Getting the engine of a Bristol 410 running for the first time in seven years

[Kevin H]

There's no "right" or "wrong" electric fuel pump for a 409 or 410, because they originally used a mechanical fuel pump.

What's important is ti have the right pressure, circa 5lb. If the pump is putting out anything more than that then you need a regulator.

[paul410]

Thanks kevin and greg. Do you have the contact details for Martin and/or is this pump displayed the correct pressure. Noticed SU do a low pressure and a high pressure duel SU pump. Which one should I go for? Thanks Paul

[Kevin H]

I should add that you need a minimum flow rate (different to pressure) so when you're at full open throttle you're still getting enough juice, but still at no more than 5psi.

Can't recall what flow rate is needed right now but I have it somewhere ...

[Kevin H]

Paul,
I wouldn't waste a 100 quid on an SU pump. You can buy a Facet pump at less than half the price.

Something like this
Facet 12v Electric Fuel Pump | eBay

[Kevin H]

I have one of these on my 411 so you can fine tune the pressure when tuning the carb
Spectre Performance 2517 Chrome Steel Fuel Pressure Regulators 1 5 1 2 PSI | eBay

It's mounted in-line just a few inches from the carburettor

[Kevin H]

Paul,
I have seen a v8 Bristol (a 412) fitted with an electric fuel pump which was simply used to prime the carburettor before starting, after that the engine used the original mechanical pump.

This was because if the car had been standing for a while one would have to crank the engine a fair bit to allow the mechanical pump to pull sufficient fuel through from the tank. It's possible this was more of a problem here in Australia with our warmer weather which may have resulted in a vapour lock.

Before the use of reduction gear starter motors became commonplace it was reasonably easy to flatten the battery before the old v8 would start!

I just thought I should mention this in case this is the way your car is configured. Obviously if the mechanical fuel pump is no longer there then you're just running on an electric pump

[paul410]

Thanks kelvin! Facet pump and regulator bought. The mechanical pump seems to be completely removed from my car. Thanks for the thought anyway. I am excited to fit it now. Will be very nice once its running.

Regards Paul

[GREG]

The later 410's were fitted with a Chrysler electric fuel pump as standard - what chassis number is yours ?

[paul410]

Hey Greg, the chassis number on my V5 is 410-7468 and the engine number is CC31803198. Will it affect the orginality much when I fit a facet pump rather than a SU pump? I guess I could change it at a later date.

Regards Paul

[Kevin H]

Paul, sorry if I have given you a bum steer with this.

The Bristol parts list doesn't actually show an electric pump on the diagram, but I now see another pump appears in the components list, but there's no indication of what it is.

There may of course have been another later parts list created, but this is around the time when Bristol started to get cagey with detailed information about it's cars.

Unless you're entering your car to be judged in the Bristol Owners Club concours I don't think you need to worry about having a Facet pump. I know other Bristol owners who have them and you will find that most Bristols that are still on the road today have non standard parts fitted, particularly when they are parts that are out of sight.

Just as a matter of interest, where is the SU pump located on your car?

[GREG]

Yours should be electric fuel pump

[paul410]

Don't worry about it kelvin. The fuel pump is located in the boot on the right hand side. I pretty sure the facet pump will do the job. Ah interesting GREG. Mine must have been one of the last to be produced.

Kind regards

[Sam410]

I see you've already got a Facet replacement, but if you still have the SU pump, they are simple to overhaul (so simple even I managed it) so that may be worth doing so you have a spare. Burlen Fuel Systems in Salisbury sell overhaul kits - you'll need two for a double pump.

SU Fuel Pumps & Spares - SU Carburetters

My 410 (a late 1969 car) also has the pump in the boot, but I don't know if it was originally there or not. It was comprehensively restored in the early 1990s.

[peter dowdle]

Having read all the reply's to this post it makes me wonder if an electric fuel pump was ever original equipment on 408s and 409s . The parts diagram indicates not. My 411 mk 2 has a mechanical pump { standard Chrysler }fitted to the engine , makes you wonder !!!!!

[Janne]

411 S5 also has the mechanical pump. Had to have it replaced last year.
Why install an electric pump, when the mechanical ones work?
Less parts that can fail.

[paul410]

Any ideas of where I can source a oil filter? Thanks

[paul410]

Any ideas of where I can source a oil filter for a bristol 410? Thanks