Fuel regulator issue

[dave`12]

When I put my 350 engine (carb, holly street demon 625cfm) in my truck, I put a Mr. Gasket 12s micro fuel pump. The thing quit after less than 5k miles.

I just replaced it with an edelbrock universal micro pump.

https://www.edelbrock.com/universal-...e85-17301.html

Well, looking at the instructions (which I don't think I did last time) I see they say it needs a regulator. Of course they don't say which one I should get, and if it's for every application..

Anyone use this pump? Could this be why my last failed? I've got it on and it works, but now I'm worried.

I googled it and got some non-specific advice, and some people arguing about what type of regulator you need.

If I need one, can someone recommend one?

As always, you guys are the best; thanks in advance.

[Rickysnickers]

When I was running a carb, I had one of these, https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hly-12-803/overview/ and had no issues with it.

[RustyPile]

One of the "quirks" of Edelbrock carbs is their sensitivity to fuel pressure.. Go with a good name brand fuel pump and regulator..

The PO of my truck decided the slightly warmed over 454 Needed a hairy assed fuel delivery system.. He installed half inch braided fuel line all the way to the carburetor, a Holly electric fuel pump that screams like a 747 spooling up all four engines, a spin on fuel filter the size of an oil filter and the pressure regulator mentioned in Rickysnickers' post.. I have the fuel pressure set to 5.5 lbs.. The Holly 3310-3 Doesn't need all that paraphernalia.. When I'm able to get back to work on the truck all that crap will get trashed and a stock mechanical pump, 3/8ths stock type fuel line along with a fuel return line will go in place..

For carbureted engines, electric fuel pumps are way over rated.. Unless your block doesn't have provisions for a mechanical pump, I suggest you go the mechanical pump route.. Lots cheaper and more reliable..

[firedemon]

if your going electric you should use a return style regulator . the non return style tend to make the pump work harder and run hotter heat shortens the life of the pump . heat also can vapor lock . with the fuel constantly circulating it tends to keep the pump much cooler and it will be more reliable and last longer . the only problem is finding a sending unit with a return line . and dont forget pumps generally push better than they pull

[dave`12]

I'm a little confused. The fuel pump has a max psi of only 7. Do I really need a regulator? The primary benefit, as I see it, is that a regulator allows the pump to shut off so it is not constantly running, so it last longer and stays cooler?

If so, a regulator would need to be hooked up to power?

If a regulator like the one above was installed, I don't see the benefit, unless maybe a return line to the tank (not sure how I would hook that up) was keeping it from pumping when the line is already full?

Not sure what would be too much psi for my Holly, but I doubt 7psi would be too much?

Sorry my lack of knowledge here...

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by dave`12

I'm a little confused. The fuel pump has a max psi of only 7. Do I really need a regulator? The primary benefit, as I see it, is that a regulator allows the pump to shut off so it is not constantly running, so it last longer and stays cooler?

If so, a regulator would need to be hooked up to power?

If a regulator like the one above was installed, I don't see the benefit, unless maybe a return line to the tank (not sure how I would hook that up) was keeping it from pumping when the line is already full?

Not sure what would be too much psi for my Holly, but I doubt 7psi would be too much?

Sorry my lack of knowledge here...

A pressure regulator doesn't turn the pump off and on to regulate the pressure. The pump runs continuously. Simply put, a regulator allows fuel to "trickle through" at a rate just enough to maintain the preset pressure against the carb needle/seat..

Back in my racing days, I ran 10 lb. fuel pressure into large CFM Hollys. I ran a pressure adjustable Stewart-Warner "thumper" pump..

That particular regulator you're looking at is not designed to allow return flow.

You haven't said --- does your engine block have the provision for a mechanical pump???? If so, why are you insistent on running an electric pump and all the hardware needed to make it work properly?? IMHO, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages..

[dave`12]

The reason I went electric is that I found one that mounts exactly like the last, so the change over was so easy. I have a mechanical that does not work on the block. It has allen wrench screws and they are stripped by PO. I guess if I really set my mind to it, I could get it off, but the electric was the easy solution.

If this one gives out, I guess I will just have to get dirty.

Question remains on this pump, do you guys think it is ok the way I have it, or is the lack of a regulator setting me up for another early failure?

thanx

Originally Posted by RustyPile

A pressure regulator doesn't turn the pump off and on to regulate the pressure. The pump runs continuously. Simply put, a regulator allows fuel to "trickle through" at a rate just enough to maintain the preset pressure against the carb needle/seat..

Back in my racing days, I ran 10 lb. fuel pressure into large CFM Hollys. I ran a pressure adjustable Stewart-Warner "thumper" pump..

That particular regulator you're looking at is not designed to allow return flow.

You haven't said --- does your engine block have the provision for a mechanical pump???? If so, why are you insistent on running an electric pump and all the hardware needed to make it work properly?? IMHO, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages..

[maverickmk]

The regulator shouldn't have an effect on the pump, unless the pump is a high volume high pressure pump and you're driving the pressure down with a regulator. Then it would overheat and cause premature failure. The regulator does exactly that, regulates the pressure to the carburetor and makes it a steady flow at a constant rate.

[dave`12]

Thanx maverickmk.

I guess I will let this one ride, and if it fails, go mechanical.