Mechanical Fuel Pump or Electric?

[abe_froman]

Here's the situation...

The EB broke down on me last week. I looked around and figured out the mechanical pump wasn't working. So I ordered a new mechanical pump. I got it, put it on, still didn't start. Long story short, looks like the fuel pump eccentric has crapped on me.

So I have 3 options...

1)Tow it down to my parents house where I'll have the tools/space to tear into the motor and put the eccentric in. Tow bill will probably be around $100.

2)Pay a mechanic near me to come and get it/put the eccentric in. Not sure what a fella would charge, gotta check with some guys after the weekend.

3)Say screw the eccentric and the mechanical pump then put in an electric pump in my driveway and be finished. No tow bill, just the cost of the electric pump.


What say you?

 

[Explorer]

Put the electric on and drive it to your parents house to fix it.

 

[bronko69er]

Buy a $45 dollar electric fuel puup to get it going till you can fix the eccentric, then carry the mechical in case the electric craps out. Thats my vote.

 

[abe_froman]

So y'all wouldn't stick with the electric for the long-term?

 

[broncnaz]

take you mechanical one back and get a carter P4070 and never look back. I've run one for over 30 years without issue. You can replace the eccentric later on when you need to change the timing chain or do a rebuild.

 

[NY-Bronco]

Carter GP4070. Seems to be bomb proof. Lots of guys use it and quite like it.

 

[Explorer]

So y'all wouldn't stick with the electric for the long-term?

Just wire in the safety feature. Inertia switch or oil pressure.

 

[JWMcCrary]

take you mechanical one back and get a carter P4070 and never look back. .

X2 - Been using one for almost 6 years.

 

[mavereq]

what's the hp limit on one of those? i've never dealt with low pressure electric pumps before so i'm not sure if it really matters that much unless you're going wide open for long periods of time.

 

[El Kabong]

I'm another fan of electric pumps. One mounted near the tank helps prevent vaporlock. It's also self priming if you ever run out of gas.

 

[broncnaz]

what's the hp limit on one of those? i've never dealt with low pressure electric pumps before so i'm not sure if it really matters that much unless you're going wide open for long periods of time.

A P4070 should be able to supply a 500HP naturally aspirated engine easily especailly if your not running it at WOT all the time.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Let's hear the long story. I've never seen an eccentric fail. I'm concerned that you may have another problem besides the fuel pump.

 

[Bronco Biff]

Yea, i was thinking timing chain or at a minimum the bolt cme loose that would mean the cam gear next.

 

[abe_froman]

Okay, here is the mechanical pump I bought.

I just took it back off, stuck an inlet hose in a gas tank and manually pumped it and it didnt pump any fuel through. Is it just a bad pump? Is there another trick to checkin this thing?

 

[blubuckaroo]

I don't know if you can check it like that. I usually put a vacuum gauge on the suction side and crank it over (on the motor.) You may have other problems. While the pump is out, pressurize the tank a little with an air compressor. You should get a good stream of fuel from the pump suction hose if the line is clear.

 

[abe_froman]

I've done that and get plenty of fuel squirting. But it stops there.

 

[bmc69]

You do not even need gas or hose to bench check the pump. Simply actuate the lever and stick fingers over the inlet and outlet..the first should suck hard on yr finger and the second should create pressure on yr finger as you work the lever

 

[abe_froman]

Just did that and got nothing. I don't feel any pressure at all.

All this trouble and it might end up being a damned bad fuel pump. Not cool, Holley, not cool.

 

[abe_froman]

Just returned the pump, I'll have a new one at 9:00 in the morning, let's hope that fixes it.

 

[abe_froman]

I was leaning this way in the first place, but after getting annoyed with AdvanceAuto I told them to give me my money back and I'm ordering a Carter Electric Pump. I'm ready to just be done with it and everybody here seems to be enamored with the Carter, so I'm doin it.

Anybody know where the best price on one would be from? On Amazon I can get it shipped for $80.12

Also, where did you run your hot wire to from the pump? Do I need to just hook onto the ignition post?