Hey guys,
So I've gotten some parts and I have a long weekend coming up and I want to get some work done; rebuild the carb, replace plugs, points, rotor, cap, wires, etc. But I noticed the mechanical fuel pump has been disconnected (although still attached). I haven't had a chance to jack it up and really crawl around under the motor but from above there appears to be two canister-shaped somethings with fuel lines running to/from them, and back and forth. I'm assuming one of these is the electrical fuel pump, what might the other be? Also, electric vs. mechanical pump? My tendency would be to replace the mechanical.
And one more question, if I may; I was trying to trace the fuel line from the tank to the motor. What I saw were three short fuel "hoses" coming out of the tank, linking to three steel fuel lines that disappear above the [floor pan?]. The hoses are crap and need replaced. Should I try to blow out those steel lines? And the tank itself? How much crap is floating on the bottom after 42 years?
A lot of questions, I know. But I'm looking forward to getting some real work done finally and would appreciate the help. My Chilton's manuel isn't big on detail
-Mac

 

If the car had been sitting for a while prior to you getting it, I would drop the tank and pull the pickup out. Also I would drain it and rinse any grime and sediment form it, replace the pickup and reinstall. I would also replace the rubber lines back there and blow out the steel ones forward after disconnecting them from their destination points.

The argument of electric vs mechanical fuel pumps boils down to personal preference. The main thing is not to exceed about 6-7.5 psi of fuel pressure.

 

Thanks Oldcutlass, I appreciate the input. So blow them out from the rear, forward. Got it.

 

oldcutlass summed it up pretty well. I personally like electric pumps but if you are not making any changes on the car, I would stick with a new mechanical one. Make sure it is one that is okay with ethanol.

 

Yeah redoldsman, it seemed all the mech pumps I looked at were good with ethanol. At least, they claimed to be. I was thinking I might put a mild cam in it, I have to replace the timing set anyway. Right now I'm stuck in "order of operations". I want to strip the motor, replace all the gaskets (including the tranny pan), thoroughly clean all the components and replace the ones that need it, rebuild the carb (although i think this old quadrajet is cracked), replace all the rubber fuel hoses and vacuum lines, Oldsculass suggested replacing the waterpump (it does look original), flush the radiator, and give it a good thorough tune-up with quality wires, accel cap/rotor/points, and an accel superstock coil. Then go for duel exhaust, probably with the stock manifolds. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but I have time. I'm looking to make a little pep off the line but I realize with those 2.56 gears it will never be a g-force monster. But I want to keep them for now, I drive a lot of interstate.