Fuel pumps in Parallel/series

[Yodar Critch]

Hi...I have a late model A4 with an electric fuel pump, in a 1979 Catalina 27' TR. Working space is extremely limited and I am near 80 years now and cannot get in the port lazerette to change-out the fuel pump, or do anything in that confined area.

Can I set up another electric fuel in series or parallel, so if the existing pump fails, I have a backup ready to go? (I forget what series/ parallel differences are, but I think I can re-remember when the time comes.)

My current system starts at the fuel tank, then a "squeeze-bulb" (off a fuel tank on an outboard engine) to get pressure if needed, then an in-line filter, then to the fuel pump, then carburetor. Connection between fuel pump and carburetor is via a copper tube PRECISELY fitted to each component, and near impossible for me to work upon.

Can I plumb and wire a second fuel pump somewhere after the in-line filter, and in the existing fuel line? Or anywhere before the existing fuel pump? And will my existing fuel pump, if it fails, allow fuel from the added fuel pump to go thru it, until I can have it replaced? Also, what sort of "head" would the new fuel pump take, or should it be mounted level to the existing fuel tank and carb. level? Whew! Now I am brain-tired and gotta take a nap. Thanx for the usual help all give to this site.

Jim Huhta Sturgeon Bay, WI S/V "SEA-130"

[Carl-T705]

Jim , I think the outboard squeeze ball needs to go, it's only a potential problem. Have you thought of simply relocating the existing fuel pump to a more accessable location, even if you have to get one of those 50 year old kids to come and do it for ya. Then you could mount a second pump near the first one so if a pump failure occurs you could simply move the two fuel lines to the second pump and Have a three position toggle switch to switch the second pump on. You could also plumb it in with two three way valves where you would only move two valves to divert the flow of fuel one pump to the other.

[hanleyclifford]

Fuel pumps in parallel

[ndutton]

Thanks Hanley, good to see I'm not the only one who isn't afraid of teflon tape.

[hanleyclifford]

Yeah, we do seem to have some blasphemies in common.

[lat 64]

Teflon Willie

Geez, you two!
I used to put chevy valves in oldsmobile blocks, but I never TOLD anyone what I did!

Jim, in Series no, in parallel yes. Niel and Hanley are the pros here. Really!
Then, get some kid away from his damn X-box and take him sailing. You sir, are old enough to deserve a midshipman to train up. The plan is to also have a small skinny kid to crawl down there and fix things. I think they give them out at youth centers?

cheers,
Russ

[ndutton]

My hand is raised

All metal Cadillac timing gears in Chevy engines here.

[lat 64]

hijack

My hand is raised

All metal Cadillac timing gears in Chevy engines here.

Ha! Busted!

How about ford 250 six-cylinder valves in a Mercury Capri 2.3 v6. The exhaust valve almost touched the intake.
It reved like a wankel rotary. I never did see the top end. Waay fun.
Sigh, I miss that car.

[ndutton]

while we're hijacked . . .

Ford truck big block 360 with Mercury 352 heads. The 360 threw a rod out the side, replaced with a 390 short block and kept the Mercury heads. Finding head and intake gaskets was a real adventure.

Now, back to your regular programming.

[lat 64]

uh, yea, right. Oops.

Back to it...
So Jim, this all means that if you know not to get any teflon tape inside the fuel lines it will work. I'm not so good, so I use a goop-type sealer instead on the fittings. The hazard theory is that small bits of tape float downstream and clog things up.

R.

[romantic comedy]

I have used teflon tape on fuel lines for 25 years. I am waiting for it to bite me in the ass.

[Yodar Critch]

Lotsa Options....Thanx Posters

It is back to the drawing board now that I have all those excellent ideas from you folks. Current pump works; love redundancy in anything (2 six-packs better, full case BEST).

Used to fly a USAF C-130 with 4 each-- 4,500 hp engines . All the Flight Engineers and Crew Chiefs would let ME fly THEIR airplane, but never let me handle a wrench, or a screwdriver, or even a grease-cleaning rag.

Thanx Again. Jim Huhta Sturgeon Bay, WI S/V "SEA-130"

[sastanley]

Jim, That explains the boat name now too.. "SEA-130"

I am with Russ..I had a piece of teflon tape clog up my main jet, so I use Permatex #3. Perhaps I was sloppy with my install..