Recently, we were putting together a Bugeye with a working fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator in place. Lots of people use higher pressure pumps and adjustable pressure regulators to step down the pressure for SU carbs, which only need 1.5 to 2PSI of pressure. But the regulator has one more diaphragm in the chain that you just don’t need.
In fact, on a test drive, I felt something unusual on my right foot as I applied the accelerator pedal. Heat was all I could discern, and while it felt a little like a snake bite, my sock also felt wet. So I switched off the engine to evaluate and found that my shoe had filled with fuel. This particular regulator was located next to the pedal box and the diaphragm inside it failed, thus causing a gasoline rainstorm on my pedicure, and a date with a flatbed tow truck.
I’ve had plenty of brake fluid land on my shoes while driving, but this was my first fuel-foot. So I would recommend ripping out your regulator and putting in the correct low pressure pump, which we sell in our parts catalog. Click the photo below to learn more!
Every diaphragm has a limited life span, so it’s best to get rid of them all. The diaphragm on the mechanical fuel pumps original to the car will tear and can send fuel into your sump and/or onto your hot manifold. SU pumps have diaphragms that can tear. And regulator rubber can also perish. The square pumps are piston powered and seem much more durable, and so far, represent the best path to reliability. A Bugeye looks good on a rollback tow truck, but looks MUCH better on the road!
