glass fuel filter

[big m]

Roger and all,

Stay away from the new cylinder glass filter - they can't take the heat. Mine was glass with chrome ends and broke while filling up with gas half-way to Myrtle Beach a few years back. The glass is just to thin for the heat from the intake manifold.

Thanks,
Curt

I'll second that. I've replaced many wiring harnesses and underhood components due to fires caused by these filters coming undone and the fuel igniting.

---John

[big m]

Roger,

Most likely your hard starting problem is due to the fact that the fuel in the carb is evaporating after the car is parked for more than a few days. Modern fuels are oxygenated, and will dissipate much quicker than the fuels of yesterday. Our carburetors are vented to the atmosphere as well, through a bowl vent, which compounds the problem. Another culprit can be the fuel pump, the check valves inside the pump are not completely sealing, allowing fuel to drain back towards the tank, resulting in too little fuel to start the car with.

---John

[rogerh]

Thank you John! I had no idea there were "check valves" in the fuel pump!
I will plan to have it rebuilt.

[Fins59]

Roger and all,

Stay away from the new cylinder glass filter - they can't take the heat. Mine was glass with chrome ends and broke while filling up with gas half-way to Myrtle Beach a few years back. The glass is just to thin for the heat from the intake manifold.

Thanks,
Curt

I'll second that. I've replaced many wiring harnesses and underhood components due to fires caused by these filters coming undone and the fuel igniting.

---John

You guys got me scared now. I have the in-line glass cylinder filter in my car. I've put 15-20,000 miles on it and no problem, YET. I think I will start looking for replacement.

[Fins59]

Thank you John! I had no idea there were "check valves" in the fuel pump!
I will plan to have it rebuilt.

Roger - fwiw, on Autozone website they show a fuel pump for the 361 cu. in. 4bbl for $21.99. That's all I know.

[rogerh]

Although I usually don't "fix" something unless it's broken (and I have lots of broken things around here!), for that price I really should pick one up and install it. I have NO idea how old teh present pump is, and maybe that is what's causing the drainback (and possible some performance issues).
THanks!

[Fins59]

They have one listed for my 318 too. I think I might pick one up for a spare. Mine's listed at $36.99 though!!!

[rogerh]

maybe because the 361 is an "off-size", and not often requested, they are selling them at a discount?

[rogerh]

Today was a really nice weather day here in teh greater Seattle area, so I went out and bought the AutoZone fuel pump and prepared to install it. (My car's engine and trans is from a 1961 Newport, so I am not sure if his applies to 59 Plymouths.)
I removed the old fuel pump...it appears to be the original unit, so 49 years is probably a good age for parts retirement!
I fit the new pump, but I was having trouble. This fuel pump is operated by pushrod, and while the old pump was out, the pushrod slid down and blocked any new connection.
But clever Mopar, they provided an access hole (accessed by removing a drainplug-looking bolt.) I pushed the pushrod in, then quickkly fit the fuel pump into its position.
I replaced the access plug, installed new rubber fuel lines, and gave it the try.
Now it starts right up. I will check again tomorrow, to test whether the drainback problem has been solved.
Thanks to all who promoted the idea of replacing the pump!

[big m]

I hope that does the trick, Roger. It sounds as though your old pump had done its job for a long, long, time.

---John

[rogerh]

I don't know if it is a definitive test of a leaky pump, but I blew into the outlet of the old pump and the remaining fuel shot out the inlet and onto my shirt.
Hey John, I se there is yet another 59 Suburban for sale in Redding Craigslist. As you say, someone must still be manufacturing them in your area!