1999 Mercruiser 4.3L Fuel Pump

[Ski1491]

I'm on the tail end of a repower on my Sea Ray 185 upgrading to a 4.3. Engine is all rebuilt/assembled, but I want to put on a new electric fuel pump since I replaced just about everything else. It is a carbureted engine, low pressure FP. Back story is the engine was a barn find and sitting for some years. The pump that was on it seems to run, I just don't have confidence in it since it sat so long. There's all kinds of replacement pumps out there from Carter, Sierra and many companies I can't pronounce. None have good reviews. Looked at the Mercruiser pumps and got sticker shock! Like to hear about any good experiences on replacement pumps. Think I should pressure test mine and go for it? Probably had ethanol till it dried out, appreciate any insight you have to offer, thanks in advance.

 

[Lou C]

I really doubt you had methanol in the gas, if it was ethanol yes there could be troubles, but as long as you have good access to the pumps then why not try it out, pressure test the high and low pressure pumps and see how they work. Is this a carb engine or TBI or EFI? If a carb then all it needs is a low pressure electric pump with the normal safety wiring via an oil pressure switch, which is probably already there.

 

[Ski1491]

I really doubt you had methanol in the gas, if it was ethanol yes there could be troubles, but as long as you have good access to the pumps then why not try it out, pressure test the high and low pressure pumps and see how they work. Is this a carb engine or TBI or EFI? If a carb then all it needs is a low pressure electric pump with the normal safety wiring via an oil pressure switch, which is probably already there.

Thanks Lou, your right ethanol, it's a carbureted engine, so just a single low pressure pump. Wiring is all there as you mentioned, thanks for the advice!

 

[Lou C]

All well then all you need is a simple low pressure Carter pump. Should be less than 100 bucks. Lucky to have a carb, far cheaper for repairs.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I used the Airtex E11003 which had the advantage of being the same thing as Mercruiser was using. This meant I could use standard Merc replacement parts like mounts, stainless fuel line, fittings etc. Last time I looked at price it was in the $80 range.

 

[Ski1491]

I used the Airtex E11003 which had the advantage of being the same thing as Mercruiser was using. This meant I could use standard Merc replacement parts like mounts, stainless fuel line, fittings etc. Last time I looked at price it was in the $80 range.

Thanks Rick, seems just about everyone who carries the E11003 is out of stock, emailed the company to see if they expect any distributed in the future.

 

[Lou C]

While I agree using the same style as Merc used is easiest the Carter pump is a good option and can be bought from a variety of vendors like Michigan Motorz, Summit Racing or Jegs.

 

[Ski1491]

While I agree using the same style as Merc used is easiest the Carter pump is a good option and can be bought from a variety of vendors like Michigan Motorz, Summit Racing or Jegs.

Lou, do you have a preferred model of the Carter you would recommend?

 

[Lou C]

We are not supposed to post links to other sites but look up the Carter marine low pressure pump on those I listed above and it should come up complete with the bracket to mount it...

 

[AMMO DAWG]

Well after searching high and low and reading a million reviews on aftermarket pumps failing I took Lou's advice and went with the tried and true Carter. It was a no brainer when I remembered I had a brand new one in the garage from my previous boat. With a little shade tree engineering I got it looking like it almost belonged there. With the addition of one hole in the mounting bracket that came with the Carter it bolted to the existing bracket and water separator. The stainless tubing that was on the old pump from the water separator to the fuel pump matched up perfectly. I got some 3/8" tubing from the auto parts store and fabbed up the tubing from the pump to the carb. It was a little challenging but doable with some patience. Found connectors at Mouser for a few bucks that matched up with the existing harness so I didn't have to splice any wiring. I do remember even though the Carter has some form of anodizing it was corroding on my old boat, so some sanding, zinc primer and a lick of black rustoleum. May paint the fuel line, I'm on the fence on that one. The only thing I don't like on the Carter is those push on connectors, I might run a dye down the post and put a nut and washer on it. Thanks' Lou for the suggestion, for a fraction got a fuel pump and ordered another to keep in the boat for a quick swap if ever needed. Please don't get me wrong, I usually stick with OEM for boat parts, but at the price of a new fuel pump, just couldn't do it.

 

[Lou C]

Great work there glad to hear it worked out!
The aftermarket is what makes running old equipment practical.