Mystery device near alternator

[SteveBoilard]

Greetings! 

I'm the new owner of a 1963 Avanti (though I'm a long-time owner of Hawks and Larks). I'm going through the Avanti, changing fluids and generally just familiarizing myself with it.

I'm perplexed by a silver, cylindrical device that's mounted in the engine bay down under the alternator. It has wires running to it, and a fluid line (which may be oil or transmission; I have not yet been able to trace it). There's also an (evidently aftermarket) toggle switch on the dash that seems to energize the mysterious cylinder. It just kind of buzzes when the toggle is thrown. I've attached a photo of the device; photo is taken from under the car. Note the red logo. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I assume it's NOT original to the car. I can't see any reference to it in the workshop manual.

Thanks for any information you can provide!

Steve

 

[SteveBoilard]

Also, it’s the original R1 engine. 

[sailingadventure]

If it has wires and a fluid line, I would guess that it would be an electric fuel pump. 

[mfg]

This interests me…. I’d like to hear more about this item!

[1963r2]

Looks like a Mallory fuel pump.

[64AvantiR2]

Electric fuel pumps should always be mounted in the rear of the vehicle as close to the fuel tank outlet as possible and lower is best. Electric pumps PUSH better than pull whereas mechanical pumps PULL better than push, which is why they're mounted up front by the carb. Former owner was probably trying to eliminate vapor lock. Also, electric pumps should have a pre filter, preferably one that can be seen thru and taken apart for cleaning. I use both pumps, the electric primarily for priming the carb. and no problems! 

[SteveBoilard]

I too was thinking it's an electric fuel pump. But this afternoon I got under the car and determined that it's connected to the oil pan by a copper (or maybe steel) line. There's also a second line that runs from this mystery device to somewhere near the oil filter. (I can't verify the exact connection point without removing some components, which I may try doing soon.) Has anyone ever heard of anything like this? I'm guessing it's a pump of some kind, but I can't think of the purpose, since the oil is already driven by the mechanical oil pump in the sump. Can anyone tell me if they have a line coming from the passenger side of the oil pan, and if so, where it goes? (This is separate from the dipstick connection, of course.)

Also, for what it's worth, the original, mechanical fuel pump is in place and connected.

 

 

[A0136]

Pre oiler.  Pumps up oil pressure before starting the engine.  

[mfg]

I thought the lines looked to big for it to be an electric fuel pump.