I bet some GM engineer went through a "Failure Mode and Effects Analysis"....

The weakest points in the system are probably the pump seals and the output side connection. A fuel leak in these positions, while inside the fuel tank is not dangerous, though it can disable a vehicle... If the pump is outside and those leak, pressurized fuel can cause problems.

On mine the output side of the in-tank pump got loose, apparently the hose clamp was not designed for 2.5 decades of service.

Happy Motoring,
Matt

quote:

Originally posted by BarthBluesmobile:


On mine the output side of the in-tank pump got loose, apparently the hose clamp was not designed for 2.5 decades of service.

My clamps were always looking OK, but the rubber was starting to break down, or the motor stopped turning the impeller. Often, the rubber would loose its flexibility or be extruded by the clamp.

Old Blue had similar problems but no in tank fuel pump. We dropped both fuel tanks, sent them out for special epoxy coating, had the intank pickup and sending unit rebuilt, replaced every foot of fuel line with 'fire/alcohol' rated marine line, replaced two inline fuel filters, replaced the selector valve, replaced the engine driven fuel pump, replaced the metal line from the fuel pump to the carb, replaced the filter in the carb and had the carb rebuilt by the guy in Michigan. Even replaced the fuel line to the generator. Like the man from Canada says, "Do it right".
Jim

The 425 hp fuel injected 454HO 86 Barth runs again!

I finally got the brake line replaced from front to back axle (about 22 ft long!) Bled the brakes, did my walk around and drove it away!

Short hop just before dark. The fuel injection settings are pretty good so far, I may not even need a new chip for the computer. It ran quite well. Too soon to really tell but it definitely has more power. Idle is a wee bit lumpy, not surprising with cam it has in it.

I was getting nervous... both black and grey tanks were about half full and we got down in the 20's two nights lately. Went to the park down the street and emptied the tanks. Great "relief" for me and 86Barth!

Assuming I have no leaks, it looks like this "454 HO engine swap" thread is about done! I will report on road performance soon.

Kewl!

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
Kewl!

FOR SURE

O U T S T A N D I N G !!!

Fantastic! . However, you now will never be able to part with this Barth. "The two have become one". When you pass on into Eternity, we will dig a large hole and put both of you in it.
Jim

Hmm... some of the coastal civilizations used to send their dead out to sea in well equipped boats...

The Egyptians made sure their dead were well prepared with elaborate tombs and treasures.

I could do worse for a casket than 86Barth If I'm to travel in eternity at least I'll have a good engine!

Jim, just remember what I keep saying: I only show you guys my Barth projects for entertainment and so when I'm finished there will be a bidding war to get it and I'll make a bunch of money...

quote:

Originally posted by Steve VW:


Jim, just remember what I keep saying: I only show you guys my Barth projects for entertainment and so when I'm finished there will be a bidding war to get it and I'll make a bunch of money...

Now if you would have put all that investment $ in a 70 SS Chevell.

Steve , I just wanted to say THANK YOU , for such a GOOD writeup on the 454 engine swap . I used your article , to finally remove my 454 & it is sitting by the doorway in the 1986 barth regal i own. now , i just have to decide to replace or rebuild the engine . thanks again Steve , Bob

Wow, thanks for the feedback! They say imitation is the purest form of flattery.

This is one of the reasons I like to post these projects, it proves that we humble mortals can do stuff like this if we try. Hopefully it will help someone else to get the job done.

Good luck with your project, keep us posted. Mary Ray is planning to use my hoist frame to put my old engine in her 85 next spring.

Bob, our coaches are only 7 units apart, mine is 3346.

My 85 is 8412 3177 32TS5.

Bob, just have to show you what was marked on the bottom of our dog house tray.
Our is 3344. .

Hey! You rascal! You got any stuff from 3346?

If I had anything marked 3344 I'd return it to you, honest, I would...