[DeTomaso] more fuel system questions

wkooiman at earthlink.net wkooiman at earthlink.net
Thu Jul 31 00:22:11 EDT 2008


I have never understood the safety reason for putting the filter before the pump.

Even if you completely remove the filter, there's still going to be pressurized fuel after the pump.  That's the whole idea, right?

What difference does it make to put the filter before the pump?

I understand that some pumps can't handle debris, so that's a valid reason for filtering the fuel - before pumping it.

I also understand if the filter itself can't handle pressurized fuel - like maybe those cheap glass filters.

Am I missing something?  I'm not trying to be a smart at ss.  (although it happens naturally sometimes)

By the way, I run a filter after the pump.  It is a log-style filter.  It is all aluminum with 2 large o-rings and A/N fittings.  It can probably handle 100psi or more (maybe not, but well within the 7psi my pump makes).

-----Original Message-----
>From: clay willmott <claywillmott at hotmail.com>
>Sent: Jul 30, 2008 12:49 PM
>To: jderyke at aol.com
>Cc: List Pantera <detomaso at realbig.com>
>Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] more fuel system questions
>
>
>"Pre-pump filters are safer and is the configuration required by SCCA
>and most other sanctioning bodies for carbureted cars with modified
>fuel systems (that is, ANYTHING changed including the original carb).
>Rigged with a filter after the pump, you have a fully pressurized
>container of fuel waiting to supply a fire, even with the engine
>killed. We once had a Weber-equipped Porsche 914 with such a system
>catch fire and be extinguished THREE TIMES in a minute or so during an
>autocross, and the last two fires, the car was sitting still with no
>driver, the disconnect switch had killed all electric power but fuel
>was still spraying all over. Even if you don't compete with the car,
>its still safer on the road with filters rigged between pump and tank.
>Good luck- J Deryke"
>
><<Thanks for the response.  The fire issue is something I had not thought of.
>
>Unfortunately I have already installed all new Earl's fittings with SS line.  I used 6 AN from the new fuel sender to the canister 5-10 micron Fram filter, 6 AN from the 1st filter to the Mr Gasket 80gph mechanical pump, 8 AN from the pump to the inline filter (10 micron) placed right by the distributor cap, then the Earl's double outlet fittings for the carb with inline fuel pressure gauge.
>I took me some time and some $$ to to all this as I had to remove all my previous electrical pump and line and re-plumb it all in stainless with the mechanical filter.  
>I am curious if anyone else has had a fire with these inline filters pre-carburator?  Mine is relatively small and is not mounted but does not seem to move around any.
>If I leave it as is should I get fuel line insulation to keep fuel temp lower and possibly prevent vapor lock or fire hazard?
>Or just leave it alone ?
>
>Thanks
>Clay
>
>
> 
>
>
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