Fuel pump?

[HOG1450]

Hi everyone,
I had the 59 out today and after a 30 min stop for refreshment the car started then died immediately and wouldn't start. When I checked the carb it was dry, I eventually got her going again by pouring a little fuel straight into the top of the carb. I had to do this once more when we stopped again. I disconnected the pipe from the front of the carb and turned the motor over to see if any fuel came out of the line, hardly any was the answer.
Do you think it's the fuel pump? If so and I buy a new pump do I need to drain the tank to fit it or is there some way I can stop the fuel from draining from the tank while I fit the new one?
I would appreciate any advice.

Brian

 

[JohnZ]

If so and I buy a new pump do I need to drain the tank to fit it or is there some way I can stop the fuel from draining from the tank while I fit the new one?
I would appreciate any advice.

Brian

When I had C1's, I made up a special plug for the male fitting on the pump end of the main fuel line on the frame; it's standard Weatherhead fittings - it's a 3/8" SAE double female flare union with a 3/8" SAE male flare plug in one end, and the open end screws on the male fitting on the end of the fuel line, plugging it while you work on the fuel pump.

 

[HOG1450]

Thank you for your help

 

[HOG1450]

During my recent trip to the USA I spoke to the guy that built my car, and he informed me that because the metal fuel line that feeds the carb passes close by the exhaust manifold and inlet manifold. So it gets very hot and you get a vapor lock in the fuel line. So he recommended placing a heat sink or pouring some cold water on the line to take the heat away.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

During my recent trip to the USA I spoke to the guy that built my car, and he informed me that because the metal fuel line that feeds the carb passes close by the exhaust manifold and inlet manifold. So it gets very hot and you get a vapor lock in the fuel line. So he recommended placing a heat sink or pouring some cold water on the line to take the heat away.

Vapour lock occurs in the fuel pump, not in the lines. Your symptoms sound more like percolation (fuel boiling in the carb) than vapour lock or a bad fuel pump. Next time the engine is shut down while hot, remove the air filter assembly and look down the throat of the carb watching for signs of fuel dribbling or leakage.