Mechanical Fuel Pump

[GregH]

I've read on posts and searches about how to tell when fuel pump is leaking or not pushing/pulling its weight , ... otherwise, do people use a time frame or some other criteria besides failure for a general replacement kit job?

On the engine I have, the pump works fine, but I have no idea the age of gaskets, etc. Is it a case of "what works don't fix" or replace for peace of mind?

[sastanley]

Since I had no idea, I rebuilt mine over the winter a couple seasons after I got the boat...but it was low on the priority list.

The way you tell is that if the diaphragm is compromised, it leaks fuel into the crankcase, so if your oil smells like fuel, it might be a failing pump. This is by design so fuel doesn't otherwise get into the bilge and become an explosion hazard.

The way I'd tell if it is pulling its weight is to put a $15 pressure gauge in line, just before the carb.

[marthur]

I would also watch out for small black specs showing up downstream in the fuel / carb. On my boat that was the fuel pump diaphram beginning to slowly disintegrate.

[Al Schober]

I'll throw in another voice for the pressure gauge at the carb inlet. If it indicates pressure, you have fuel. If not, continue diagnostics elsewhere.

[GregH]

In hindsight it was kind of a silly question, I have all the pressure gauge/polishing filter parts ready to go for the spring. And if the diaphragm isn't working, the gauge will tell me .. D'oh!

Thanks for the reminder !

[gregsails]

It is so simple to rebuild, I don't know why you wouldn't just do it. Better now, than on a sunny afternoon when your enjoying yourself

[GregH]

It's been added to my list for spring and my ever growing Moyer order list.

[HOTFLASH]

Fuel pump rebuild

Even I (am no mechanic) could successfully do the rebuild. The instructions were great.

Mary