Fuel Pressure Gauge

[JJSZABO]

Has anyone added a permanent fuel pressure gauge to their 4bbl Q-jet?  If so, how did you do it?  Pictures?

I want to do it and do not want to reinvent the wheel.  Thanks.

[VileZambonie]

Sure, just put it on your fuel pressure regulator assuming you have one? Otherwise knowing your fuel pressure is kind of pointless. Fuel volume is more important than fuel pressure with a carburetor so unless you are running a high performance pump be it mechanical or electric you shouldn't need a regulator or gauge unless you are trouble shooting a problem.

[JJSZABO]

I only ask cause I am suspect in how I installed my mechanical fuel pump.  I will soon try to start this thing and I thought that if I installed a fuel pressure gauge it would tell me right off if the fuel pump is working properly - maybe I am thinking too much

What you said makes sense though Vile - thanks.

[HAULIN IT]

Jeff, I made a "test" fitting for a q-jet using an extra Big nut,where the filter goes (long style,Pont,Olds) a flat washer (to cap off the big end) & an extra fuel line nut w/a short piece of in it, all neatly brazed together. I drilled a hole & brazed a 1/8" pipe coupler on the side of the big nut for the gauge or line to the gauge. This way you can remove the stock line, install "the rig", test & put back when your done. This way is a little safer than some rubber hose set-up,ect. Lorne   

[VileZambonie]

What are you in question about on how you installed your fuel pump?

[JJSZABO]

This is the book I used to "finish" the crate motor


These are the instructions along with the instructions from the fuel pump:


This is the fuel pump:


The instructions say to install the fuel pump pushrod and then install the fuel pump so the pushrod pushes the fuel pump cam.  My concern is with this step.  When I finished and then spun the motor I didn't feel or hear anything from the pump. 

It has been MANY years since I had to deal with a mechanical fuel pump.

[Redneckchevy]

Well u gotta make sure the Rod Is on top of the fuel pump arm...U gotta hold the rod up there with some grease then install the fuel pump or else the rod will slip under the arm

[JJSZABO]

That's what I "think" happened?  The rod was held in place with assembly lube while I installed the fuel pump - I even did it twice to be sure - maybe I am being paranoid?

[Redneckchevy]

Well if ur getting gas...it works.. if ur not then u no the rod dropped If u wanna make sure Get a inline clear fuel filter..

[JJSZABO]

Hense the reason for wanting a fuel pressure gauge - If I have pressure it is installed correctly.

 I do not want to keep cranking the engine without it firing - do not want to damage the new cam.

Well if ur getting gas...it works.. if ur not then u no the rod dropped If u wanna make sure Get a inline clear fuel filter..

Ahhh - good idea, didn't think of that

[Redneckchevy]

lol.....If you want to use a fuel pressure gauge u should...a lil eye candy dont hurt nothing...And if it makes u feel better knowing u got steady fuel pressure why not...Or try it my way....When ur clamps rot out and it starts to drip...just let it go...The Steady smell of gas and fumes rising from ur truck will also let you no.... j/p

[werewolfx13]

When I swapped my fuel pump, the new pump would NOT go back in when the rod dropped..I managed to hold the rod up and get the pump in place without using grease, but it wasn't my idea of fun.

[Captkaos]

You can't get the pump on there if the rod dropped, well maybe with a large hammer.  If you installed it, as you said, it will be fine.

[Redneckchevy]

I could of swore one time i installed one and it slipped under the arm....??

[Captkaos]

If by some reason you did pull it off to get the pump on there with the rod dropped, it isn't going to do anything to the cam.  If you were able to I am impressed...