Same boat, different problem

ccmarsh

Seaman
Joined
Mar 25, 2008
Messages
72
My 302 Merc has an electric fuel pump and a mechanical fuel pump. When I turn the key the electic fuel pump comes on and stays on. The fuel then goes through a filter, then the water sep, then the mechanical fuel pump then to the carb. In between the mech fuel pump and the carb I have a fuel pressure indicator gage. It will constantly read between 8psi and 10psi. My Seloc Manual (Tha'ts right, I said it, Seloc) says the psi should be between 3-6psi and my ford manual(the original service manual for the 302 marine) says the psi should range between 5-7psi. Before I ask my question I want everyone to know that my float settings on my 2bbl holley are correct.

I know that the Mech fuel pump was modified for the marine world at the factory so my problem is this, what is the best way to control the pressure? I was going to buy a fuel regulator but read on iboats that either they suck or they are too expensive so I was thinking about doing this. Placing a on and off valve(I don't know the technical name) after the fuel tank and before the electric pump and controling the pressure buy adjusting the amount of fuel that goes to the electric pump? Either that or a buy a new electric pump all together.

Any thoughts?
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: Same boat, different problem

You should not need that electric fuel pump......
It definately not run constantly, it should have an on/off switch....
It's real purpose is to prime the carb after sitting for long periods of time....
Bypass it with a marine rated fuel hose from the pick up barb right to the water separater assembly.......
3-6 psi, btw.....;)
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,083
Re: Same boat, different problem

Ayuh,......

As Haut says,.... Get Rid of all the Trash on your fuel system,......

It should be Fuel Tank,.... Filter,.... Fuelpump,.... Carb......

The Electric Fuel Pump is set up to be a Bomb with the way you have it......
 

ccmarsh

Seaman
Joined
Mar 25, 2008
Messages
72
Re: Same boat, different problem

Thank you everyone, that's what I was thinking also. You should have seen how it was set up before I bought it.
 
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