Our 54 Commander seems to be having a lot of trouble with vapor lock on hot days. I am planning to convert to an electric pump and pressure regulator. But instead of just removing the mechanical pump and installing a block-off plate, I am thinking about removing the guts of the mechanical pump and leaving it mounted on the side of the oil fill tube. That mounting location is pretty unique and I would like to keep the look.
I plan to remove the inlet / outlet check valves, diaphragm, spring, etc. I will fabricate a sheet-metal disc with gaskets on both sides to mount where the diaphragm was. The idea will be that the fuel from the electric pump will just flow through the glass bowl "filter" and the top side of the mechanical pump housing on its way to the carb. The oil line to the bottom side will remain as well and oil will just flow down the oil fill tube as usual.
Is there any reason this will not work? It seems so simple that I am afraid there is some major flaw in my plan and I am just not thinking about it.
Second question. There is some sort of push-rod that comes up through the oil fill tube to drive the mechanical pump. Can that rod be easily removed? Does it just lift out or what do I have to do to get it out of there?
I plan to remove the inlet / outlet check valves, diaphragm, spring, etc. I will fabricate a sheet-metal disc with gaskets on both sides to mount where the diaphragm was. The idea will be that the fuel from the electric pump will just flow through the glass bowl "filter" and the top side of the mechanical pump housing on its way to the carb. The oil line to the bottom side will remain as well and oil will just flow down the oil fill tube as usual.
Is there any reason this will not work? It seems so simple that I am afraid there is some major flaw in my plan and I am just not thinking about it.
Second question. There is some sort of push-rod that comes up through the oil fill tube to drive the mechanical pump. Can that rod be easily removed? Does it just lift out or what do I have to do to get it out of there?
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