RE: [Chrysler300] Electric fuel pump & gas octane

["Rich Barber" <c300@xxxxxxx>]

My experience is similar with a significant difference.  I added a 6-Volt
positive-ground electric fuel pump to our '55 C-300 back over the rear axle
and wired it for carb-priming only-with a hidden push button wired to the
start connection on the starter switch.  I'd put the selector in drive,
twist the key and press the button.  This enabled the pump to run without
cranking the engine.  I could hear the pump doing its thing and its pitch
change as the float valves closed, signifying fuel in the carbs.  Then I'd
release the button, put the selector in neutral, boot the accelerator a
couple of times, crank and go.  The only problem was that at full throttle,
I had signs of fuel starvation.  After a full tuneup, the full throttle
starvation continued and I then rewired the pump to run continuously when
the ignition is "on".  The starvation problem is solved, but I'm running the
risk of gassing up the crankcase if the diaphragm in the fuel pump ruptures.

 

The point is that not all electric fuel pumps are created equal.  Mine
apparently created enough restriction when off that the recently-rebuilt
mechanical pump could not feed the hemi all it needed.  Whatever brand of
pump our '55 Consultant, John Lazenby, sells reportedly passes enough fuel
when "off" to feed the Brute when it's hungry.  I don't have the paperwork
on my electric fuel pump so can't steer you away from it, so just contact
John and he'll sell you a proven pump at a good price.  While some folks
report no starting problems with our older 300's, I feel the electric fuel
pump is a good solution to the mysterious vanishing fuel syndrome that makes
us so cranky.  And, the best solution is probably a pump that is only
required for carb priming while not overly restricting fuel flow during
high-speed runs on the beach at Daytona or during sideshows in the middle of
the night downtown.

 

Ethanol is actually an octane enhancer, but a 10% ethanol-gasoline mix may
result in 3-4% less energy per gallon.  Ethanol is used to add liquid oxygen
to the combustion chamber so we are paying for oxygen in the fuel while 20%
of the air our engines breath is oxygen and "free".  I get about 5% better
mileage with non-ethanol gas and I'm not subsidizing anyone in the corn-gas
pipeline.  If you can pump it fast enough, corn gas should provide nearly
the same power output as 100% gasoline.

 

Rich Barber

Brentwood, CA ($3.89/G corn gas is considered a bargain around here.  A
local Chevron refinery has been repaired after a big fire and may start up
soon.  This will hopefully remove one excuse for higher local gasoline
prices.)

 

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Mark Souders
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2013 12:54 PM
To: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] Electric fuel pump & gas octane

 

  


I added an electric fuel pump several years ago when my mechanical pump
crapped out. I installed it inline, back at the tank, mounted over the rear
axle, and quite hidden from view. I removed the mechanical pump, removed the
lever, and filled in the housing with PC7. Then re-installed it as a "dummy"
pump for appearances. The electric pump flows fuel straight through the
mechanical pump and up to the carbs. I have since replaced the dummy with a
real functioning pump, for originality. I wired up a hidden, lighted switch
under the dash, next to the steering column. It is wired to the ignition-on
circuit so that in the event that I forget to turn it off, it will stop when
the engine is turned off. The only time I use the electric pump now is after
the car has been sitting for more than a week or two. When I turn the key,
and turn on the pump, I can hear it pumping. When the sound changes, I know
the bowls are full and it's ready to be started.
The pump is an inline generic one from Autozone, and I think it's rated at
6-10 PSI. I think if you go higher in PSI you'll need a regulator. 

Mark Souders
300H
Mohrsville, PA

-----Original Message-----
From: Donald Nissen <fast-ace@xxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:fast-ace%40comcast.net> >
To: 300 Group <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:Chrysler300%40yahoogroups.com> >
Sent: Thu, Apr 4, 2013 1:52 pm
Subject: [Chrysler300] Electric fuel pump & gas octane

I would like to add an electric pump to be used as a boost pump for
starting. It 
ould then be shut off and the mechanical pump would suck the gas through the

lectric pump. I know many owners have done this, but my question is: Would
the 
alves in the electric pump restrict the gas flow enough to starve the engine
at 
igher speeds? Might it cause it to run lean? Our engines are thirsty beasts 
fter all. Question 2: Is it necessary to use an octane boost additive to 
ompensate for the crappy alcohol fuel we are forced to use? Or is it
necessary 
o retard the timing some to compensate? Any consensus thinking? 
on Nissen 300K

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