Fuel pump vacuum lines?

[GeorgeLeonard]

Ive been nosing around my engine compartment and trying to get my engine started. Its a 1953 with a standard looking 216 and a Rochester Model B carburetor. I noticed what looks like vacuum lines that lead to my fuel pump. Does anyone know what these might be for? I dont think I have ever had a car with vacuum lines hooked up to the fuel pump.

[dwcsr]

They operate your wipers. The fuel pump/ Vacuum pump are in the same housing.
Its a very common pump for that era

[mr48chev]

Dave nailed it right on the head. Those were sometimes called dual action fuel pumps and the vacuum side was so that your vacuum wipers would work well on acceleration or when climbing a hill. Those of us who have run with just a regular fuel pump often have to let up on the gas for a second while climbing a grade so that the wipers will work.

[GeorgeLeonard]

Thats kind of what I figured. So if I disconnect the vacuum lines do I need to plug them up at the fuel pump end? Will the fuel pump still operate conventionally off the camshaft as normal? Just so you know, I dont have windshield wipers anyway. None of my cars of that era had them and letting off the accelerator while going up a hill was just a way of life back then. Im talking Mopar, Studebaker, and Nash.

[GeorgeLeonard]

Thats kind of what I figured. So if I disconnect the vacuum lines do I need to plug them up at the fuel pump end? Will the fuel pump still operate conventionally off the camshaft as normal?