Venting and I need help please!!! (Long)

[79BIG10]

Well old Murphy's law always seems to get me all the time. I was able to get the wire looms done, valve covers mounted, new braided fuel line, new Edelbrock fuel line and filter, and alt. bracket and engine cleaned up a bit. Looks great So today I needed to get a new air cleaner nut since my old one is an eye sore. Cheap fix right? Well I went and stopped to see my brother and when I left his work the truck started acting up electrically. I pulled over and the truck died and I rolled to a stop in a parking lot. The battery + cable had melted to the header and shorted out. Well I disconnected the wires from the battery and about that time my brother pulls up and we run to the parts store. When we come back we saw a puddle under the truck. I was like what now. I look and it's coming from the right rear of the engine bay and clear. I was like what is that? Then I found out it was gas!! It had been leaking onto my headers and onto the ground. Luckily nothing else got hurt. We figured out that after I installed the new hose on the return line of the mechanical fuel pump (stock style) it had ruptured in the metal line under the bracket holding hte motor mount hardware. My brother went back to work by this time and I was by myself. First thing I had to do was stop the leak. I took teh return hose off the metal line to the valve and used a hose clamp and bolt and blocked it off. Then I ran my - cable (not connecting anything to the battery yet, gas fumes still strong) and grounded it. Then I ran my + cable to the starter. I then had to drop the starter and take off old cable (burnt to a crisp) and replace with new cable. Then I dried everything off with paper towels (keep them on hand) and replaced starter. By this time it had been sprinkling pretty good off and on and I was PO'ed. So I did some calming down and got some fresh air. Those fumes get to your head. So after triple checking anything and everything for clearance issues and gasoline I fired it up and no leaks
So off I went to the parts store and of course they didn't have the part I needed.

Now here's my questions- I need a new pump either a Holley or Edelbrock mechanical pump. Both are about the same price. Which is better? I'm leaning towards the Edelbrock since I can reclock it plus I won't need a regulator on it. Any thoughts?Reason I need a new one is the pump I have is causing me to run way rich due to the return line (overflow) being blocked off.

Also I need a new alternator (amazing how everything goes out all the time) and found a 120 AMP Chrome 1 wire for $118 The guy is a local guy that Txstruck went to and I can get as soon as I can pay for it. Hopefully I can get both and post some pics of everything then

[J-Spec C10]

yeah, it does seem to go that way sometimes eh? At least your truck isn't a ford. That would have really sucked.
Well I don't know about the f/p question, I thought you'd like to know we've all been there, afterall, they say that misery likes company.

Good luck!

Kee

[bigblock73]

Brandon, I had a Carter fuel pump on my 350 and loved it...cheaper than the others too. It has the same features i believe, might want to check into them.

-Jeff

BTW - at least your truck drives!!!!

[79BIG10]

Forgot about them Jeff. Thanks for the heads up

Edit: I just looked them up and they flow more than I Edelbrock carbs like Looks like I'd be in the same boat as the Holley. Looks more like Edelbrock looking better and better (plus it's chrome )

[swervin ervin]

Brandon,

believe me, I feel your pain. I've seen my times of crap like this. I know this don't help your situation though. but as Kyle said, you're not alone.

I'm running a stock, Advance Auto parts fuel pump. Not sure what pump to tell you to get, but as Jeff said, Carter makes some nice ones.

[racedvl]

I've done that, but in the middle of nowhere. That sucked. I also burned a hole in my headder. This is the way it is, after a year. . . I hope to maybe fix it soon. . . .

[racedvl]

BTW, that is a pop can, cut up, folded, held on by, you guessed it, hose clamps. . .

[Txstruck]

Brandon, sorry to hear all the probs your having. I have to replace one of my batteries tomorrow. Im just glad your truck didnt catch fire! That would have totally sucked. If you need a hand , let me know and ill help you out ok. And glad your getting a good deal on the chrome alt.

[mike reeh]

brandon ugh. all I can say is better you than me!

Carter is the bomb, they wrote the book on fuel pumps, been doing it for a zillion years (give or take)..

I think you'll have no problems with any pump you get. I personally would go with a holley but thats just me! The only thing I like by edelbrock are intake manifolds. Again, thats just me.......

just remember, that which doesnt kill you only makes you stronger. Words to live by. SO many stupid things that I unknowingly did, I learned from, and this time around when I put my truck together it has held up SO well and performed flawlessly. I couldnt be happier. I chock it all up to experience.. enough rambling.......

I dont know how many of you carry a fire extinguisher but you better beleive I have one behind my seat. I didnt spend all this time and money to watch my baby go up in flames on the side of the road. It could happen so easily. For so long I didnt carry one, then one day I thought about how EASILY something could catch fire under the hood. it scared the hell out of me. anyhoo......

mike

[PHOENIX]

Damn Brandon, I feel your pain.
Did I ever tell you about that time I went all the way out into the desert to go shooting. Well I had put a new (they F*cked me, it was rebuilt) clutch in the truck. Everything seemed fine and dandy. I get all the way out there and stop for gas. I start my truck and start to drive, cant shift gears, cant get out of gear. Im already in 2nd gear, really 3rd on this granny gear pos Luckily this tranny can take off in 3rd gear, but it takes a little. I ran most the stop signs and a few lights, it was all clear I timed thm perfect, plus a friend was helping me out with traffic in his truck. The worst part was having to take it all back off (and a clutch is not party, it aint that bad though). Then take it back to the store, where an argument took place. I was about to pop the manager in his dome plate. Anyway they gave me a new clutch and everything has been good since, its about time for another change. Anyway I had no tools, no nothing, just a lighter and a cell phone, oh yeah and the guns.

racedvl:
Nice road side fix, it lasted way longer then the ride home! Do you have any sound issues with that repair?

No help on the fuel pump Im just using the lifetime one from Checker, it was a brand name, just cant remember what. It seems to work just great for me, except I have a leak going down there and I have replaced the lines, not sure what the problem is. Ill probly just take it in and get a new pump and run the hoses again. It has lasted me atleast 3 years so far. I would like to get me a nice Edelbrock or Carter fuel pump. I know they work better and they sure do look better.

[79BIG10]

So ya'll didn't run a regulator with the Carter pumps? If not and it doesn't flow like the one I have now (AZ special ) and actually limits the flow I may grab that one instead. Heck it's a little cheaper but if I need the regulator to keep the flow right I might as well get the Edel.

Sidenote- I was just thinking that the new fuel line and filter may also be contributing to the extra flow. Much better flowing than the Fram paper filter I had. But still I need to get a different pump without the fuel pump return line. I may go get a cheap one from O'Rilley's rather than the other store to last me until I can get a better one. We'll wait and see

[bigblock73]

Brandon, sent you a PM...I am at work right now, the # I gave you is my home.

-Jeff

[BigRed]

Sorry to hear it Brandon! Guess I know now why you didn't show back up yesterday. Sorry I can't add any insight to the fuel pump discussion. I'm running the stock one that was on the truck when I bought it and have had no problems.

It sure is good that it wasn't raining yesterday like it is this morning! You would be really PO'd then! Well look on the bright side, there's really not much else sitting around that engine that isn't new!!

[Low87]

Sorry to hear it Brandon! It does seem that things always happen together.

[79BIG10]

Originally posted by BigRed
It sure is good that it wasn't raining yesterday like it is this morning! You would be really PO'd then! Well look on the bright side, there's really not much else sitting around that engine that isn't new!!

You ain't kidding. It was sprinkling good but not bad where I was getting drenched. The gas did that enough.

After this alternator is replaced that engine will be all new other than fuel pump which will come later. Pics will be later today or tomorrow whenever weather clears up.

[CHEVYJEFF]

Why are you going to run such a big amp alt? I got a 65 amp lifetime one at oreily for 40.00, not chrome but clean. If you need a chrome one I think you can get a one wire chrome from summit for 100.00 for 63 amp and 120 for 100 amp. On your fuel pump issue. I would first get a fuel pressure gauge hooked up and check for yourself to see what your psi is at and if it varies with heat and use. You will probably have to run a regulator with any after market mech fuel pump. They say they are preset @ 4-7 psi but I have had 2 or 3 that in the past put out 10-14 psi thereby flooding the engine. I have a brand new stock mech pump you can have if you want it.
Im going to put a holley blue elec w/ regualator on mine as soon as it quits raining and can rebuild the regualtor.

[bigblock73]

Originally posted by CHEVYJEFF
Im going to put a holley blue elec w/ regualator on mine as soon as it quits raining and can rebuild the regualtor.

I've heard and seen bad things about Holley elec pumps, that is why I sold mine...they tend to internally self distruct sending broken particles to your engine. Besides, elec pumps really are over kill unless you are making SERIOUS power...even then, a mech pump will work in most cases. Also, if you run that holley you will need to run a return line as well since it runs at a constant rate no matter how much fuel the carb needs. Just my .02

-Jeff

[swervin ervin]

Originally posted by mike reeh
I dont know how many of you carry a fire extinguisher but you better beleive I have one behind my seat.

Mike,

I have mounted to the floor, right in front of my drivers seat. No way I want to loose my truck to something stupid. It's too easy to mount a fire extinguisher in our trucks somewhere.

Jeff,

to tell you the truth, I don't see why anyone would need or want a electric pump on a street engine with a carb. What purpose does it serve besides make noise?

I've been thinking for a long time now. I thinking about upgrading my fuel pump to a mechanical Carter. The one I have now is from Advance, bought new, not rebuilt. Works fine. Fuel pressure is steady around 5 or 6 psi. But it came from Advance, you know? My plans are to put on a Carter, with a regulator, and my fuel pressure gauge. I guess it's time to start buying more braided hose and AN fittings so I can hook everything up.

[racedvl]

Ya it leaks a little, but it has lasted much longer than expected.

[SHTKCKR78]

HEY JEFF SORRY TO HEAR 'BOUT YOUR PROBS
ITS ALL UP TO YOU ON THE PUMP YOU KNOW "PERSONAL PREFERANCE" IM RUNNING THE EDELBROCK ON MY "78 3/4 4x4 W/ A 400/400 AND IT NEVER HAS HAD ANY PROBLEMS GOIN ON 2 YEARS NOW AND MY RIG WORKS FOR A LIVIN HAULIN HAY
WELL GOOD LUCK

[79BIG10]

Originally posted by CHEVYJEFF
Why are you going to run such a big amp alt? I got a 65 amp lifetime one at oreily for 40.00, not chrome but clean. If you need a chrome one I think you can get a one wire chrome from summit for 100.00 for 63 amp and 120 for 100 amp. On your fuel pump issue. I would first get a fuel pressure gauge hooked up and check for yourself to see what your psi is at and if it varies with heat and use. You will probably have to run a regulator with any after market mech fuel pump. They say they are preset @ 4-7 psi but I have had 2 or 3 that in the past put out 10-14 psi thereby flooding the engine. I have a brand new stock mech pump you can have if you want it.
Im going to put a holley blue elec w/ regualator on mine as soon as it quits raining and can rebuild the regualtor.

Jeff- I'm going to add electric fans later on and replace the AC back on the truck. I'll need the extra amps then.

I have a fuel pressure gauge but wondering how you hook it up? It's the vaccuum/fuel pressure combo style. Right now I have a stock pump that's working but it has the extra fuel return line on it right now and I want to get rid of that which is the reason for the new pump. I might get that pump later from you if this one causes my any trouble. Thanks