Revert to improved mech. fuel pump?

[ArtJ]

Is it the current wisdom that the mechanical fuel pumps, now made
by Moyer Marine new or rebuilt with new diaphrams are superior to
the electric fuel pumps?

I converted my engine to a electric pump 10 years ago, not from any
difficulty, but listened to caviats about diaphram failures pumping gasoline
into the crankcase. Initially I had some difficulties with overheating
faucet pumps, but that was solved. I then have ran better than 8
years without problems - that is until this year.

I spent a month tracking down shutdowns, the final outcome was that
it was probably due to pinhole air leaks because everything else was
swapped out, hoses, pumps etc.

The electric is pesky to prime, even with the bulb, and seems to be more
failure prone.

I am wondering if, with the improved moyer mechanical fuel pump,
it is better to return to the mechanical pump?

One reason I mention this is that a respected Atomic 4 expert has
reverted his engine back to a Moyer Mechanical pump.

What is involved in reverting back to the mechanical pump?( I have
no reason to believe there is any problem with the engine section
other than reinstalling parts.)

[roadnsky]

Originally Posted by ArtJ

Is it the current wisdom that the mechanical fuel pumps, now made by Moyer Marine new or rebuilt with new diaphrams are superior to the electric fuel pumps?
I am wondering if, with the improved moyer mechanical fuel pump, it is better to return to the mechanical pump?

The current "wisdom" seems to be almost split down the middle (see poll results)
Both pumps have their own pro's & con's with proper maintenance being the most important factor; since most issues can be traced back to a lack of attention.
As always, (especially with a sailboat) you should go with your own instinctive feelings.

[Dave Neptune]

I have run my A-4 for now going on my 26th year with a mechanical pump. I am now still using the pump that came with the boat which I rebuilt about 10 years ago. I have a spare mechanical at home and an electric in "The BOX" on the boat incase.

As far as pumping the crankcase full of fuel yes it is possible but an extreme rarity as when the diaphram fails enough to transfer fuel to the crankcase the engine usually runs out of fuel before much fuel gets by.

Beside the mechanical has a priming bail built in and I use mine whenever the boat has set for a while.

Dave Neptune