed you must fit a vacuum tap to the tank outlet, with a vac' pipe to the carb'/inlet. A remote one from a scooter like this would be good as it doesn't screw into the tank but is in-line.

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    Last edited by Peter; 18-10-2015 at 04:17 PM.
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  3. #3
    ***Euro-Nova Supporter***
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    Hmmm... pretty sure mine was gravity fed back in the day..
    Petrol pipe fed through the fan housing via an after-market inline filter, then a T piece to twin
    Baby Webers. Simple set-up worked well for me.

  4. #4
    Senior Member Phill's Avatar
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    Thanks for the replies.

    I hear what you're saying Peter - which got me thinking I could fit a solenoid valve (Instead of Vacuum controlled valve) in line to shut off the fuel feed when the iginition is off:- e.g
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Petrol-die...wAAOSwgQ9VjCw-

    Then I realised the Carb already has a solenoid valve fitted... so would I need to fit anything?
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  5. #5
    Senior Member MicksRedNova's Avatar
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    Phill
    I think the standard solex solenoid stops fuel flow from float chamber to the jets, to stop run-on from a hot engine. It would not prevent fuel flow from tank to float bowl that Peter warned about.I would suggest an electric pump and pressure regulator and fit a blanking plate to the mechanical pump hole.

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  6. #6
    ***Euro-Nova Supporter*** Peter's Avatar
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    Mick is right, the solenoid is a anti run on device not a tap.
    The basic pump is OK for standard carbs' and even dual singles chokes like Kadrons but not DellOrtos or Webers and not expensive, so simple thing would be to bung one one.

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  7. #7
    Senior Member Phill's Avatar
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    Yes I think you're right Peter - the simplest option is to simply fit a new fuel pump if I'm going to have to fit some sort of shut of valve anyway. Thanks for all the replies
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  8. #8
    Senior Member MicksRedNova's Avatar
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    Don't forget to get the correct (matching) mechanical pump and pushrod, or it can be frustrating, ask me how I know!

    Mick
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  9. #9
    Senior Member Phill's Avatar
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    Thanks Mick - yes I was aware there was two lengths of pushrod. My engine is minus the pushrod so I need to buy both that and the pump. My understanding is that the shorter pushrod will fit any engine (dynamo or alternator equipped) so I will go for the shorter rod and matching pump
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