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

[paul410]

Found this one. Noticed some guy on google was buying this for his 409, so i imagine this is the right one.

Dual HP Fuel Pump Electronic - Negative Earth - SU Carburetters

[GREG]

Martin Barnes at ACCS will have one

[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