Edelbrock 1406 Chevrolet 350

[dmw319]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Most of the Edelbrock carbs like 4.5 to 5.5 PSI.

Mount a regulator anywhere between the pump and the carb. Might have to do some fabricating. There are also mounts available that mount it up close to the carb.

Gary

so one vote for a regulator. Any suggestions on which one?

[GASoline71]

One of the summit or jegs cheapies. Heck... the local parts counter might even have one on the shelf.

Gary

[TXTruck]

screamin_c10, you said to "...plug your crossovers...", can you expand on that? This isn't something that I've ever heard of...

[CC69Rat]

Guys --

I'd like to post some valuable information I found out the hard way. If I caused anyone additional trouble I am very sorry but the concept of fuel pressure is still the problem.

Here's the deal .. The factory fuel pumps put out too much fuel pressure for the Edelbrock carbs (as far as I can tell) You can fix the problem with a fuel pressure regulator .. BUT .. when I put mine on and drove the truck a little bit the added pressure in the pump blew the diaphram out of it. So, now the problem has moved.

I did a little research and found (on Edelbrock's website) they make a specific fuel pump that MUST be used with this carb. I know there will be people that have a factory style pump and this carb and never had a problem .. but per their website, gotta get the $95 Edelbrock fuel pump to make it work correctly.

Apparently the pump is designed to only put out 5 or so psi. The factory OE style pump is the variable.

So, while the regulator might fix the problem for a while it's only a matter of time before you damage the fuel pump. Mine was the original and it didn't take long for it to give up. I guess the regulator just builds too much pressure in the line and it has to go somewhere. the weak point being the pump ..

Thought I'd share. Summit sells the fuel pump.
Later..

[GASoline71]

Very good point... but you can do the exact same thing with any mechanical fuel pump and add a fuel pressure regulator turned down to 5 psi. I've never damaged a pump by using a regulator.

Gary

[CC69Rat]

I thought it would work too.. but my regulator blew out the OE fuel pump. Edelbrocks website explains it very well.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Frijolito1988]

Glad i found this thread. I just started my engine in the truck and it has a 1406 , it runs fine but I think it needs a little more help in the idle. YOu think the new fuel pump will help it run smoother?

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

I thought it would work too.. but my regulator blew out the OE fuel pump. Edelbrocks website explains it very well.
Posted via Mobile Device

Then again... I will admit that I've never ran an OE pump with a regulator. All of them have been aftermarket.

Gary

[dmw319]

I believe this is the Edelbrock Fuel Pump CC69Rat is referring to:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-1721/

It sounds like it might be actually fixing the problem I am having versus only patching the problem with a regulator. This is probably what I will do!

[70CHEVYBB]

I just installed a 1406 on a 96 350 in my 72. I used a delphi electric pump and a regulator set a 4.5 psi. I did have to change jets and rods but other wise runs great.

[nate_g_2003]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

I thought it would work too.. but my regulator blew out the OE fuel pump. Edelbrocks website explains it very well.
Posted via Mobile Device

Can you point me in the right direction? I can't seem to find anything on the Edelbrock site lol

[Murphy IRE]

I guess I'm in this boat too. On my thread "Losing power going uphill". i have the drowning affect too in hot operating temps, but not cold. Thanks i will check the floats. Currently, I'm running two stages lean, PO had two stages rich.

[oldblue1968chevy]

I had same problem reset the floats cleaned it all out regulated it to 5psi and now its much better.

if i did it again id buy the edelbrock pump just to have a cleaner install

[Hubscrub]

i just rebuilt a 1406 on my wife's truck set the floats, took the time to tune everything to what edelbrock recommends. It runs better than the new one i have, smooth as silk no regulator, stock fuel pump, no starting issues almost like it's fuel injection hot or cold. just a thought. still rather have a q-jet

[70monte]

I personally have never had much luck with Edelbrock Performer Carbs. I have a 1406 and 1411 that have been setting on a shelf in my garage since around 1997. Both of them had the same problems with an off idle stumble that I never could resolve as well as never really running right. I bought both of them new.

The 1406 was used on a 350 that was in my 70 Monte Carlo. When I put in a 396 BB in the Monte, I bought the 1411 and never could get it to run right. It was barely used when I took it off. I then bought a new Edelbrock 1901 Quadrajet and that solved all of my problems. Car ran great and this carb is still on this car to this day and still runs great. I don't know why Edelbrock quit making this carb.

My 396 uses an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and I still could not get the 1411 to run right. I even bought the jet and needle kit for it and tried different combo's.

I never had any heat related problems when using these carbs. The fuel pressure could have been a problem since I was using stock fuel pumps. I bought an Edelbrock fuel pump when I first had the 396 built but it would not clear the frame rail in my Monte so I never used it and put a stock pump back on the engine. It's still sitting on the garage shelf too but I doubt it's any good anymore.

Anyway, I like Q-jets and is what I prefer to run.

Wayne

[CC69Rat]

Can you share the settings you found, what Edelbrock reccommends please sir? You might help a bunch of people out... I hear a lot of people commenting on the 1406 and if theres a set of specifics out there I know I would benifit from them too.

Thanks in advance.
Posted via Mobile Device

[shawno72]

I guess I am one of the lucky ones....so far it's been a new Oreilly's fuel pump and a rebuilt 1406, that I rebuilt, and have a 1/2" phenolic spacer. It has been 105 plus here for the past week and I have purposely taken the truck for some moderate long drives in the dead of the heat and have had zero problems. Probably just jinxed myself but I thought I would share.

[Hubscrub]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Can you share the settings you found, what Edelbrock recommends please sir? You might help a bunch of people out... I hear a lot of people commenting on the 1406 and if theres a set of specifics out there I know I would benefit from them too.

Thanks in advance.
Posted via Mobile Device

yall posted at the exact same time assume you was asking me. All my info was found in the rebuild kit paper work. I doubt i still have them (if i run across them in my junk i will show) but thats where my info came from i'm sure it on the net some were. I took special time on the floats (i bought new ones also) to measure what they recommend. Sorry i couldn't be more help, i need to check the floats in my new one i've heard people say on here that theres have been off out of the box.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Instructions in the rebuild kit ^ (what nate said)

Also, the specs are downloadable on edelbrocks website somewhere..i'll see if i can find it

[oldblue1968chevy]

Just google edelbrock pdf manaul, it should also be on their site im too tired to keep messing with it lol it keeps saying page not displayed lol good nite

[leftybass209]

Everyone on here has given great advice. The carb spacer is probably the easiest and fastest way to help fix the problem. I do agree that the fuel regulator could be needed with a carb that gets flooded, but i have never experienced a stock or similar fuel pump causing a carb boil problem! I myself have a stock GM goodwrench 350, with Edelbrock RPM manifold, 1406 carb, and stock cast iron manifolds, with a parts store fuel pump, and I've never had any carb boil with my truck here in El Paso, with engine temps steady around 180, and outside temps between 100-105. I do think the routing and material of the fuel line can help create some of the boiling problems. try to keep it off and away from the block and heads, and don't let it touch the intake while it makes route to the inlet. Good luck!

[TXTruck]

From page 8 of the Edelbrock Performer Series Carburetor Owner's Manual:

"Fuel Pumps and Pressure

Avoid extremes in fuel pressure. At IDLE, there should not be any more than 6.0 psi; if the vehicle has an adjustable fuel-pressure regulator, set it to 5.5 psi. With most fuel pumps the minimum fuel pressure is encountered at high rpm and WOT. Fuel pressure should not drop below 2.0 psi. If it does, a fuel pump with more capacity may be required. Note that some later model vehicles (the 5.0L Ford is one example) have mechanical pumps that will give more than 6.0 psi at idle. The vehicle will perform well, but may be prone to stalls on quick turns and stops with the clutch disengaged. If this problem occurs, check the fuel pressure. If it is more than 6.0 psi at IDLE, it should be reduced through the use of a regulator, such as Edelbrock #8190, or by creating a restricted by-pass bleed to the fuel return line. Edelbrock Street Fuel Pumps are highly recommended for all Edelbrock Performer Series carburetor installations.

Always use a filter, such as Edelbrock #8873 between the pump and carburetor. Note that a good filter is large in area, so it may be able to transmit a significant amount of heat to the fuel. It is a good practice to keep the filter away from heat and not allow it to come in contact with any part of the engine."

From page 36:

"Excessive under hood temperature: Ensure fuel line is not located too close to heat sources such as the exhaust or block, causing expanding fuel to be forced past the needle and seat. Fuel can also boil inside the carburetor due to missing gaskets, spacers, or heat shields. Also check to see if the exhaust heat riser is stuck, allowing excessive heat under the carburetor. Use Edelbrock Divided Heat Insulator Gasket #9266 for dual-plane manifolds, Square-Bore Heat Insulator Gasket #9265 for singleplane manifolds, and #9267 Heat Insulator Gaskets for dual-quad manifolds."

[Frijolito1988]

ok So i have a 1406 and just installed a fuel pressure gauge. My gauge goes crazy from 8-12 PSI it just moves back and forth. I will get video of this.

[GASoline71]

You definately need a regulator... Some fuel pumps will have some fluctuations. Anywhere over 5.5 psi is waaaaayyyy to much pressure for an Edlebrock carb.

Gary

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

You definately need a regulator... Some fuel pumps will have some fluctuations. Anywhere over 5.5 psi is waaaaayyyy to much pressure for an Edlebrock carb.

Gary

Will probably install one today.

pep boys sells a Mr. Gasket regulator for $30.

But is it normal that my needle was moving from 7-13 rapidly ? what is the downside to having this much fuel pressure on this carb ?