Please dont ever do this!!!

[Vettehead Mikey]

My point in this is quite simple- Macgyver could have easily lost his car to a fire. Spilling a quarter tank of fuel on a hot engine is no joke.

The root cause for this event partially was a belief, erroneously promoted and encouraged by several strings on this forum, that a pressure regulator is needed (or is of some mystical benefit) on carburated cars with a mechanical pump.

It's not. Get over it. Your speedshop guy is wrong.

I'd sooner be 'berated' by somebody anyday over a technical point, rather than go out and screw up my car based on false rumours.

Who's helping who here?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Just for fun, I called Edelbrock myself. I asked some straight forward questions- are your carbs (either square or spreadbore) compatible with a stock GM fuel pump. The answer could not have been more clear- YES.

Question number two- is a pressure regulator required when combined with a stock mechanical pump? Again, a clear answer- No.

 

[Robin7TFour]

i stand corrected

 

[Macgyver]

Just for fun, I called Edelbrock myself. I asked some straight forward questions- are your carbs (either square or spreadbore) compatible with a stock GM fuel pump. The answer could not have been more clear- YES.
Question number two- is a pressure regulator required when combined with a stock mechanical pump? Again, a clear answer- No.

Thats funny this all started becuase the person I spoke w/ said a fuel pressure regulator would be most likely necessary if all my symptoms and description of my problem were correct. Im running rich and I want better mileage so I figured I would regulate the fuel pressure to 6psi first, which is what he said was necessary for proper Edelbrock applications. Stock pump? I have no idea but through all my experiences w/ this ride and everyone else whose taken a look at her and seen what type of pressure the gas shoots out at says, "Whoa, thats not right."

I know that when you call into a tech center it just pot luck. You may get someone who knows a thing or two or you may get someone thats so new to the job that they "accidentally" hang up on you during the call cause they dont know the answer. Trust me I work in IT Technical Support. THe guy I talked to sounded knowledgeable and didnt have to pause to think whenever he was giving me and answer. He said do not lower the jets first regulate the fuel pressure because the EPS carbs need 6psi to operate well. As I said earlier as well during that first day and a half of use it solved my problem! I got about 3-4MPG more and there was no more extreme smell in my garage or on my clothes after getting out. My pumps probably not stock anyways.

Its cool if you think Im wrong, I like it when people disagree w/ me anyways. But regulating the pressure solved my problem, buying crap parts created a huge one though. Hey if Robin was going to buy that POS and I saved him than thats all I need to know, this board rocks! I figured everyone would get a good laugh at my expense as well.

 

[Robin7TFour]

i just stepped outside with the dogs, to watch the electrical storm going on. the thunder and the awesome light show makes me appreciate the beauty in nature.
and more so,the wonderful people who are parts of my life. many of you ,i may never have the chance to meet,but you're still an intragal fixture in my life.as if we were family. i apologise if i was rude or offensive in my previous threads. no harm was intended!
to those who have helped me with their advice,suggestions,support and even concern... i thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

sincerely robin johnson

 

[drags1998]

Hey Mac, still fighting that same battle????? This really is not that tough, Again, spend a little more money & buy a quality regulator. Crank it down to 5.5-6 psi. and forget about it!!!!!!! EVERYONE has an idea!!! but you have to wade through all the B.S. and fix YOUR problem!!!! If it ran well with a CHEAP P.O.S. regulator ( for a short time) Think how well it will run with a good one!!!!! It dosent matter what the carb manufacter says about a regulator, If your car runs better with it, then screw what ANYBODY ELSE has to say!!! I'm OUTTA HERE, NUFF SAID

 

[Robin7TFour]

eBay Motors > Parts & Accessories > Car & Truck > Air Intake & Fuel Delivery > Fuel Pumps

try this section, they have holley regs for 14.95 plus 10.oo shipping.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Thats funny this all started becuase the person I spoke w/ said a fuel pressure regulator would be most likely necessary if all my symptoms and description of my problem were correct. Im running rich and I want better mileage so I figured I would regulate the fuel pressure to 6psi first, which is what he said was necessary for proper Edelbrock applications. Stock pump? I have no idea but through all my experiences w/ this ride and everyone else whose taken a look at her and seen what type of pressure the gas shoots out at says, "Whoa, thats not right."

I know that when you call into a tech center it just pot luck. You may get someone who knows a thing or two or you may get someone thats so new to the job that they "accidentally" hang up on you during the call cause they dont know the answer. Trust me I work in IT Technical Support. THe guy I talked to sounded knowledgeable and didnt have to pause to think whenever he was giving me and answer. He said do not lower the jets first regulate the fuel pressure because the EPS carbs need 6psi to operate well. As I said earlier as well during that first day and a half of use it solved my problem! I got about 3-4MPG more and there was no more extreme smell in my garage or on my clothes after getting out. My pumps probably not stock anyways.

Its cool if you think Im wrong, I like it when people disagree w/ me anyways. But regulating the pressure solved my problem, buying crap parts created a huge one though. Hey if Robin was going to buy that POS and I saved him than thats all I need to know, this board rocks! I figured everyone would get a good laugh at my expense as well.

With all due respect, you have been given some very very bad technical advice that's lead you far astray.

Fuel pressure entering the bowl does not affect the fuel/air mixture. It does not affect mileage in your car. It does not control whether your car stinks or not. This is not a fuel injection system. This on the assumption that the fuel pressure is not overwhelming the float needle. If this was your case, you would be seeing gas running out of the carb or causing the engine to die at idle.

No offense intended, but I suggest you read up on some basic books on how carbs really work- not just GM or Edelbrock, but the real basic stuff that applies to any carb.

Keep in mind that both types of carbs made by Edelbrock are more or less aftermarket copies of the OEM units, they did not downgrad the specs when they started manufacturing them.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

You can swap out the power circuit jets on an Edelbrock, can't you?
I think you can change the accelerator pump rate too.

 

[Macgyver]

I know how a carb works thank you. I told the guy that theres no gas overflow. His reply was still "regulate the fuel" which seems like the right answer.

Mikey answer me this than, why did it solve the problem?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Sorry, I give up. You win.

 

[Macgyver]

Thanks I knew that. just kidding. Im just having fun w/you, no hard feelings.

 

[WayneLBurnham]

Edelbrock Sorta Overstates Pressure Reqs.....

I've run Edelbrocks almost exclusively for years on a variety of things. While it is true they can be flooded by a significant overpressure, on the piece of red debt I see 5-6psi standard and ranges from 4-8 frequently and do not have this problem. Now I always swap out for the spring loaded off-road standard flow needles and seats, rather than the high flow or leave the regular ones, but I don't know if this really gains you a lot of room in the moments to flood department. I also adjust the floats to the minimum setting.

I once cleverly ignited the top section of an edelbrock (and quickly the fuel in the open bowls) by brilliantly setting the top on the alternator stud, but I haven't yet induced a flood created inferno from running slightly higher pressure than they recommend.

-----------

On the parts supply front - I've gotten junk from everyone, including AZ and NAPA. Actually I feel AZ has been broadening and improving their available lines in recent times, although they have a raft load of cheap blinger chrome plated plastic trim crap. I'll never forget trying their version of silicon vacuum hose while waiting for a complete kit to come from Hose Techniques.
The AZ stuff SOFTENS when it reaches temperature and collapses!!! The HoseTechniques stuff is state of the art and now my whole car is done in it except for about five of the final headlight hoses - never burns, cracks or oxidizes. (Not to mention mine is a nifty sick chevy orange in color! )
I wouldn't have known any silicon hose worked if I had based it on that junk AZ and PepBoys sells.

 

[Robin7TFour]

Fuel Pumps and Pressure

Avoid extremes in fuel pressure. At IDLE, there should not be any more than 6.0 psi; if the vehicle has an adjustable fuel-pressure regulator, set it to 5.5 psi. With most fuel pumps the minimum fuel pressure is encountered at high rpm and WOT. Fuel pressure should not drop below 2.0 psi. If it does, a fuel pump with more capacity may be required. Note that some later model vehicles (the 5.0L Ford is one example) have mechanical pumps that will give more than 6.0 psi at idle. The vehicle will perform well, but may be prone to stalls on quick turns and stops with the clutch disengaged. If this problem occurs, check the fuel pressure. If it is more than 6.0 psi at IDLE, it should be reduced through the use of a regulator, such as Edelbrock #8190, or by creating a restricted by-pass bleed to the fuel return line. Edelbrock Street Fuel Pumps are highly recommended for all Edelbrock Performer Series carburetor installations.

 

[80convertible]

One of the most important lessons that should be learned in this thread is to carry a fire extinguisher. I never...never drive my vette without one. As for Autozone, I buy lots of little things there and have not had a problem with the fuel pump or front brake calipers from them. I don't buy any of the faux chrome stuff.