MD17C fuel pump issue

[Sunsetrider]

I'm taking a second shot at this: I want to bypass the mechanical pump and leave the after-installed electric fuel pump acting alone. Reason: the mechanical pump leaks fuel and I have been told this is the accepted solution. Anyone have experience with this issue?

 

[Grub54891]

Re: MD17C fuel pump issue

Wouldn't it be easier to just put the correct fuel pump on?

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: MD17C fuel pump issue

No. The OEM pump is a mechanical pump and has been superceded but it seems quite a few people have installed an electric pump instead. It seems to be more reliable and much simpler to bleed. In my case the electric pump was installed in the past along with a pump switch at the helm, but the mechanical pump was not disabled and it leaks fuel into the engine bay (not the bilge). Several mechanics have told me that the mechanical pump should be bypassed and a cut-off plate fabricated and installed. The school-bus-mechanic at my marina wants to order and install the replacement mechanical pump (which btw also calls for the fabrication of a cut-off plate, whatever that might be).

So I am wondering if anyone out there in Albinland is aware of this "bypass procedure" so well known among Volvo mechanics.

 

[Vosman]

Re: MD17C fuel pump issue

It is done all the time. Just use a pump that does not exceed 12 psi. Bypass pump and go right to filter inlet. You will have to get another banjo or modify your feed hose to filter from pump.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: MD17C fuel pump issue

Vosman - - - > thanks for jumping in. I dwell in an Albin-free environment but it sounds like you are familiar with this issue. Messing around with engines is a little beyond my personal skill set but am I correct in thinking, from what you say, that the bypass operation should be a relatively simple (as in, not too expensive) a procedure for a Volvo mechanic?

 

[Vosman]

Re: MD17C fuel pump issue

Other than breaking into the fuel system to accomplish and running wires to power pump, it should not be an issue. Volvo does make a replacement mechanical pump. It is installed along with a new outlet hose. A lot easier than what you are looking to do but not inexpensive.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: MD17C fuel pump issue

My electrical pump is already installed and functioning, with a manual switch at the dashboard. I use it to bleed the fuel line rather than fooling with the mechanical pump. So at this point I am only looking to cut off the leaking mechanical pump and rely on the electric one alone.