Running out of fuel??


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By Eddie Paskey - 16 Years Ago
  had the T bird dynoed--   they said that I was running out of fuel at high RPMs. Suggested larger fuel line from tank. tank is new but lines are stock.  Any words of wisdom on this??   Many thanks    God Bless   Eddie
By GREENBIRD56 - 16 Years Ago
Eddie - What carb are you running? A friend showed me a dyno sheet where his outfit was running out of fuel, and it turned out to be the needle and seat. I've got the .130 steel needles and seats in mine now and the FE 428 fuel pump and it seems to work OK with the 5/16 stocker fuel pressure line. I also had to use some "smarter" fittings on the fuel pump (found built in restrictions in the brass elbows).  But....I think my my horses are down lower than yours - not so thirsty.  

It is much easier to restrict pump performance on the suction side than it is on the pressure side. Hydraulic systems usually use a ratio of 2 to 1 (suction line area versus pressure line area). Using the 5/16 OEM line, my outfit works much better with a full tank than when it gets down to a third or less - how full was your tank during the test? If a tank "head pressure" change - changes performance, the line is probablly too small. Going to 3/8 line will increase the crossection of the suction line by about 45% and should lower suction a considerable amount.

By John Mummert - 16 Years Ago
Eddie, as Steve points out you can move more fuel thru the line under pressure. You could install a small electric pump near the tank to push the fuel up to the mechanical pump. Sounds easier than running a new 3/8" line fuel line.
By Ted - 16 Years Ago
A properly vented fuel tank is also something to look at.  I seem to remember that Thunderbirds require a vented gas cap so that's worth checking.  Likely a little late now but you could try running the test with the fuel cap removed and see if that’s the easy fix.
By Eddie Paskey - 16 Years Ago
Thank You for all the info!!! Steve,  When I dynoed it I was running a Edebrock, since have changed to a Holly, which is much better.  Ted The cap is vented.  John I was kinda leaning toward a fuel pump in the back.   Several issues ago there was apicture of a fuel pickup for a 57 Ford, believe it was a 3/8 tube.  Does anyone have one of these for a 55 Bird.   Many Thanks--   this site is sooooo   coooolll         God Bless   Eddie
By Hoosier Hurricane - 16 Years Ago
Eddie:

The '57 Ford and '55 Bird tanks are pretty close to the same size and shape, so the '57 tube could probably be made to work on the Bird.

By Eddie Paskey - 16 Years Ago
Thanks John!!!  Does anyone know where I can get one???  Also, John are you using this setup on the hurricane???  Many thanks to all    God Bless   Eddie
By Hoosier Hurricane - 16 Years Ago
Eddie:

I'm using a 3/8 tank pickup into a fuel filter, then 1/2" into a Mallory pump, a pressure compensated regulator, then 1/2" aluminum line to the front of the car.  Not running a mechanical pump, it's gutted and is the type with the large filter can and another fuel filter in it.  3/8" from the fuel filter to the carb.