Advice about fuel pumps

[Aaron]

I acquired my 33-year-old project boat in Dec 2003 from a charity, and now that I have all the DC replaced, I would like to start the engine (ser # 173938).

The engine catches with starter fluid but doesn't run, which leads me to eliminate everything except fuel supply.

It had a new carb and SS upgrade in 1999 and was overhauled in 2001/2002. To the best of my knowledge (i.e. talking to other waifs at the marina) it was never started after being re-installed. A Napa electric fuel pump has been installed inline without an oil pressure gauge. There is a new fuel filter/water separator in my dock box and an old one attached to the bulkhead with a screwdriver sticking out of one end. The gasoline hose is new and has a squeeze bulb primer.

I would like to replace the fuel pump, but I don't know if I should get a rebuilt mechanical pump, an engine-mounted electrical pump, or a bulkhead mounted one. Access to this area is good but not unlimited.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Aaron]

Get the bulkhead mounted electrical pump

Dear Aaron,

Unless you have removed your engine and are overhauling it, I recommend that you get the bulkhead mounted electrical pump. You'll never be able to mechanical pump out because the screws are impossible to remove!

Your best friend,
Aaron

[bobash]

Advice about fuel pumps

If we narrowed the choice to an Engine Mounted Electric Fuel Pump et al (FPMP_09_05), or the Bulkhead Mounted similiar model (FPMP_10_52), does the Bulkhead Electric Pump have it hands down for ease of mounting and access, less heat and vibration with longer life? Or are there other concerns here?

Bobash
From the Greatest Generation
Ranger 33

[poqbill]

Locating electric fuel pump

I am planning to replace my electric fuel pump ( it is at least 27 years old) with a Facet electric pump. Since I do not want to go through the work of getting the old pump off the side of the engine block, I plan to mount it on the sidewall of the engine compartment ( I have a Morgan 34). This keeps it close to the oil press safety switch and the carb.
I am replacing the pump because recently my engine has been shutting down unexpectedly, sometimes restarts easily but only runs for short time. Sometimes restarts and runs fine for long time. I am guessing that the fuel pump is slowly failing.

[Sam]

Our host has the right facet pump in their cataloqe. I have used a smaller facet "cube" style pump for decades in my 1966 Morgan 34 w/ original early model A4. Just be aware that you need a low psi pump about nominal 2psi. I think mine is 1.5 -4psi and runs at a fairly steady 2.75 psi.

[JOHN COOKSON]

DIAGNOSTICS?

I am guessing(????) that the fuel pump is slowly failing.

Sounds more like an electrical problem than a fuel problem to me.
After the next shutdown check for spark immediately after the shutdown. Pull the the center wire out of the distributor cap and hold it near the engine while cranking the engine.
This will help us get a handle on a fuel vs electrical problem.

ex TRUE GRIT

Edit: Saw in another thread about fuel pump diagnostics.

[Ando]

You can divert the fuel line to an empty fuel can or clear empty gallon and see if the fuel pump is pumping fuel into the can. Use a clear can and fill it up and let it sit overnight to see if there is any water in the fuel. Also though, it sounds more like a carburetor issue. Rebuilt in 2001 doesn’t mean they did it right at that time. If fuel is pumping then it might be worth taking a look at the carb.

And why is there a screwdriver sticking out of one of the ports in the fuel/water separator?

[roadnsky]

...And why is there a screwdriver sticking out of one of the ports in the fuel/water separator?

Ando-
Please note that post you're referring to is from 2004.
We have two different posts going on in this thread.
I would assume that Aaron has solved his issue by now.

[Orion C&C 33]

I've replaced my fuel pump with a Hot Shot... never had any issues