47-55.1 Does this look familiar to anyone?

[TX3100Guy]

The 1953 truck has a 1959 261 engine and this fuel bowl/regulator? feeding the two barrel Stromberg carb. Does anyone know where this unit comes from and where I might find the rubber gaskets and the mesh filter element?

Thanks in advance for your detective work.

[mr48chev]

Those water trap/sediment bowls are still common equipment on AG equipment and some industrial tractors.

I'd go to the local farm tractor store for the gasket for the glass bowl and possibly the filter element. I think that might be an AC element but am not sure.

[mongocanfly]

any numbers or name anywhere on it?

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

any numbers or name anywhere on it?

No discernible markings on it whatsoever.

However, it is more than just a fuel filter. When I removed the four screws holding it together, there was a 3/4 inch wide, 2 inch tall spring holding down on a rubber diaphragm, that allowed the fuel to flow through a small orfice/opening to the fuel filter/bowl. It appears to be some kind of a regulator and filter.

You can also see in this photo of it mounted (lower left side) that it has a vacuum line attached to it, as well as a vacuum line that goes to a fuel pressure gauge on the dash.

[TX3100Guy]

Here is a better photo of the unit disassembled. It is more than just a fuel filter but no markings, brand, part number etc. I'd like to recondition and/or replace the unit, but I'm not certain what it does and what a replacement should be.

[mongocanfly]

I searched for quite awhile...cant find anything like it...found alot that are similar...
Aside from the hose going to the gauge ,its just a basic filter/separator
Are you sure that hose goes to a gauge? Wondering cause you said it appears to..

[mr48chev]

I was hunting about the same time as Mongocanfly was and looking at what were most likely the same things.


To me those water traps are put on old cars and trucks now because people think they look cute and old timey rather than actual practicality or function.

[TX3100Guy]

Ok, I traced the rubber line from the outlet on the filter and it definitely goes to a fuel pressure gauge that is installed under the dash.

If I replace it with just a glass bowl filter, I would lose the function of that gauge. Recall, this jig saw puzzle of a truck also has a McCulloch supercharger, so at this point I'm reluctant to remove any functionality until its running.

[leegreen]

Originally Posted by TX3100Guy

truck also has a McCulloch supercharger,

I was going to ask about the gasket surface around the carb! The entire carb must be enclosed in a boost pressurized blow through plenum.

pressure regulating fuel filter sediment traps are readily available, but yours must also be boost compensating. Without compensating for boost the pump may over come the float needle at low boost and flood the engine.

The sediment trap glass bowl, seal and filter are pretty standard and usually sold by diameter. FilterKing is one common brand.
If the filter you have is a wire mesh, just clean and re-use. All you need is a new gasket

[mongocanfly]

ok...armed with this new info i started looking at McCullough superchargers
im seeing a very similar filter/reg on most of the old pics i could find
with that said , while doing my other searching, i found several that are mostly the same as yours, but not exactly the same
is something wrong with the one you have? other than wanting a new filter?
you could replace it with a newer version and still have the fuel pressure outlet

[mongocanfly]

look down at post #7
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...mation.797529/
they also mention McCullough and paxton ...maybe call paxton and see what they say

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by leegreen

I was going to ask about the gasket surface around the carb! The entire carb must be enclosed in a boost pressurized blow through plenum.

pressure regulating fuel filter sediment traps are readily available, but yours must also be boost compensating. Without compensating for boost the pump may over come the float needle at low boost and flood the engine.

The sediment trap glass bowl, seal and filter are pretty standard and usually sold by diameter. FilterKing is one common brand.
If the filter you have is a wire mesh, just clean and re-use. All you need is a new gasket

You are correct that there is a sealed enclosure around the carb, here is a photo of the supercharged on the left, chrome pipe feeding air to the sealed plenum covering the Stromberg two barrel carb. If you look on the right below the carb enclosure, you can see the top of this fuel filter/pressure gauge/regulator.

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

ok...armed with this new info i started looking at McCullough superchargers
im seeing a very similar filter/reg on most of the old pics i could find
with that said , while doing my other searching, i found several that are mostly the same as yours, but not exactly the same
is something wrong with the one you have? other than wanting a new filter?
you could replace it with a newer version and still have the fuel pressure outlet

Please send me the links for what you are looking at, I've been unable find anything. I'm concerned about the thickness of the rubber diaphragm on this unit and would like to replace it with something that I know can handle ethanol. A new unit that allow for a connection to the fuel pressure gauge would be wonderful.

[1project2many]

Supercharger info here:
http://vs57.y-block.info/index.htm

Lots and lots and lots of stuff to help. You can spend months here learning!

Here:http://vs57.y-block.info/indextech.htm
Links to tech resources on the LH side of the page.

Fuel pump modifications:
http://vs57.y-block.info/indextech.htm

At the bottom of the fuel pump section is this:

Sourcing a boost referenced fuel pressure regulator is relatively easy, Paxton and other supercharger/turbocharger manufacturers have produced several variants over the years, and Mallory currently produces a $70 regulator (the 4309). Some of these regulators required plumbing fuel return lines to the tank (Mallory 4309 for example) others are simpler to install but should be checked for possible pump overheating problems when used in conjunction with electric pumps (less of a problem for a supplementary pumps as they only operate for short periods). A cheap regulator setup (without fuel return line) that can be used is a $20 Holley HLY-12-803 fixed fuel pressure regulator. This has to be modified though - the modification basically involves filing down the air bleed notch on the top surface (or filling it with epoxy resin - or welding it up) and then fitting a pipe to connect the booost to to the top surface. Greg 'TurboStude' has some photos and a description of the procedure on his TurboStude site (http://cancermn.net/TS/chapter_7.htm).

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

Supercharger info here:
http://vs57.y-block.info/index.htm

Lots and lots and lots of stuff to help. You can spend months here learning!

Here:http://vs57.y-block.info/indextech.htm
Links to tech resources on the LH side of the page.

Fuel pump modifications:
http://vs57.y-block.info/indextech.htm

At the bottom of the fuel pump section is this:

Sourcing a boost referenced fuel pressure regulator is relatively easy, Paxton and other supercharger/turbocharger manufacturers have produced several variants over the years, and Mallory currently produces a $70 regulator (the 4309). Some of these regulators required plumbing fuel return lines to the tank (Mallory 4309 for example) others are simpler to install but should be checked for possible pump overheating problems when used in conjunction with electric pumps (less of a problem for a supplementary pumps as they only operate for short periods). A cheap regulator setup (without fuel return line) that can be used is a $20 Holley HLY-12-803 fixed fuel pressure regulator. This has to be modified though - the modification basically involves filing down the air bleed notch on the top surface (or filling it with epoxy resin - or welding it up) and then fitting a pipe to connect the booost to to the top surface. Greg 'TurboStude' has some photos and a description of the procedure on his TurboStude site (http://cancermn.net/TS/chapter_7.htm).

Great input, thank you. I will continue my research on the filter/regulator/pressure gauge.

[TX3100Guy]

Along the lines of the fuel system and me wanting to drain and overhaul everything from the tank to the carb, today I removed the mechanical fuel pump. There is/was an electric fuel pump that is frame mounted after the tank petcock and before this mechanical pump. See photos below. I'd like to disassemble this one to rebuild it and/or just replace it. However, given the unique nature of this 1953 truck with a 1959 261 engine with a supercharger, I'm unsure just which mechanical pump this is, let alone how to open it up for rebuilding. Assistance will be greatly appreciated.

[leegreen]

Very cool engine!

Are you sure you want to bring a fuel pressure line into the cab for a gauge? I like old school, but some things are better left in the past.

I would say what you have is a boost compensating, non adjustable, blocking fuel pressure regulator with integral sediment bowl filter.

There must be a spring that presets the pressure and the top portion you could not split adds pressure when the boost comes on. Any diaphragm with similar dimensions should work, but I'd be hesitant to mix and match given the need to balance fuel pressure with boost pressure.

I don't think you will find a replacement all in one unit with modern materials. The glass bowl portion is not something manufacturers would see much demand for the last 30 years since EFI took over the hot rod market.
It would be easy to find it as two pieces: a modern boost compensating, adjustable, blocking regulator and a separate sediment bowl/filter (or modern disposable filter).

You can get the regulator portion with a built in gauge, a threaded port for a gauge/sender or just put a T in the line between regulator and carb.
There are also electric fuel gauges with 0-15 PSI range that probably covers what you need, and no fuel line needed in cab.

some examples i have no first hand experience with:
https://www.fuelab.com/55501-fuel-pr...-regulator/p43 (you should be able to use threaded vent to connect to boost pressure but ask be fore you buy)
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Glass...l?sku=91011778
https://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalo...s/10-25058.php

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by leegreen

Very cool engine!

Are you sure you want to bring a fuel pressure line into the cab for a gauge? I like old school, but some things are better left in the past.

I would say what you have is a boost compensating, non adjustable, blocking fuel pressure regulator with integral sediment bowl filter.

There must be a spring that presets the pressure and the top portion you could not split adds pressure when the boost comes on. Any diaphragm with similar dimensions should work, but I'd be hesitant to mix and match given the need to balance fuel pressure with boost pressure.

I don't think you will find a replacement all in one unit with modern materials. The glass bowl portion is not something manufacturers would see much demand for the last 30 years since EFI took over the hot rod market.
It would be easy to find it as two pieces: a modern boost compensating, adjustable, blocking regulator and a separate sediment bowl/filter (or modern disposable filter).

You can get the regulator portion with a built in gauge, a threaded port for a gauge/sender or just put a T in the line between regulator and carb.
There are also electric fuel gauges with 0-15 PSI range that probably covers what you need, and no fuel line needed in cab.

some examples i have no first hand experience with:
https://www.fuelab.com/55501-fuel-pr...-regulator/p43 (you should be able to use threaded vent to connect to boost pressure but ask be fore you buy)
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Glass...l?sku=91011778
https://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalo...s/10-25058.php

That is terrific information, thank you. Given that I am re-plumbing the entire fuel system from the tank to the carb and I already had plans for an inline fuel filter cartridge system, I think I can safely eliminate the glass bowl filter. As for the fuel pressure gauge, there is already one in the truck and at this point I wasn't planning on eliminating anything but could be convinced, , the line from the existing glass bowl setup to the cab does carry fuel and goes to the fuel PSI gauge ((1-15 PSI). The other output barb at the top of that regulator joins at a "T" another rubber hose line from the back of the carb plenum to feed a second gauge in the cab labeled Pressure (1-10 PSI)

I'd like to eliminate both of those gauges, but specifically the one bringing fuel into the cab, since I already eliminated the fuel tank in the cab. I'm guessing that the regulator that you showed can have a gauge mounted directly on it instead of pluming fuel into the cabin. What about the other gauge, it doesn't seem possible to eliminate it without losing some information.

[mongocanfly]

Some of the ones I saw while searching had the gauge mounted directly to it..not in the cab

[leegreen]

Originally Posted by TX3100Guy

The other output barb at the top of that regulator joins at a "T" another rubber hose line from the back of the carb plenum to feed a second gauge in the cab labeled Pressure (1-10 PSI)

My guess is that is just boost pressure on that barb / gauge and no fuel present.

The regulator I linked had a threaded port where you could screw on a gauge, or just search around for a regulator with gauge - they are common.
I can understand why you would want to see both fuel and plenum pressure while driving with a blow through carb setup.

if you are replumbing consider adding a fuel return line and getting a non-blocking regulator, the electric pump will like having some flow at all times better.
Not sure why you would need dual pumps. The mechanical pump you show looks like a pretty standard 235/261 pump from the pictures.

When was that engine built? it is a pretty cool piece of inline 6 hot rod history.

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by leegreen

My guess is that is just boost pressure on that barb / gauge and no fuel present.

The regulator I linked had a threaded port where you could screw on a gauge, or just search around for a regulator with gauge - they are common.
I can understand why you would want to see both fuel and plenum pressure while driving with a blow through carb setup.

if you are replumbing consider adding a fuel return line and getting a non-blocking regulator, the electric pump will like having some flow at all times better.
Not sure why you would need dual pumps. The mechanical pump you show looks like a pretty standard 235/261 pump from the pictures.

When was that engine built? it is a pretty cool piece of inline 6 hot rod history.

Lee, the short version of this jigsaw puzzle truck is that it was owned by the same family since new. Father, then son who began a full restoration and hot rod build in the early 2000's. He apparently stopped working on it around 2010-2012. The truck was sold by the window to my buddy around 2016, who did little to it but shoot WD-40 into the cylinders and hand crank the engine. I fell in love with it the day he bought it, but he wasn't ready to part with it until recently. The truck should be a part of hotrod history. A some point it was a pusher truck in the Bonneville salt flats and thus was outfitted with the McCulloch supercharger from a 58-59 Studebaker.

While I consider myself that caretaker of this truck, I want to update some of the systems that make it stop and go. Thus, a bit of a make-over of the fuel system, as well as four wheel disk brakes and an electric master cylinder. Right now, the fuel system is at the top of my projects list. I've removed the cabin fuel tank and plan on mounting it in a vintage steamer trunk in the bed, using flexible stainless tubing to feed a fuel pump. I've been questioning the need for the mechanical fuel pump too. If I find the regulator that works and looks right, I might consider ditching the mechanical pump.

[TX3100Guy]

There's a small hitch in my plans of eliminating the mechanical fuel pump. It appear that the master builder of this truck, drilled a 1/4" hole and tapped it in the side of the pump. My guess is that where he tapped it provides some amount of vacuum because he has a 12 inch or so vacuum line to the back of the McCulloch supercharger. If I'm going to eliminate the pump, I will need to find an alternate vacuum source.

[leegreen]

What does that line connect to at supercharger end?

Although a fuel pump might draw a slight vacuum against suction from the tank, you said you had an electric pump between tank and mechanical pump so you should never see a vacuum. This line can only deliver fuel pressure to supercharger. For the engine to run the fuel pressure has to be greater than the intake pressure and in your case the pressure at the pump has to be greater than the regulated fuel pressure. I can't see what this line you found accomplishes. It may have been a misguided attempt to regulate or increase fuel pressure with bled off boost pressure?

[TX3100Guy]

Originally Posted by leegreen

What does that line connect to at supercharger end?

Although a fuel pump might draw a slight vacuum against suction from the tank, you said you had an electric pump between tank and mechanical pump so you should never see a vacuum. This line can only deliver fuel pressure to supercharger. For the engine to run the fuel pressure has to be greater than the intake pressure and in your case the pressure at the pump has to be greater than the regulated fuel pressure. I can't see what this line you found accomplishes. It may have been a misguided attempt to regulate or increase fuel pressure with bled off boost pressure?

The port that the tube attaches to on the supercharger is a very small hole (may 1/8 of an inch) in the output of the supercharger to the carb plenum.

I mistakenly believed that the mechanical pump was in some way providing vacuum to the supercharger, when in fact I think the supercharger was bleeding off pressurized air via that port, but I'm confused as to why the former (deceased) owner would have directed it to the mechanical pump housing.

[TX3100Guy]

This is my best depiction of the plumbing on this truck for fuel, intake air, supercharged air, etc.