What fuel pressure do I need?

karmannghia60 Karmann Ghia Sucker

1,459 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 7 Aug 2008, 3:13 pm

#662398

This is on a 1600 912 engine with dual Solex PII 40. The car came with an electric fuel pump replacing the orginal mechnical pump. Although the electric pump helps the engine starts quicker, I m worried that the pressure within the lines will evenually burst a hose somewhere and a nice little fireworks show will be the result. I purchased a regulator which I will install but what is a typical pressure setting should I have for such engine? I know its not VW but the concept should be the same as any 1600 VW engine with dual carbies
Thanks

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 7 Aug 2008, 4:37 pm

#662418

it wont burst the lines.

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 · 7 Aug 2008, 6:46 pm

#662448

To burst the lines you'd have to have some crazy high pressure - you'd get the fuel pressure overpowering the float valves in the carbs and making them run rich a LONG time before that.

Webers and Dellorto's are happiest around 3 to 3.5 PSI, and I'd assume your Solex's would be happy round there too. That's what I used to run the Kadron's on my old 1640 and never had a problem.

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68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 7 Aug 2008, 8:08 pm

#662471

the pressure shouldn't be enough to burst fuel lines

a loose clamp and fuel leaking maybe...

but as someone said, the needle and seat in the carburetors would leak before any damage to fuel lines.

I run around 3 PSI on My electric pump...

I have a small gauge on the regulator..

Lee

PS: good idea to have a switch to turn the pump off...
I was caught with mine off 3 times at Valla... lol..
I switch it off when parked.. so it only goes about 100 meters... lol

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

karmannghia60 Karmann Ghia Sucker

1,459 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 8 Aug 2008, 10:41 am

#662604

Thanks, will set it at around 3psi then