So I got the older sender out and looked at the pump.


AC Delco, number 6441584. That seems to cross reference to nothing, but it does show up on an Italian website with cross reference numbers.

http://www.meat-doria.com/en/product_meat/76386/543

Apparently this was also used on Fiats back in the day.

I tracked this down and found it is referenced as the part "EP386". What seems to be a source of concern is that the same body is used in many pumps, but with different volumes and flow rates for different applications, like carbs, TBI, or TPI.

I think I figured out why it seems like I was running out of gas when I got to about half a tank.


It looks like rust is the culprit, it looks like the tube shifted, and maybe cracked a little too.


So I was getting fuel only because my engine mounted mechanical pump was working well. Ouch. Think if this failure had occured when I had less than half a tank, I'd have been broken down on the road. Fortunately I kept the tank filled and thus got a "warning" with the backfires.

Here is my new pickup, the Spectra FG12X next to the one I took out.


What is another source of confusion is that the FG12X is listed for 1990s rigs. The references I've seen on the internet so far show that the FG12P is for the '87 P30. (probably the potato chip truck version)

http://www.rockauto.com/catalo...reinfo.php?pk=275627

Note that the FG12P does not have the provision for the in tank fuel pump, and does not have the 4 contact connector for working this pump.

Bill H, I wonder, which electrical connector do you have? I was surprised that I had an in tank fuel pump. I thought the electric pumps were outside the tank add-ons only, in this era.

In looking at the fuel line routing more closely now, I see that the generator is fed with a T-fitting on the line which is the return line from the carb. This return line is also the support for the fuel pump in the tank, so use of the generator risks running the tank dry enough to stop the engine from running!

I'd like to do something different. But I don't like the idea of drilling a hole in the top of the gas tank and mounting another flange. I was thinking of getting a "specialist" to mount another line in the top of the new sender.


But the real estate there is limited. I was also thinking of "doing something else" with the fuel tank breather line.

What do you think?

Matt

Good thread. Subscribed.

Matt, Our 86 Reagal with 60 gal. tank has same set up. The presure line on our runs to a presure regulator mounted on the frame next to tank then to the mech pump.(Holley P/N 12-803) The 86 factory service manual show nothing on a tank mounted pump. Do you have a regulator in your system?
If the gen feed is using the return could you just drill a small hole a few inches up the tube to keep gen from sucking tank dry. I have never run my tank dry, but I have never had my genny run out of fuel.

Doorman

Doorman, correct, there is a pressure regulator on the frame, next to the tank.

I like your idea about drilling a small hole in the tube.

thanks!
Matt

We've gone through this ourselves. Found a company that rebuilds in tank sending units and that plus all new lines and filters all the way to the Q-Jet worked well. BTW, where is the charcoal canister that Bill talks about?
Matt, I found that dropping the big gas tank was quite easy. Tere just got under there and did it. No problem for me at all . What a gal
Jim

Excellent post!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Jim and Tere:
BTW, where is the charcoal canister that Bill talks about?

Jim

Mine is between the engine and the RH wheel well. You can follow the line from the carb.

But, in a non-smog inspection jurisdiction, it may have been removed by a PO.

Posted 01-14-2012 11:08 AM Hide Post
Re: the sending unit & the charcoal canister go here

http://barthmobile.com/eve/for...=810107781#810107781



& see what the PO did with ours. Note: the third picture & the breather tube they added on it. Not good for CA emissions I guess.
Tere



1985 Regal
29' Chevy 454 P32
8411 3172 29FP3B
Gear Vendor 6

quote:

"EP386".

I wanted to note a couple things. The old EP386, if indeed that is what it is, has a different electrical connection interface than the new EP386. The new one is compatible with the new FG12X sender unit. Both the new EP386 from GM and the FG12X are made in China now.

My fuel gauge works fine, and with only about 10 gallons in the tank, the 454 fired up fine. I haven't been able to run the engine with under a half a tank in over a year. I am happy about this! If you pay for 75 gallons, you'd like to be able to use all that.

best regards,
Matt