Fuel punp on a '57 Lark?

[1946Zephyr]

Did the '57 Lark ever come with a factory fuel pump? I don't believe they did, but I bought one today with a fuel pump on it and a pretty nice factory looking job too. My guess is it's from a later style motor, because it is the later style pump. It's not like the pump used on the 59 and 60 models.

 

[F_R]

Re: Fuel punp on a '57 Lark?

They certainly did come with a factory fuel pump. Well, actually, it came as a factory accessory kit. It was called a Cruiser Fuel System. They made it for people with boats with built-in fuel tanks. Many dealers at the time would swap it for the pressure tank. It actually was the standard pump used on Gale motors at the time. Here is a picture:

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Fuel punp on a '57 Lark?

My 57 Lark doesnt have one as found, but my 58 does.

Frank, would the same be true for the 57 Javelins? Im assuming the factory accessory kit would be the same. I have bought/seen a few and have never encountered one with a fuel pump installed. Might try to track one down if that is the case.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Fuel punp on a '57 Lark?

Yes, Frank. That's how mine is set up. It looks as though my fuel pump is a later style, like what is used on the newer motors. I'll post some pics of this beast tomorrow.

Yea, Chris, my '58 Lark has a fuel pump on it as well. It though, is the same type (rebuildable) like what is used on the late 35's and early 40's. Funny thing though, I haven't seen one set up like this one on the '57's. I know they're easy to convert, with parts from a SkiTwin 33, but this one looks factory.

I'm going out to pick up a really nice '57 Big Twin as well. This motor is a beauty and for $60 I'm jumpin on it. It even comes with a tank.

Update: Just got home from pickin' up this beauty. I would have to say, the nicest Big Twin I have added to my collection yet. I'll post a new thread on this and the other tomorrow.

 

[F_R]

Re: Fuel punp on a '57 Lark?

Yes, Johnson offered the same fuel pump kit. In fact, both lines also offered it for the 10 and 18hp motors.

Now, the '58 Lark and Super Quiet had fuel pumps as standard equipment. But they were the different style pump mounted on the other side of the powerhead and driven by a pulse hose leading to the bypass port cover.

Back to the Cruiser System----here ya go-----http://www.old-omc.de/e_1957/seite_30_31.jpg

And yes, the 1956 30hp too---http://www.old-omc.de/e_1956/seite_22_23.jpg

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Fuel punp on a '57 Lark?

Cool. I learn something new every day. I'm surprised that Johny/Rude didn't offer more fuel pumps prior to '58 that the Gales did.
Out of all the Big Twin class motors I've tinkered with over the years, this is the first one I've seen, besides the ones I've converted myself. With the later 28's and 33's out there, I'm surprised more of them haven't been. They have the flush mount style that would make it easier and less like to interfere with the clamshell covers and they are a easy bolt on conversion.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Fuel punp on a '57 Lark?

Surprises me too, in that the Larks and Javelins were the flagship "Cadillacs" of the lineup, you would have thought that the guys buying them would have opted for the fuel pump option. Ive never seen a factory pump on a Javelin.

Gonna have to try to find one now, I didnt want to do it before to keep them original, but now knowing it was a factory option changes that.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Fuel punp on a '57 Lark?

Surprises me too, in that the Larks and Javelins were the flagship "Cadillacs" of the lineup, you would have thought that the guys buying them would have opted for the fuel pump option. Ive never seen a factory pump on a Javelin.

Gonna have to try to find one now, I didnt want to do it before to keep them original, but now knowing it was a factory option changes that.

Yea, they were indeed the "Cadillacs" of the product line, until '58, when they introduced the Fat Fifty StarFlite. At least now, you can see how easy it is to covert your Javelins to the exact set up. Whether you use the older style pump, or the later pump. The pressure tank motors will still have that sediment bowl already in place.
Now, the fuel pump on Frank's motor there, is the factory pump. The one on my motor, looks like it has been replaced somewhere along the line. Hey Frank, is the pump on my motor a rebuildable pump, or a throwaway?