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Discussion Topic:
Power Loss
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Dream38v8 |
05-31-2026 @ 12:18 PM
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Member
Posts: 223
Joined: May 2016
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Well I told life it had to wait as I wanted to get back to solving the '38 power loss issue. After removing the trunk shelf I had clean access to the fuel tank sender cover. I removed the cover and the fuel tank sender unit with floats. From what I could see the tank is clear. The side walls and tank floor were gray and rust colored. No other color was present.
The sending unit cork floats were clean. There was no residue on the floats. As this unit stopped working years ago I will replace it. From what I read on this Forum new units are not much better.
The fuel pump glass bowl has remained full during the power loss issue with no visible air bubbles. New items that were installed this Spring: electric fuel pump and filter, input flexible gas line to the fuel pump, fuel pump, new copper line to the carb and a new carb.
I was hoping to be able to drive my V8 this year on "Drive your V8 Day". Is there hope?
Thanks!
Ray
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carcrazy |
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05-23-2026 @ 9:07 PM
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Senior
Posts: 2091
Joined: Oct 2009
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Suspect a small leak in the fuel line somewhere between the tank and the mechanical fuel pump on the engine. This leak will allow air to bleed into the fuel when you use only the mechanical pump which uses vacuum to provide fuel flow. When you use the electrical pump, the pressure in the fuel line will provide the amount of fuel required for the engine to run normally.
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Drbrown |
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05-23-2026 @ 7:52 AM
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Senior
Posts: 618
Joined: Nov 2013
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Using a meter, one can check the fuel flow pressure on the output side of the pump. My vacumm meter does both vacumm and gas pressure readings. I believe Pump output pressure should range from about 1-1/2 minimum to 2-1/2 lbs maximun. Obviously if below minimum something is wrong.
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TomO |
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05-21-2026 @ 3:18 PM
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Senior
Posts: 7433
Joined: Oct 2009
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Ray, I am sorry about the delay in replying to you. I just did not see your post.
A fuel pump stroke is when the fuel spurts out the line.
Because your fuel starvation started suddenly, I suspect a clogged fuel line or tank pickup. Disconnect the fuel line at the tank and at the fuel pump. Direct the tank end of the line into a container so you can see what comes out of the line. Use compressed air to blow from the firewall end to clear the line. Then blow into the tank connector to clear the pickup.
If you do not have an air compressor, you can use a can of air, like the ones used to clean keyboards. If you use the canned air, make sure that you disconnect the electric fuel pump from the line. The canned air is not strong enough to blow backwards though some of the electric fuel pumps.
I just read where you said there was a small piece of clear film on the screen of the glass bowl. Some gas tank sealers break down when the come in contact with Ethanol. You can inspect the interior of your tank by removing the sending unit. There should be a small opening in your trunk floor t you can use to access the sending unit. Use a mirror to inspect the top of the tank. It should be steel colored or surface rust colored. Any other color means that it was coated. You will not be able to see the complete tank top or bottom, but if you empty the tank, you should be able to see the pickup area. That is where you would seedamge to the coating.
Tom
This message was edited by TomO on 5-21-26 @ 3:20 PM
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Dream38v8 |
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05-19-2026 @ 4:57 PM
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Member
Posts: 223
Joined: May 2016
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So my fuel pump is not producing the necessary quantity of fuel to the carb. Correct?
Ray
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Dream38v8 |
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05-18-2026 @ 11:24 AM
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Member
Posts: 223
Joined: May 2016
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Tom, as you can probably surmise you are working with a V8 novice. I understand a fuel pump stroke now after repeating the 15 stroke procedure multiple times. We did the procedure multiple times. Each time approx. 4oz of fuel was delivered between 22 and 24 seconds. If I extrapolate out to 6 oz it would take approx. 22 strokes and 33+ seconds.
Thanks again!
Ray
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Dream38v8 |
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05-18-2026 @ 10:28 AM
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Member
Posts: 223
Joined: May 2016
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Tom, I finally found time to work on the '38. The fuel bowl is clear / clean. I removed the fuel bowl to check its filter / screen. I found a small piece of clear film / slime on the filter. It covered less than 1/100 of the screen. I am now ready to check the fuel flow / delivery. In this note you mentioned 15 strokes of the fuel pump. I do I determine 15 strokes? Is there an audible sound from the pump? How long should the pump take to deliver 6 oz. in 15 strokes?
Thanks
Ray
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ford38v8 |
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05-10-2026 @ 4:25 PM
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Senior
Posts: 2909
Joined: Oct 2009
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Ray, one confirmation of previous info: you tested spark at the plugs as good strong blue spark, but was that test done immediately after your engine stalled, or while no problem existed? An ignition coil may perform differently at different temperatures, and not necessarily only at extreme temperatures. The only spark test that can accurately diagnose a bad coil is at the time the engine stalls.
Alan
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Dream38v8 |
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05-10-2026 @ 1:02 PM
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Member
Posts: 223
Joined: May 2016
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Carcrazy and Tom, thanks for the info on the glass bowl. There is no plans to enter any judging contest. The car is really clean, but not show quality. Life keeps getting in the way of working on the car. I did note the glass bowl is full with no debris (clear).
I really appreciate your advice.
Ray
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TomO |
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05-08-2026 @ 9:17 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7433
Joined: Oct 2009
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Another issue with the glass bowl fuel pumps is if you put the car in Concourse judging you will lose a few points. They make it easier to see if debris is coming from the tank or lines. Do not overtighten the thumb screw holing the glass bowl in place, you could warp the housing causing poor fuel pump priming.
Did your ammeter start working again?
Tom
This message was edited by TomO on 5-8-26 @ 9:20 AM
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