Fitting an Electric Fuel Pump on my Austin Healey Sprite
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- After a few breakdowns I decided it was time to address my fuel vaporisation issues by fitting an electric fuel pump to the Frogye or Bugeye (US!) Sprite. This video shows what I did to convert my car to run an electric pump
That is a great little project, and an electric fuel pump would probably fix a lot of the issues on my Beetle too. My only suggestion would be to think about putting a rubber grommet in the hole in the floor the wire comes through, just to make sure it doesn't rub through over time and short out. Thanks for the shout out by the way, that car looks like a heap of fun ;)
Cheers Jeff and very good point on the rubber grommet.. should have thought of that!!
Love these old cars - so simple to work on! I learned to do jobs from working on old minis, which also used a similar mechanical fuel pump which works through a lever off the camshaft. Rather than removing the pump and making a blanking plate (safety glasses!) you can remove the actuating lever and, if my memory serves me, there are two little rubber valves in the top which you also remove. This allows the fuel to pass directly through - test by blowing in the inlet. You can then re-fit the pump which keeps the engine bay looking original and saves you having to make a blanking plate and fuel line support.
Happy motoring!
XXVII. These " How To " videos are really good. You're a natural when it comes to explaining the technical stuff, but, at the same time, making it very interesting and entertaining. With the cars you acquire, there's scope for you to make dozens of this kind of thing. You'd make a wonderful schoolteacher.
Thanks buddy.. I'm close to end with 12 cars. Should have done a bit more with the others.
Well, XXVII, this kind of video certainly plays to your strengths, and the audience's desires.
You've got the ability to instruct in a pleasing manner.
You use tools your audience also have, as opposed to those shows which use laser guided lathes and 3D modelling as a matter of course.
You work on cars which we understand, as opposed to four wheeled computers that baffle us.
There's still plenty of mileage left in the Frogeye, and I, for one, would lover to see more of it. You could always film your drive when you're seeing if the new fuel pump works.
P.S. Keep the orange gloves, they're your new, wonderful, trademark‼️
I remember my Dad having problems with his Mercedes , which wasn’t his everyday car. As it stood for so long without being used, it would take ages to fill the carb, and occasionally flatten the battery. I suggested fitting an SU pump in the boot to fill the carb, and a switch to isolate it once it was primed(ticking stopped) Worked for the many years he owned the car. I fitted one of these electronic plastic pumps in my Mk 2 Jag. Worked well, but after a few months it stopped lifting fuel out of the tank. The valves don’t seem the best in the world, but should not be a problem in the Sprite with its low position.
Great to see the electric pump in. The more we improve the longer they will last and be enjoyed by future owners. We are temporary caretakers and therefore a responsibility to keep them on the road. Great video. Cheers🚗
That took me back to the good old days of wheeler dealer , I really enjoyed this kind of video Jack and I'll look forward to the next one🙂👍
Thanks Bud!!
I had a 59 bug eye. Loved it.
Great video, nicely done Sir, I've the same set up on our Bug. Such an optimistic little car with that smiley face.
This is just what I was looking for my Rover p6 2000 tc. Thanks for sharing
I like the idea of getting a pump that stops pumping when the float reaches it full point!!!!
I know you had some reservations about doing some "how to" videos but I really enjoyed this. As others have mentioned, you're a real natural at explaining the detail without going over the top. Look forward to any more that you decide to do.
Fred is just awesome and looks loads of fun - If only I had the time and space :(
Great video - Keep up the good work!
Glad you liked it.. I'm not really set up for this kind of thing but I'll see how it goes!!
Great job worried about the wire rubbing on drilled holes other than that great stuff,maybe fit a custom exhaust next,would sound great and add a few horses😉
Good video, good content. I would suggest putting in an inline fuse for that pump. It appears as if you direct wired it to the fuse block, only switched by the key.
I think I might have replaced the mechanical pump with a fuel filter in that space instead. You might even have been able to find one with threaded fittings and not needed a hose jumper at all. Anyway, cheers and thanks for the video.
Even the car smiles for having an electric fuel pump.
Great work. My next job for my old Volvo is to fit an electric fuel pump. If the engine hasn't been run for a while, the fuel tends to vapourise in the carburettor and with a mechanical fuel pump, much cranking of the engine is needed to fill up the float chamber. This puts a strain on the battery and is a pain spending time cranking the engine. With an electric fuel pump, all is needed is to switch the ignition on, wait a few seconds and then as soon as the engine is cranked, it should start straight away.
EXACTLY.. I never looked back after this. Great mod
Also nice to put a fuel filter somewhere along the line - pre pump can help keep pump healthy or post pump is also good. A combined filter and pressure regulator is good and if you go fancy with glass adds a nice look to the engine bay too. But you maybe don’t want to go too fancy and keep things simple and rustic.
Very good point, I totally forgot about the filter.. the mech pump had another layer of gauze in the top and thats no longer there so I do need to sort something out. Thanks!
Have you thought about having a return pipe installed and keeping the pipes as far away from the exhaust.
So many times this question gets raised in the summer and it is rarely believed that sucking up warm fuel into a hot engine compartment causes it to vapourise. It has been a regular problem for years with engine-mounted pumps. PUSH not suck. Hope you get the message across - great video too!
Thank Graeme!! Been away but looking forward to taking out again
Oh, it’s a constant velocity pump?! Well done, glad you are liking the little fella, feel a sprite trip coming up soon? I second putting a grommet round the floor orifice, let’s not forget ole smokey?
Many thanx for you informative video.
Well done. Ed China had better watch out. "not neat enough," looks perfect to me for a well used classic. I quite like your attension to detail. Will you have to change the pump again if you decide to replace the generator with an alternator?
No, should be fine.. this pump can be used for both positive and negative earth! And I'm not really sure Edd needs to watch out but thanks!!
Good job! Makes me think I should run out and get another. But I already have a 2001 Honda Insight and a 1987 2CV. No more fun cars,
Great job mate, really enjoyed watching that. Just one minor thing, and I hate to nit pick as I know how long it takes to make a decent video like this, but for safety reasons I'd consider wiring in a inertia crash switch with the electric fuel pump. If the worst was to happened then at least the fuel pump would stop pumping fuel. I'd agree with you with the Huco pumps they are worth the money, and are a little more silent than Facet pump. That's not to say Facet pumps are bad, they are good pumps just a little noisy
You’re right Steve, am meaning to do that!!
Would make a good follow up video ;)
stil driving the car thanks for the video
Nice little video as always...I follow "home built by Jeff", amazing guy isnt he! I really think you should have a "Z" car Jack haha
Yep, Jeff is a great guy and very capable!!
I’m looking to buy one of these Huco fuel pumps. But on eBay they say they a pull pump and need to be mounted in the engine bay. I have a austin 1300 gt and the pump is near the fuel tank and I need a push pump will it still work you think ?
Hello from Roma and many thanks for your useful and very clear video. I own a 1963 MK 1 GAN 2 Midget in original conditions
having the same mechanical fuel pump as your splendid Frog eyes Sprite. I have your same problem: when the engine and the exhaust become hot, the fuel pump does not work and the car breaks down. I then intend to proceed with the installation of the electric pump you suggest. Before doing this I would like to leave the original pump on trying to isolate as far as possible the pump from the heat, do you think it could be a viable solution? In any case, does the Huco electric pump you have installed have number 133010 and 12 volt?
Thank you for your kind reply and compliments for your Sprite!
Attilio
Hi, sorry o can’t remember the number of the pump but it is 12v. You can try and run the pump with the old
Pump still in place , just remove the valves so fuel still goes through!
@@Number27 Thanks so much!
Buona fortuna Attilio e buon divertimento con la Sprite, é forse la mia macchina preferita tra tutte quelle che ho avuto! (Sono Italiano di origine, da Milano, tanti saluti a Roma!)
@@Number27 grazie! Io e la mia midget ti salutiamo scorazzando per Roma!
Bit of a while back now, but have you had any problems with corrosion since the pump is fitted in an exposed position? I ask because I have an A35 with the same mechanical pump and I'm thinking about going down the electric pump route. Thanks.
Haven’t used it in the twin much to be honest so non issues so far. They are designed to be exposed so I don’t think you’d have to worry too much.
@@Number27 Cheers. I remember having a Nissan XTrail and it had an auxiliary lifter fuel pump in an exposed position which rotted away and it haunts me!
LIKE
I would have just left the old pump in and seal the ends. Or even cut off the cam arm inside the fuel pump and put it back on.
Cutting the cam arm is a good idea!! Was going to run the fuel through it as well but wanted to make absolutely sure there was no vaporisation