JimboSails Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 So, my Spitfire is nearly ready for MOT. As per my previous thread, I've got one which has had a 2l Vitesse Engine installed.All runs very smoothly, however I have a couple of issues.The first is that the throttle pedal evidently has some wear on the linkage, and takes forever to 'engage' as it were - this means that I don't get the full range of travel on it. Some new pedal parts should fix this I think, but it's on my list to take apart for a closer look.A more pressing issue is the fuelling. The car has a mechanical fuel pump, and it seems that whilst it will idle fine, and rev at a standstill, fuel pressure drops off under load. Frequently to get it going I have to prime the fuel pump by hand (using the lift lever underneath), so there is a fuel issue somewhere.I've checked all the pipes and they're all OK. The pump is obviously doing something, but maybe not enough. So - my main question is, what are people's opinions on this, should I:1. Check the diaphragm in the pump, make sure the cam isn't excessively worn, bleed the whole system etc etc, or2. Should I write it all off and buy an electric pump?Any advice gratefully received.Cheers,Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS211083 Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I loved my Huco low pressure pump designed for carbs with float bowls. It cuts out once the float bowls are full and you can hear it prime when you turn the ignition on. Really nice to know its working, cant be heard once engine is running. However the choice is yours really.Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSpeedy Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I have also binned the mechanical pump (and it's long winded pipe runs) and fitted an "SU" type of pump (electronic not points) and a fuel pressure regulator set at 2.5psi. No issues at all from my Strombergs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 Jim,Before you get into replacing the throttle pedal et al, make sure that the cable is correctly adjusted.And on the fuel pump, as the catalogues say, "End Fuel Pump Misery!"Get an electric one. Facet make a tiny 'Solid State' pump that is easily able to provide for a 2 litre Vitesse engine.See: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/110711988088?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&lpid=95&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=95&ff19=0(No connection with the sellers)JohnPS Nice engine choice for a Spitfire! Will yours be a 'GiTfire' or a 'Vitfire'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martins Stag Posted April 17, 2014 Share Posted April 17, 2014 I've gone for an electric pump too. I found that a mechanical pump wasn't pumping enough under max power/acceleration on a 2.5. I think the challenge may be get a decent repro mechanical pump?Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboSails Posted April 22, 2014 Author Share Posted April 22, 2014 Guys, cheers for all the pointers!It looks like a no brainer - electric pump it is.In terms of checking the throttle cable, there actually doesn't seem to be one; it seems to be all a rod based linkage - when I push the pedal, a floating rod goes up, and pushes up the throttle on the side of the carbs. It seems to me like there's play in the pedal/rod pushing interface (if that makes any sense!).JohnD - what are the criteria for Gitfire vs Vitfire?!? I think it's currently a Gitfire!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboSails Posted April 22, 2014 Author Share Posted April 22, 2014 Just looked at those Facet pumps - they're 24v, I guess I need a 12v?I assume I'll need a pressure regulator to go with the pump?Jimbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard B Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 Back to basics. What size pipe does the Spitfire have? Is that sufficient diameter to flow petrol for a 2 litre engine?Is it a MkIV / 1500 Spitfire? In which case the pipe is inserted into the tank from above. The pump has to suck the fuel up out of the tanks first. I know syphonic action helps, but...Is it an old steel pipe, maybe its blocked, corroded?I had a lot of sediment in my PI Spitfire tank after it had been standing fo a couple of years. The engine would only run when the tank was over a 1/4 of a tank full, until I cleaned the tank out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrendanD Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 I'm fitting an electronic pump to mine. Although the mechanical pump has been put back together it fails to deliver over 3500 rpm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayGT6 Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 5999 wrote:I have also binned the mechanical pump (and it's long winded pipe runs) and fitted an "SU" type of pump (electronic not points) and a fuel pressure regulator set at 2.5psi. No issues at all from my StrombergsHi, can I ask where you purchased your fuel pressure regulator from? I'm after one for the opposite problem of overfueling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS211083 Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 If you buy a Huco fuel pump you need no regulator as it is built in. Also the facet pump needs to be below the tank where the huco can go anywhere.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FUEL-PUMP-ELECTRIC-SUCTION-HUCO-133010-ENGINE-BAY-FITMENT-/360758769989?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item53fee5f945Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSpeedy Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 I just got mine off of Ebay. Cost about £20 posted iirc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboSails Posted May 1, 2014 Author Share Posted May 1, 2014 OK, HUCO Pump ordered. I've also ordered two new fuel filters, and will see what happens!Do I really need the filter in the engine bay and in the boot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboSails Posted May 1, 2014 Author Share Posted May 1, 2014 Hmmm, I've just looked at that HUCO pump, and it says 1.4PSI - an earlier contributor was talking about 2.5PSI. What are people's advice on pressure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 that will be plenty. Carbs require flow, not pressure. I ran a pair of dellortos at 1psi. Mainly to reduce problems with fuel surge in the float chambers (helped a bit) and they never ran low on fuel when the right foot was planted. And they could drink fuel if you tried! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboSails Posted May 1, 2014 Author Share Posted May 1, 2014 OK - the HUCO pump is on it's way in any case :-)Presumably I wire it in to come on when the ignition does?Now to find a blanking plate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 Yes, but I would be inclined to use a relay if it uses much current (more than 3amps, which is likely) and fuse the supply too.Really you should include an inertia switch too, so the pump switches off in the event of an impact, you won't want fuel being pumped...cheap off the bayhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-MK1-Fuel-Cut-Off-Switch-98-05-/301165758424?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item461ee0c7d8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboSails Posted May 1, 2014 Author Share Posted May 1, 2014 That's great, cheers Clive :-)How does the inertia switch work? In the event of a sudden stop, it cuts out? Presumably the red bit on the top is a 'reset' button? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 Spot on. I have one here ready to fit (when the car is ready for wiring!) and will bolt it somewhere convenient to get to from the drivers seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS211083 Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 What Fuel filters are you using??? I changed to a modern throw away type fuel filter when I got the Huco pump. I think it was a Ford Focus 1.6 2001 as it had the ends to fit the 8mm pipes to and from. It wont let any crap through and you can fit it anywhere before the pump. In 12 months toss it and fit a new one. I never had any other fuel problems after that filter and pump.Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboSails Posted May 3, 2014 Author Share Posted May 3, 2014 The filters are both this sort of thing:http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID005923I'll look into replacing them with something aftermarket too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboSails Posted May 6, 2014 Author Share Posted May 6, 2014 HUCO Pump has arrived! I look forward to trying to fit that later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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