Fuel pump problems

[acoleman1447]

I have a 1978 Buick Regal with a newly rebuilt 383 stroker with 10.5:1 compression. I just got done putting a new Holley Blue electric fuel pump and fuel regulator in. The first time I started it up it ran for about 30 seconds. Then it died and wouldn't restart. It will now start for about 2 seconds before dying. The fuel pump is a high pressure model so I assumed it would be putting out too much pressure. I turned the regulator all the way out and it still won't start. The pressure gauge starts at around 6 psi when I first turn on the pump and it climbs up to about 10 psi when I am turning the motor over. Both of the floats on my Holley 600 4-barrel carburetor are adjusted to the right spot. I was wondering if maybe the jets are causing a problem?

[MagicRat]

Welcome to AF.

Are the float bowls actually full? Can you open the throttle and actually see the accelerator pump spraying fuel.

If there is fuel in the bowl, 10 psi may be a bit too much pressure for the Holley needle and seat. I recall 6 psi is about the maximum.

You can check this by unscrewing the little sight caps on the side of the bowl. When the pump is running, the fuel should come up to the bottom of the hole.

If fuel is coming out the hole, the fuel level is too high. You can adjust the float level downwards until fuel no longer pours out.

If fuel pours out no matter what you do to the level, then your fuel pressure is too high.

[big dwag]

I had the same problem that your having, on the floats with to much fuel. i looked around a the part store and found some clear plugs for the side of the carb bowls put them in so i could see how much fuel was in the bottom of the carb. This will keep fuel from spilling out on a hot motor & you can do adjustments & see the level.

[bennie442]

Assuming that the car ran o.k. before you put electric pump in, then jetting isn't the problem. An electric fuel pump should be installed as close to and lower than the gas tank. Is it? Electric pumps push fuel much more efficiently than pulling fuel, so if the pump is some distance from the tank, it may not be able to supply enough fuel to keep the engine running. As for pressure, adjust the regulator for 7p.s.i. Post back what you find.