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Fuel pump

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:52 am
by Hal O'Peridol
Need to replace mins. Whats the best route to go?

Original mechanical pump or 24v electric?

Re: Fuel pump

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:59 am
by Rdinatal
Lots to be said for the mechanical pump. Some run them without any issues.

I went with electric as the mounting can be close to the tank and a better filter used. Putting an electric pump in has a few more steps, than just slapping one on, to be safe.

The mechanical has a couple of bad issues:
Susceptible to Vapor lock being near the heat source.
Diaphragms cracking leading to gas in the oil (bad).

Re: Fuel pump

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:57 am
by John Mc
I went with electric and eliminated the mechanical pump when I had a freshly rebuilt 251 installed in my M37.

If the mechanical pump starts having issues, you risk ruining your engine if you don't catch it before it fills your crankcase with gas. You are stuck, need a tow home, and are down until you repair or replace the engine.

When the electric pump fails, you may be stuck by the side of the road and need a tow home, but the repair is simple. In a pinch, you can rig a gas can on the fender and gravity feed the carb to get yourself going again.

With the right electric fuel pump, there is no need for a separate pressure regulator. I used this Facet 24V Pump rated at 4-5 PSI mounted on the frame back near the fuel tank. I've got over 7000 miles on it with no problems so far.

Re: Fuel pump

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:05 am
by Rdinatal
John Mc wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:57 am With the right electric fuel pump, there is no need for a separate pressure regulator. I used this Facet 24V Pump rated at 4-5 PSI mounted on the frame back near the fuel tank.
Same for me. Although I still have the mechanical for the vacuum. I'll take it off in the future if I put on electric wipers.
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Re: Fuel pump

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:12 pm
by HingsingM37
In my 19 year adventure with My M37 I have only been stranded twice. Each time it was a mechanical fuel pump issue. With the OEM pump the lever pin backed out. Then I put a civvy PW pump on. That lever came apart. Two years ago I installed a Carter 24VDC marine grade pump with a spin on fuel filter at the tank and it has been great. Oil pressure activated. A little buzzing noise but glad I did it. I put electric wipers on years back so no need for vacuum.
I also finally installed seatbelts last month. Now that I am 60 that big steering wheel and plate glass looks menacing if there was an incident :wink:

Re: Fuel pump

Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:13 am
by Cal_Gary
My truck was already converted to 12V and on an electric pump, so I stayed electric and replaced the existing once since I had no idea how many miles were on it.
Gary

Re: Fuel pump

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:50 am
by Hal O'Peridol
Thanks to all who replied