Electronic Fuel Pump type Pierberg pressure?

[Geekay]

My recently acquired 1956 dodge suburban army ambulance 108 with 251 flat head has a Peirburg (West German) electric fuel pump and the details on it are:

7.21440 02 5 06 1

I need to know the pumping pressure as I think it may be too strong.

I googled those details but no exact match. The current Pierburg PDF technical brochure has this for their E1F model (which looks very similar to mine).

7.21440 51.0/63.0/78.0

The starting pressure for it is 0.27 -0.38 bar or 4 - 5.5 psi. System pressure is 0.10 bar or 1.5 psi. 

To assist, some conversions are:

0.2 bar = 2.9 psi

0.5 bar = 7.25 psi

2.5 psi 0.172 bar

4.5 psi 0.310 bar

Maybe the numbers (after the 7.21440) on my pump do not represent the pressure, but are a model number?

The carby is a Stromberg BXV 2, single barrel, manual choke, vacuum controlled. The previous owner said it easily flooded, and a mechanic confirmed this yesterday.

The fuel pump is on 100% then the ignition is on. i.e. even if the start button not hit. Mechanic (antique car club) advises me to add a switch in the cabin so I can turn off the pump when i wish  to avoid flooding. He is also of the opinion that the pump is running at flat out pressure all the time and should have  some sort of valve to reduce pressure when the fuel bowl is full.

I searched forums but only came up with one thread started by Capt Fred title "fuel pump leakage on my 201 flattie" however his pump unlike mine.

Other post i have read by Dave72dt and Fargo Marty who have airtech and facet pumps respectively say the psi should be 2.5 psi to 4.5 psi.

 

[Jerry Roberts]

A vacuum gauge usually also has a scale for reading fuel pump pressure . Also a fuel pressure regulator is a common item that can be installed between the pump and the carby . 

[Plymouthy Adams]

what Jerry says is saying, is that until you actually verify what the pressures are, even armed with factory raw specs...you are still guessing at what pressure you may be running.  Do get a gauge and verify and if over the stated pressure for the vehicle, install an adjustable pressure regulator or replace the pump.  Given that the carb is not flooding over at long idle periods tells me that the float needle and seat is capable of withstanding the pumps pressure especially given the length of time it has been installed and running in this application.  Peace of mind will come only when you have tested the pressure..

[Jeff Balazs]

Put a regulator on and try setting it for around 3# to 3.5#. I think this will help. I have my full time pump on a separate switch as has been suggested.

Hth, Jeff

[Geekay]

I had sent an email to the German company that manufactures the Pierburg pump, asking if they could tell me what the pressure rating is of the pump on my Dodge.

2 days later I received a response. Hard to beat the Germans on their efficiency.

"Your pump has 0,35 -0,47 Bar / 5,075 - 6,815 PSI.
You should use 7.21440.53.0.
This pump should be in stock with our dealers in Sydney and Melbourne:
Premier Auto Trade
Mentone, Melbourne VIC
Australian Fuel Injection
Granville, Sydney NSW
Best regards,
Ben
Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Best regards
MS Motorservice International GmbH
Benjamin Gülich
Area Sales Manager"