Well thank you Jag.
Since this fuel problem is a dead horse topic,(been on the forum so many times before.) I thought I'd go from start to finish on this so it makes sense-I hope! In other words, read bored at 5:00 AM
1.) Stock CR tank with top mounted pick up.
2.) Tank opened up, a long copper tube 1/2" diameter was mounted in the very bottom of the tank feeding directly out of the side. Fitted with A.R.E. fitting to adapt the stainless fuel line too.
3.) A modified, hand formed float to match the Smith Fuel Gauge- use a '88 Ford Mustang sending unit and modify to work.
4.) Tank was patched, mig welded and pressure tested for over 24 hrs. "Passed" Test.
5.) A top line "Carter" Electric pump mounted about 4"s in front of tank.
6.) CptEddy complained that the tank was dripping at the patch for "outlet"
7.) I take control of the car and immediately check into the "Drip" at the gas tank.
8.) Close inspection shows the fitting was the actual culprit! Highly unusual for an A.R.E. fitting to leak!
9.) Took it apart only to find the threads on the fitting have been "Galled"!?
(I Do NOT use any parts that have bad threads!???)
10.) WHOA, I then noticed that the brand new (Blah Looking) Carter fuel pump had been replaced with a brand new (Pretty) Black and chrome Holley pump! I have to assume this is where/how the fitting threads got galled!
11.) Removed the fitting, cleaned and made sure the A.R.E. fitting went on perfectly straight this time - no leaks! Pressure tested again-still no leaks.
12.) Took my new Cobra for a test run, damn..., very fast, steering TOO fast, with a small wheel and a "Quick Ratio" Flaming River wrack and pinion This thing was ready for "Danica" to drive!
13.)RAN OUT OF GAS!
Tank read well over a 1/4!
14.) My wrecker driver who is always on call for one of my cars immediately responded with a "roll back". Boy is this sad for one of my brand new Cobras!
15.) Back to the shop, dropped the tank, removed my custom built fuel gauge
and re-set it to show EMPTY with 1" fuel in the bottom!
16.) Filled with 10 gallons of fuel-Motor refused to start!
17.) Tracked it down to a vapor lock at the large fuel filter. Cracked the line, let the air out and immediately the the fuel pressure gauge went to 4.5 p.s.i. . Should have been, per Holley 7.5 p.s.i.
Oh well
the motor ran fine...wrote it off as the pressure gauge must be off - another Holley part!
18. Another test ride- WOW, ran great under normal conditions, finally tested the Mallory Chip (6,000 RPM) and worked as should. Back to cruising- RAN OUT OF FUEL ...AGAIN! Gauge almost at half full!?
19.) Buffalo'd, I sat for a few minutes, turned on the pump, like a miracle it started to read 4.6 lbs. Hit the key, started right up and cruised it home.
20.) Checked the entire line for a pressure regulator which I had not originally installed, kinks in the line, blocked fuel line---nothing abnormal!
21.)I know electric pumps don't "pull" well and that is why I mount ALL my electric pumps within inches of the tank. The Holly Pump "125" has a inspection screw at the rotors. Removed that and fuel poured out. As thought and originally planned for the weight of the fuel in the tank was enough to force fuel to the pump, read a distance of 8.5 inches of line from the tank to the pump!
22.) Back to Holley, this pump is self regulated to 7.5 lbs. Not 4.5.
23.) Holley stated this monster motor was eating more fuel under load than the pump was supplying!
24.) NEW, (again) pump on the way to be installed!
25.) (AND "I" get blamed for gremlins like this!
)
26.) All is very good. Changed the wheel to one size larger, new pump that now reads at least 7.5 P.S.I., tinkered with the Coil-Overs, re-adjustd the seats. (Now a little guy like myself 200+ LBS., 5'9"s tall can easily reach the pedals and can actually push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor.
There you have it, my fuel headache all fixed!
DV