Classic/Antique Car Repair/Gas questions

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Expert: - 10/12/2009


Question
2 questions, I have a 51 fleetline special. What will happen if I run unleaded through the car? also my car was running well until some rust stopped the fuel flow, I changed the filters and now I cant get any fuel to flow at all through the first inline filter. Could my pump have been ruined? Thanks
Tim

Answer
Rust is the enemy. There is a filter in the tank that could be plugged as well. The system will require a complete clean out to get it to run right. Most older engines will run just fine on unleaded gasoline. And yes the fuel pump could have suffered damage.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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