fuel pressure fluxuations

1969 GTX, 440 with about 8k miles since PO rebuilt. Crane cams 280H series (230/230 duration with .481 lift), Brawler carb, Carter 6903 fuel pump with OEM vapor return canister.

With the return line in service, the crappy edlebrock pressure gauge wildly fluxuates between 0 and 10 PSIG. With the return line squeezed off, the pressure fluxuates between 2.5 and 3.5psig.

Rebuild/replace fuel pump and or vapor return canister?

Car runs pretty good, but I cant get it tuned to the point where it doesnt stink and eye burn.
Could the pressure strangeness be related to or be the cause the eye burns? (wont tune because of inconsistent fuel pressure)?

Dale

If your eyes are burning then your running rich.

If your carb isn't adjusted right and running rich that would explain the eye burning fumes.

If your fuel pump is putting out too much pressure and over flowing the float chambers, that could be the problem.

Even though there are screws around the diaphragm housing on the pump doesn't mean it's exactly rebuildable. Carter 6903s are known to put out too much pressure.

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/mechanical-fuel-pump-101.194336/

Cheap fuel guages will fluctuate a lot.