How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

[oldyeller]

1971 Mercury 50hp (4-cyl). Motor runs great as long as someone keeps squeezing the bulb to keep it from starving. All new fuel lines, bulb & connections to a new below-deck tank, vent, fill, etc. Would (could) an electric pump solve this problem? What psi? Is it as simple as just installing it inline? Is there an old fuel pump(s) that needs to be removed?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />There should be a diaphragm fuel pump on the stbd side of the motor. It probably needs to be rebuilt. Rebuild kits are quite cheap, far cheaper than your alternative. I'd think under $20. Diaphragm kits are probably under $10.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

I would not even consider the conversion. There is no way you are going to find a cheaper conversion versus the regular price for a fuel pump rebuild kit (ie. replace the diaphragm).<br /><br />Very strait forward. You probably have pin holes in the diaphragm.<br /><br />Run any bad gas lately (ie high alcohol content?)<br /><br />Joe

 

[oldyeller]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

Originally posted by steam_mill:<br /> I would not even consider the conversion. There is no way you are going to find a cheaper conversion versus the regular price for a fuel pump rebuild kit (ie. replace the diaphragm).<br /><br />Very strait forward. You probably have pin holes in the diaphragm.<br /><br />Run any bad gas lately (ie high alcohol content?)<br /><br />Joe

 

[oldyeller]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

Interesting you say that about the alcohol. My first outing w/new tank, the rear-end of boat got submerged enough on a steep ramp to cover vent and take on water...after draining tank and refilling, I was advised to add "Dri-Fuel" which just happens to be isopropyl alcohol. Hmmm...think I'll replace the diaphragm (not to mention moving location of vent!). Thanks for the advice.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

FWI, you can convert to an electric pump for around $150 if you do the work (I just did my 150 for other reasons). But like evryone else has said, it sure sounds like all you need is a pump kit.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

Originally posted by IBNFSHN:<br /> FWI, you can convert to an electric pump for around $150 if you do the work (I just did my 150 for other reasons). But like evryone else has said, it sure sounds like all you need is a pump kit.

This interests me, what pump did you use, did you install a presure regulator and at what setting? Did you completly remove your stock pump, are you still using the injection or did you go to premix?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

I used a Holly Redtop and had to use a regulator. The pump is rated at 7psi but that was a little much for my old carbs. I think I'm running it at 5psi now. This is on an old 83 150. Most newer motors don't need a regulator with the Redtop. I left the old pump in for distribution to the carbs but blocked it off with a blank gasket so it wouldn't pump.

 

[rolmops]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

Hello.<br />The electric fuel pump is not a good choice to put on an outboard because of the high probability of it causing or worsening a fire.<br />Your ordinary fuel pump stops pumping fuel the very instant that your engine shuts off.Also whenever there is a leak in a fuel line,this line will suck air,because with ordinary fuel systems the fuel is sucked to the engine and not pushed to it.<br />An electric fuel pump can cause a spark when you shut it off or turn it on.This type of pump will cause fuel to spill into your boat or engine whenever there is a small leak in the line.This is because it pushes fuel toward the engine with a few pounds of pressure.<br />If g-d forbid there is a fire on your boat or engine, your electric pump fuel line will keep pumping this fuel to the fire also after you have shut the engine off or the fuel line is burned<br />through.<br />I guess you understand my point of view on electric fuel pumps on boats.

 

[merc_500]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

rolmops, you have a very good point. I was thinking the exact same thing. Oldyeller, do you also have the same username on snowmobileworld.com? Just curious.

 

[oldyeller]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

Originally posted by merc_500:<br /> rolmops, you have a very good point. I was thinking the exact same thing. Oldyeller, do you also have the same username on snowmobileworld.com? Just curious.

After re-thinking based on all replies, I just had the original pump rebuilt and will test this weekend. The advice about fire danger is well-recieved, thanks. And no, I'm not a snowmobiler...too hot here!

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

In my parents old 67 Glaspar, we had an 18 gal. fuel tank in the bow and the motor had a hard time sucking fuel that far when it was 1/4 or less, so my dad put in a fuel pump and a regulater and set it at 0.5 pounds of pressure so that it wouldn't damage the engines fuel pump. It was just enough to be able to pick up the fuel in the tank as it sloshed around. <br /><br />Just a thought if you are set on an electric fuel pump.<br /><br />Craig

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

Emergency cut off can (and should) be installed if desired. As for sparks, the redtop is sparkless along with the relay I used. With batteries and many connections to them in the same compartment as my gas tank, I'm more concerned about a loose wire. So I check them often and coat all connections with liquid tape to keep them from vibrating loose. If anyone wants more info, go to http://forums.screamandfly.com and do a search on electric pumps or holley. Lots of good info there.

 

[oldyeller]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

Originally posted by IBNFSHN:<br /> I'm more concerned about a loose wire. So I check them often and coat all connections with liquid tape to keep them from vibrating loose.

 

[oldyeller]

Re: How 'bout a electric fuel pump?

I like that idea...plain crimp connections make me nervous.