Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I am having electric fuel pump problems. I have been using a Carter P74017 low pressure pump with a pressure regulator. I am using twin 94's and have set the pressure at the regulator at 2.5#. I am not using a mechanical pump at all. The Carter pump is mounted at the tank and I have a fuel filter between the pump and the tank.

In the past year or so I have had two of these fail. They still make noise like they are pumping but it shows 0 pressure at the regulator. What am I doing wrong? Am I using the wrong style of pump or brand?

I just barely made it home today and I would like to remedy this problem. I searched the other posts but most if not all of what I found had to do with using the electric pump to prime the mechanical pump or in addition to the mechanical pump.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Are you using the regulator with the dial on it? If so, remove it and see if the pump is working properly. Your problem cold very well be the pressure regulator and not the pump. I don't use those regulators because I have had problems with them.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I bought a electric fuel pump from NAPA don't know #.
I mounted it up on frame behind the rear tire once it gets going its like gravity feed.
I run 2 97s with regulator.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

No, the regulator I am using is a Holley with the adjustment screw and lock nut on the top. I have heard from others that the dial type are prone to problems.

I may try bypassing the regulator just to see. Thanks for the responses.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Is it a cylindrical-looking pump with the inlet and outlet on either end?

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

For whatever it's worth... I have one Carter pump in service. It's an old one, perhaps 25 years old, and it has been working fine. I have another car with a Airtex pump, been there about 10 years, no problems. Then, One more car that has had 5 Airtex pumps in the last couple years. Two came from napa, three from a local parts store in Airtex boxes, all look like the same pump. And, of these 5, four have failed, all within 1000 miles. I'm wondering 'what's up' - I have about zero confidence in this one car, and the pumps are a pita to change on the road. About the noise... These Airtex pumps make a 'clicking' sound, and it never seems to change. I would expect the clicking to slow down as the pressure builds against the float valve, but no, they keep on clicking the same, no matter if the carb is full or empty.
This is likely of no help to you - just sympathy. I am wondering though, the Carter pump you are using, is it the same as Airtex and Napa? I think the parts guy showed me a Carter pump once, and it looked identical to the Airtex and Napa ones. Are they all the same?? If so, you have my total sympathy. (And, no real answer.)
JMO

(yes, the pumps I speak of are 'cylindrical-looking', inlet & outlet on either end)

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Check the gas line form the pump to the tank. May have a pin hole or air leak. Walt

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

That pump is shown as for TBI injection systems, yet it's a solenoid type pump?? I can't find any specs on it but most TBI systems run much higher pressure than any carb'd vehicle. I suspect there may not be enough flow for it to stay cool. I've been running the Airtex E8016S for several years with no problems.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I am using a fuel regulator with a return fuel line back to the gas tank and a Carter low pressure pump ... no problems and with the return line it gets rid of the head pressure at the regulator and means less wear on the fuel pump.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

side,
I've had the best results with an electronic fuel pump called POSI-FLO.....
single carb application 41-509, 2 carb application 41-510...............these numbers
are Carquest I believe. The bodies are phenolic and very durable. The car must be
12 volt. I use the 41-510 without a regulator on 2x2's and find a steady 2 1/2 psi.
I will add here for what little it's worth I only use an elect F/P if the customer
wishes, I'm a 100% mechanical pump kinda guy, 2x2, 3x2, 4 brl.
Charlie ny

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

My Carter 6V low pressure pump that I only use for starting failed within two years. I'm currently on my second and won't be trying a third.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Yes, I guess the Chinese haven't got the hang of it yet, had electric pumps that lasted forever. My 280 econo engine will have a mechanical pump with an electric back up. Not sure if that's necessary, but I won't be driving it, just the kids.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I have read good things about this pump,but have not
used one.

http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.co....html#fuelpump

John

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Yes that is the one i would recommend. I like the alcohol and gear part. If they are not made for alcohol they are worthless. you may as well have the mechanical pump.
Electric Fuel Pump
available for both 6 and 12 volt applications. They are gear driven and will pump alcohol and all fuel additives. These fuel pumps overcome vapor lock by increasing the volume of fuel delivered while still maintaining the stock fuel pump pressure. Great Race tested.
Part # 92415EFP6- 6-volt
$95.00 each

Part # 92415EFP12- 12-volt
$95.00 each
Installation Instructions

small arrow6/12 volt electric fuel pumps, comes complete w/30 micron fuel filter, mounting hardware and instructions.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

A few years ago, I installed a 6-volt Airtex 8011 Electric Fuel Pump in my 1939 LaSalle for priming purposes only, as car had an original fuel pump that worked just fine. For the first year, the Airtex worked. Then I let the car sit for about a year or so without being driven. So after sitting for so long when I attempted to start the car, it started immediately, ran for about 4-5 seconds and stopped. We had a hunch that the rubber parts inside the airtex had swollen because of the Ethanol fuel that we have in Ohio.

We ran a bypass hose around the Airtex and the car started and ran normally. We removed the Airtex and using a rotary grinder dissected it. See attached pictures. I imagine that this pump was made for use with non-Ethanol fuel and with the fuel sitting in the pump for over a year, it gradually swelled the guts until it was completely blocked. Prior to dissecting the pump we tried to suck and blow air through it and could not do so. When the pump was new we could do this. If you have trouble with an electric fuel pump and replace it, keep the old one and see if you can blow through it, and/or cut it apart like we did to see what it looks like inside.

By the way, when using Etahnol fuel (10% in Ohio and non-Ethanol fuel not available nearby), it is critical that Fuel Injection Hose be used (not ordinary conventional fuel line rubber hose). Hose should be labelled 30R9, which is available at most any auto supply store in 1/4", 5/16" and 3/8" inside diameters.

When I first became aware of this a few years back, I read about using fuel injection hose and mentioned it to my mechanic, who has several antique street rods. He didn't believe me and said, "I have been using regular fuel hose for over 20 years and never a problem." About a year or two later his pumps also failed and he asked me what type of fuel line hose should he use! Ethanol fuel either contains or turns to alcohol and this is what swells up rubber parts (fuel pumps - electric and mechanical, carburetor parts, ordinary fuel hoses). In my opinion, Ethanol is one of the worst challenges our hobby has ever faced.

Fritz

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Thanks to everyone who has replied. You have given some insight on electric pumps. Unfortunately in this application a mechanical pump cannot be used. I have always had good luck with mechanical pumps.

Does anyone use a a relay in their fuel pump electrical circuit? That thought just crossed my mind.

I am fortunate to have a couple of good sources of supply in this area for non-ethanol gas. That's not to say that I haven't used ethanol laced gas in the past but only a couple of times while traveling.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I have never used a relay for any of my cars with electric fuel pumps, but always use an under-dash push-pull switch to manually turn on the electric fuel pump for priming, as most of my cars also have conventional fuel pumps. I do NOT use a toggle switch for this purpose, as it is hard to remember which way the switch is activated. With a push-pull switch, pull is always on and push is always off. In addition to this switch, the circuit must also be wired through the ignition switch so that it cannot run when ignition is shut off (safety factor). Some users connect the circuit through an oil pressure switch of some sort for additional safety, but I have never done this.

Some users pipe in a by-pass arrangement with check valve when using an electric fuel pump and others use pressure regulators. I prefer to find a pump that does not require a pressure regulator (low psi type) and that can be used in conjunction with the regular mechanical fuel pump, and I test each one to see if I can blow through it before installing it so that I do not need a by-pass and check valve arrangement (lots of plumbing to do so). This is not a scientific test, but gives some indication of what to expect when the electric pump that is used for priming is off and the mechanical pump doing the job.

Also important is that an electric fuel pump be of a low pressure type, as if too high, it could blow the seals of the original fuel pump (if used) and could also cause other problems within the carburetor. Selecting an electric fuel pump is not an easy decision, as there are so many brands, different pressures, different voltages (6 & 12 volt/other), and the necessity of the pump being made of Ethanol resistant components. For priming purposes only, you need very little pressure - maybe only 2 psi or so. Again, remember to use Fuel Injection Hose 30R9 on any/all fuel line hoses for reasons explained in my previous post. The older style fuel line rubber hose is no longer suitable for fuels containing Ethanol.

Fritz

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I prefer to use a relay for my electric fuel pump. If you have a electric problem with the fuel pump it will not burn your wiring up, and when the relay cools and you let the pump cool for a half hour or so you may be lucky enough to have it work to get you to a parts place or home.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Had a early failure with Airtex. Replaced it with Mr. Gasket. No problem since. Mine were 12V neg ground.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Those Holley regulators are not "set and forget". Numerous times I have had to readjust mine. Also, be sure to check that your tank vent is clear. A problem there can make it seem that your pump has gone out. Voice of experience.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Thanks for the heads-up. I went to my shop today and turned the ignition switch on and the fuel pump. I have a pressure gauge at the pressure regulator. After a few seconds the gauge was registering about 2.5#. So I started the truck and let it run for about fifteen minutes. By then the pressure was down to about a half a pound. Not too promising.

I checked the vent on the tank and it is clear. I have adjusted the regulator a few times in the past. I think I am to the point of trying a different pump.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Im not being filled with confidence here..
I have ordered an Airtex one which I am going to use as a priming pump for the time being, then I was going to swap it over to my Fairlane when and IF I put the Carter one on full time and by-pass the manual pump.. I have my fingers crossed the Carter has "made in the USA" stamped on it!

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I think the key to success is picking a pump with ratings close to what you need, mounting it down low near the tank, and giving it a secure power supply. The only troubles I've had over 20 years of using electric pumps has been with a Facet pump that just wasn't rated high enough flow for the application. Even then it was fine unless I ran it more than 3 hours straight.

Which Airtex did you buy?

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I use a relay and an inertia switch that will shut off the fuel pump in an accident ..

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

As with anything, you get what you pay for.
If you want a continuous duty pump that is rated for alcohol use, you are looking at around $175 for just the pump. They are a bit noisy also.
The commonly used "dead head" regulators will seldom hold constant pressure under varying conditions. A bypass type is the cure for this but here again you are looking at another $125 and running another line back to the tank for the return.
Both Aeromotive and Holley make first class pumps and regulators.

ANY ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP INSTALLATION SHOULD HAVE AN INERTIAL CUTOFF SWITCH!!!!! It's a good idea to hook the ignition on the same circuit so it gets killed also.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Not making a long walk and paying for a tow job one time. will make up for the extra you pay for the pump and regulator.LOL

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I've had good luck with the pumps (2 vehicles) from 5th Avenue.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Vergil whats your inertia switch? Anyone have the best way to do a cut off for "our type of cars?"

I think you are right about doing a return line, its right way to do it with an electric pump , moreso for higher rated ones. I am convinced that is why people have so many problems with the "Holley blue - red" style pumps.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I get my inertia switches at a wrecking yard. Most new cars have them. You can test them by whacking them on the counter before you leave.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

So, I'm running a Holley elec pump(cause I got it in trade) and I'm buying a Holley fuel press regulator, but the regulator only goes down to 4-1/2 psi, is that low enough for 94's?
I'm going to run one carb to start, but am going to three as soon as motor is broken in.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Holley offers two regulators. Their low pressure regulator has a range of 1 to 4 psi. It comes set from the factory at 2.7 psi. Use it with your 94 and you should have good results.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

You can buy the rebuild kit for the regulator, it comes with a new diaphragm and both the low-pressure and high-pressure springs. Assuming you have the 12-804 regulator, the part # for the kit is 12-807, about $12 at the usual places (I got mine at O'Reillys).

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Not sure of the Holley part #, the Napa/ Balkamp # for it is 3353417,
Of course I had to order it, and it won't be here till tomorrow.
Thanks for the info.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

If you have a Ford tank and you have a pipe that you push into tank make sure its all the way in. Could be like running out of gas.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I forget what Ford van I got mine out of, but a picture of mine and the relay's


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/m...ate=1399675334

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

"The Carter pump is mounted at the tank and I have a fuel filter between the pump and the tank."
If it is a paper element filter that could be your problem too, I am told they break down and you should use a "stone" or screen before the pump and an element after the pump.

This is all good info I am doing the same upgrade to my '40 and have the NAPA 6v fuel pump. I will post the # when I get home.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Latest update. I have ordered the gear-driven 12 volt fuel pump from 5th Avenue. It comes with the recommended 30 micron filter. I will install that and give another update.

Sad part is I have another one of the low-pressure Carter pumps brand-new in the box behind the seat of the truck but I'm a bit leery(okay, a lot leery) of trying another. I'll save it for an emergency.

If I were running a high-pressure pump I would say that a return line would be necessary but not so much on low pressure. I guess I'm a good one to talk though, I'm the one having the problems with a low-pressure deal. :rolleyes:

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Let us know how that pump turns out. I am thinking of one for my roadster.

John

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

I want to point out something with the Holley 12-804 (and other similar) regulators. I started smelling gas one day, just after a start. I checked under the hood and to my horror there was a stream of gas spraying right down near the DS header. (My regulator is mounted on the DS inner fender).

The regulators have a little "notch" (see arrow below) that acts as a tattle-tale when the diaphragm ruptures. I rotated the diaphragm cover 180 so now if it leaks, it sprays on the inner fender.

Re: Best continuous-use electric fuel pump??
 

Holy crap Ross ! is that a good idea Holley?? I don't remember seeing anything like that on the fitting instructions?

Thanks Vergil.. I will look into the inertia switch , Ive not ever really heard about it before, only the usual oil pressure switch setups?

My Airtex pump turned up yesterday [thanks Rockauto] so I will see how that goes as a priming pump. I take it that little canister that's attached to it is a fuel filter not a valve?