Fuel System: Avanti R2 fuel pump question

[dstreb]

I went and got my '63 Avanti R-2 from the garage where it was parked since February 9th (so not even two months). My mechanic installed a new fuel pump in December as part of going through the car getting it roadworthy, after it had been sitting for decades. The car was only driven a few miles before being put away for the rest of the winter, and I was excited to drive it around town for essentially the first time. I drove it maybe a mile, and all of a sudden the car just started slowing down like it was fuel starved, then died. A nice police officer helped push me to the curb. He suggested I try it again, and it started, so I drove it away, only to have it die further down the road. After waiting five minutes, it started, and I was able to drive it a few more blocks, where it died. It turns out that if it sits for five minutes, it will restart. But it will then die after driving a short distance.


I drove it to the Mechanic to raise hell, as he had just put the pump in, and it was all wet with what I thought was dripping gasoline. He found that it was power steering fluid, not gasoline! I was able to locate a power steering pump which he replaced. He called me to pick it up, and I told him to drive it to my house (a half-mile away). It stalled just as he got here!


We checked under the hood, and the fuel filter was empty. Waited a few minutes, it started right up, and the fuel filter showed a good healthy stream of gas coming in. As we watched it for a few minutes, revving the engine, it slowed to a trickle and would have died if we were driving it.


So now it does the same thing, but is a lot easier to steer! Can this be anything other than a bad fuel pump?

[DieselJim]

Sounds like there is a non vented gas cap. Cap needs to be vented .

[63 R2 Hawk]

You said the car had been "sitting for decades" prior to be worked on and briefly driven, I would suspect crud in the fuel tank or fuel lines plugging things up. Did your mechanic flush and inspect the tank and lines?

[Mike]

Stude Avanti's don't require vented caps. A 1/4" vent pipe comes out of the top of the tank on the driver's side and runs across the top of the tank. Then a hose runs up into the "C" pillar, loops and comes straight down, finally going through the floor on the passenger's side above the rear axle. Of course it could be plugged. You could see if it helps to leave the cap loose.
I think it's probably rust in the gas; and you will need to remove and clean the tank.
Mike M

[StudeRich]

R1/R2 Carter Super Pumps

An important issue here is WHERE did he get a Avanti R2 Fuel pump?

If it was not from a Studebaker Vendor there will definitely be a problem, since they are not available anywhere else.

There are 2 different pumps that are available at Parts Stores for Stude. V8s that will fit on Jet Thrust or Avanti Engines, but NOT function correctly.

[dstreb]

An important issue here is WHERE did he get a Avanti R2 Fuel pump?

If it was not from a Studebaker Vendor there will definitely be a problem, since they are not available anywhere else.

There are 2 different pumps that are available at Parts Stores for Stude. V8s that will fit on Jet Thrust or Avanti Engines, but NOT function correctly.

I got it at Studebaker International. The mechanic said he cleaned the tank and replaced the lines - I'll have to check Monday. If that's the problem will I need a new pump? Or can it be cleaned out?

[StudeRich]

About the only damage you could have done if the lines and tank were not thoroughly cleaned is clogged the One-way Valves in the pump, and IF the Tech knew what he was doing he or she COULD disassemble and clean it. Keep in mind that most Auto Techs today only know how to R and R parts, not rebuild them.

There is a very good Tutorial that was posted here, if it still is or on the Bob Johnstone Website on how to rebuild these and that would help a lot.l

[dstreb]

The mechanic wants to install an electric fuel pump. Is there a downside to that? Said he'd mount it somewhere under the car where it wouldn't be noticed and wire it in to the ignition switch.

[StudeRich]

No, do not do that. What is the problem with the Mechanical one that it can't be cleaned?

The Cool fuel return system will be compromised and the Supercharger reference (boost) line will not work either.
It is now time to get that Car OUT of that shop and to a Studebaker specialist NOW!

[dstreb]

No, do not do that. What is the problem with the Mechanical one that it can't be cleaned?

The Cool fuel return system will be compromised and the Supercharger reference (boost) line will not work either.
It is now time to get that Car OUT of that shop and to a Studebaker specialist NOW!

I'm too far away from WCD Garage to make it there, and he's booked until the fall anyhow. Any suggestions on where in Central Massachusetts I could find a Studebaker-worthy mechanic?

[StudeRich]

One of our largest Studebaker Parts Vendors and SDC Member, Turning Wheels advertisers is Dave Thibeault in Maynard, MA
I don't know if he would take on a repair job or not, but he may know someone close who does.

Go to the "Private Messages" Link at the top of these pages on the dark Blue line at the Left and click that to get to the PM I sent for contact info.