Been awhile...

Discussion in 'Classic Buicks' started by mosslack, Mar 4, 2018.

  1. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    Hello to all, been awhile since I've posted here, but just to let everyone know I am still alive and kicking and my '61 LeSabre now has a white top again.



    Please don't be too critical, this was rolled on and I know it does not look like a professional job on any level, but it you recall how it did look, this is a huge improvement. Since this video it has been partially wet sanded with 600 grit, but needs more work with 1000 grit. Once that is done it will be buffed to see how it looks. I'm not expecting miracles, but my goal here is to have it look good enough to cruise around a bit and I think that goal is obtainable.

    Now my real reason for this post is mechanical. I've been searching on the internet to see how many folks out there who have old cars that don't get started very often use an electric fuel pump to augment the mechanical pump. Primarily to prime the carb after it has sat for a long period of time rather than grinding on the starter trying to get the job done with the mechanical pump. A lot of the Chevy and Ford guys say this is okay and that they use the same setup. Well this ain't no Chevy or Ford so I want to hear it from the Buick guys. :)

    Most common setup I've seen is small electric pump mounted near the tank to push the fuel up to the front. Pump is switched and only used before starting to pump fuel up to the carb. Most say the mechanical pump is okay with this and once started the fuel can be easily drawn through the switched off electric pump by the mechanical pump. That is what THEY say. What say you guys?

    Also they say certain types of electric pumps should be avoided as they don't allow for fuel to flow when they are switched off. So what is a good inexpensive pump to use for this purpose if it will in fact work okay? I also assume the best place to mount would be in the rubber line prior to where the metal fuel line runs along the floor up to the front.

    Okay, that is all for now. Any and all opinions and comments welcome and appreciated.

    Doug
     
    Donuts & Peelouts likes this.
  2. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    Hi Doug!
    Nice work on the paint,
    I'm interested in the answers on the fuel pump, too.
    I bought an electric , but Ihaven't put it on yet
     
  3. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    Thanks James. My granddaughter did most of the work. Learn by doing is best I think. :)
     
  4. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    Doug,

    I have for MANY yrs. not thought about how much cranking has to be done to start an engine that has been sitting for awhile. I usually don't pump the pedal until oil pressure starts. Then again I only crank the engine with the starter for only 15-30 seconds then let it cool some before trying again. If the fuel pump is good & there are no pinholes in fuel hoses/lines it won't take that long. This is for something that has been sitting for 2-6 months. Reason is I DON'T LIKE STARTING A DRY ENGINE!!! In my mind it's MUCH easier to rebuild/replace the starter than it is to replace bearings. Even if you've NEVER done a rebuild on a GM starter they are relatively easy. With the skills you've acquired over the time you started on this car it should be a no brainier. Any questions just ask as you've done in the past. No matter where you read the most wear on ANY engine is the initial start.
    Just MHO.


    Tom T.
     
  5. mosslack

    mosslack Well-Known Member

    Thanks Tom, that's why I'm here. :) I pretty much start mine the same way, never grinding too long at any one time. And like you, I don't pump the gas until it has had time to pump the gas to the front. I appreciate your thoughts on this.
     

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