Fuel Pressure Regulator on a Spyder?

[importsmasher]

I am working on a 63 Spyder that's been sitting for years. A previous owner put an electric fuel pump with a pressure regulator on the car. The pump was dead, so I put a stock mechanical pump back on. My question is whether the fuel pressure regulator is necessary. My understanding is that they did not have them from the factory, and I have seen comments where people put them on Corvairs to solve flooding problems. I don't know if I have flooding problems yet, but in general can I get away without one? I have no idea of the internal condition of the one I have, and I am debating on picking up another one....

Thanks,
Importsmasher

[Joe West]

Is your fuel return line connected? I had flooding problems (when hot) and fixing the fuel return line cured the problem.

Joe

[Swngaxl]

I would recommend checking the fuel pressure. There were some fuel pumps made with stiffer internal springs that allowed pressures to get too high, causing problems. If the pressure is OK and the return line is functional, you shouldn't need a regulator.

[importsmasher]

Thanks, guys. This is an early 63 that does not have a return line. Does that mean I should be installing a regulator? Was the return line introduced in mid-63 to resolve fuel pressure issues?

[bbodie52]

The Carter YH carburetor does have a reputation for being finicky and sensitive to excessive fuel pressure. Clark's Corvair Parts recommends these pressure regulators be considered for use on Corvairs – especially on turbocharged Corvairs because of this sensitivity to excessive fuel pressure. The Corvair shop manual specifies 4-5 psi as the standard for fuel pressure (1965 Chassis Shop Manual, page 6M-27, 1961 Corvair Shop Manual, page 9-18). Although this is the specified standard, some fuel pumps exceed this specification. Since you have just installed a replacement mechanical fuel pump and the output pressure from that pump is currently unknown, I would recommend using a vacuum/pressure gauge and follow the procedures in the above shop manuals to test your pump. That way you will be making your choice based on tested values on your car, instead of just basing the decision on a theory and debate here on the Corvair Forum.

http://www.corvair.com/user-cgi/catalog ... IN&page=65


Part number C6517: TURBO FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR-WITH ALL PARTS FOR CORRECT INSTALLATION

Weight: 1 lbs 0 oz
Catalog Pages(s): 65
Price: $ 82.35

Put a pressure tester on the brand new fuel pump, read almost 8 lbs.! Shop manual says it should be between 4 and 5. Installed a $30 pressure regulator, running like a dream!

Here is a link to the book on Carter YH carburetors listed on Amazon.com. The three consumer reviews on Amazon.com all gave it 5 Star/Excellent ratings. $22.50
http://www.amazon.com/Identify-Rebuild- ... 1426928343
How to Identify and Rebuild Carter YH Carburetors Used on Corvair Turbocharged Engines
by Bob Helt (Author)

[Nickshu]

Just did this. Most recommend the Holley 12-804 pressure regulator instead of the disc type one listed above by Clarks.... Including Bob Helt. A gauge can easily be added to the Holley unit.

[bbodie52]

Here is a link for ordering the recommended Holley fuel pressure regulator...

http://www.jegs.com/i/Holley/510/12-804 ... 1797507184

Holley 12-804 - Holley Fuel Pressure Regulators — $34.99


Holley#510-12-804

Standard Pressure Regulator
Chrome Finish
For use with gasoline
Port Size: 3/8'' NPT Inlet/Outlet
1 to 4 PSI
Includes Mounting Bracket

[Nickshu]

Here's a couple photos of my setup. It's a bit of a wild goose chase to assemble all the parts you need, I have included links below to all the correct parts to do this install. I plan to replace the rubber lines with custom metal fuel lines in the future...I would keep the rubber away from the engine shroud, there have been reports of these lines melting and resulting in engine fires. From what I read the problem with the disc-type FPRs is they are inaccurate with pressure settings and often start leaking after a couple years. Most recommend setting the Holley FPR at 2.5 psi, but at altitude some have found as low as 1.5 is necessary. Modern ethanol fuels combined with the high pressures put out by reproduction mechanical fuel pumps make the needle/seat in the Carter YH very sensitive to even a little pressure.

FWIW I used fuel rated Teflon tape on the threads (yellow tape), don't use white as it's not fuel resistant. I found it at Home Depot for $5. Keep the Teflon tape back from the thread ends as you don't want any little pieces getting into the fuel and clogging up the carb. I found I could not get some of the fittings not to leak w/o the Teflon tape. The fuel line I used was 5/8" from my FLAPS. If you cut off the existing fuel filter to carb metal fuel line the 5/8" rubber hose slides right on.

FPR:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Holley/510/12-804/10002/-1

Gauge:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Holley/510/26-500/10002/-1

Reducer for gauge:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FN ... UTF8&psc=1

3/8"NPT to 5/8" hose barb straight:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QT ... UTF8&psc=1

3/8"NPT to 5/8" hose barb 90 degree:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QV ... UTF8&psc=1