Electric fuel pump

[85chevy86]

I was wondering if you could put an electric fuel pump on a truck with two tanks? And the best way to go about doing it?

Here is the problem. I just got a motor off a friend who was running an electric fuel pump and I was going to use a mechanical fuel pump. He can not remember what cam is in the truck so I do not know if I should get a bronze tip push rod or what. If he can not find the spec sheet on the cam I think I will play it safe and get an electric pump.

The truck is a 1986 c-10 with soon to be 350 and I want to keep both tanks working.


Thanks

[TrybalRage]

I'd look into something like this: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crt-p74143/overview/ but I don't know anyone who has used one.

[85chevy86]

Thanks I will keep that on in mind.

[Just call me Sean]

'87 has an electric pump in each tank stock.

[Aaron_L]

Electric pumps don't pull fuel well at all. I don't know how long a single pump would last in that type of situation. My dual tank system is all messed up/rigged by previous owners, and none of it works. I have to run an electric pump because I have a late model block with no pushrod hole. I want to keep the dual tanks, so I've been thinking about mounting the main pump (a Holley blue) by the passenger side tank. Then I might get a smaller pump to act as a transfer pump from the drivers side to the other. That way I could lose the valve, and all the wiring and lines that are damaged or missing.

[Just call me Sean]

Mechanical pumps pull fuel better than push, that's why it's on the block. Electric pumps push fuel better than pull, that's why they're in the tank. If you want it to work well, work right, then use the system from an '87. You'll probably need an adjustable regulator though since you have a carburetor, even though the pumps aren't high pressure.

[85chevy86]

I have read that as long as I put the pump in front of the selector switch it should work fine.

[ssxty8]

Another important point is that you make sure the electric pump is as close as possible to the tank, and lower than the fuel level. They need to be fed by gravity all the time.

[jjzepplin]

I have used Carter electric pumps for 25+ years. Always near the engine and they are great. My Chevelle was unstoppable (fast!) and nothing could catch it. My truck has one now and runs perfect (now that I fixed the carb) and my Blazer will have one as well. Why mess with something that has worked out for ages. I put them where the mechanical one was originally. I love to turn my key and hear it pump up into the carb-pump the gas twice and hear it roar to life each and every time the same every time. Not sure about the pump or pulling thing- I just know mine has worked for many many years. Rotary vane type pumps kinda like an air tool. Once my truck sat for 5 years after an accident and the pump was stuck. I took it apart and cleaned it and is still in use today. That's right=servicable as well...

[85chevy86]

This is the one I am looking at http://www.jegs.com/i/Carter/180/P4594/10002/-1

jjzepplin do you have a part number for the one you use?

[jjzepplin]

Yup. I believe that is the one. I found my last one on Fleabay for 50 delivered. I just put on a block off plate and modify the bracket (drill new holes) and mount where the old one was.
I even got it to fit with my serpentine system. Just had to be flush with the front of the engine. Slid it back a bit. Its tight but serviceable.
I would have to go check in the shop as It's still in the box. But it looks just like that.

[85chevy86]

thanks

[esbstuff]

Also you need to make sure the fuel pump only runs when the motor does...

A few years ago a kid here crashed his key hot electric fuel pump car. Well when he crashed the car, the fuel pump didn't quit, the fuel line near the motor broke and it kept feeding fuel onto the hot engine. To be polite it didn't end well for him and his parents now visit him at the grave yard...

[MountainGoat1966]

I got a little carried away with my electric fuel pump.
I installed a T fitting where my oil pressure sending unit goes, and put a pressure switch in the side. The stock sender points up. The stock oil gauge works fine, and the pump is controlled by availaible oil pressure and shuts down when the engine stops.
I hid a switch under the dash.
One position is power to the pump engine not running, so I can fill the carburetor or pump gas from the tank.
Center position is completely off (anti theft measure).
Top position is power supplied when engine has oil pressure.

[Just call me Sean]

In the name of safety, you could use a Ford inertia switch. It's like a circuit breaker, it trips on impact, and would be easy to wire in.

[MountainGoat1966]

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

In the name of safety, you could use a Ford inertia switch. It's like a circuit breaker, it trips on impact, and would be easy to wire in.

That would work as long as the roads you drive on aren't as bad as the ones here. I would be resetting the switch every 100 yards.

[Just call me Sean]

They aren't quite that sensitive. Most of the unwanted trips are from peeling tires whacking the body.

[ssxty8]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

I have used Carter electric pumps for 25+ years. Always near the engine and they are great. I put them where the mechanical one was originally. Not sure about the pump or pulling thing- I just know mine has worked for many many years. Rotary vane type pumps kinda like an air tool.

Your case is proof that they can even work at the front of the vehicle, but at least Holley recommends the rear mounted location.
http://www.jegs.com/InstallationInst...0-12-801-1.pdf
What I didn't follow on their instructions is the double inlet filter they recommend tho.

[Tucson38]

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

Mechanical pumps pull fuel better than push, that's why it's on the block. Electric pumps push fuel better than pull, that's why they're in the tank. If you want it to work well, work right, then use the system from an '87. You'll probably need an adjustable regulator though since you have a carburetor, even though the pumps aren't high pressure.

This is good information - Thanks Sean

[Ermot]

To make sure my electric fuel pump only runs when the engine is running I bought one of these: http://www.revolutionelectronics.com/Fuel_Pump.html

Easy to wire in and works great.

[85chevy86]

Thanks for all the replys. The 87 fuel tank is something I may look in to down the road but for now I am going to get the Carter fuel pump. It seems to have good reviews.

Thanks again

[85chevy86]

jjzeplin did you hook up a return line? The directions do not say any thing about one. Just wondering if I should get a fuel pump reg. with return.

[jjzepplin]

No return line. No regulator. Seems to work great with Holley carbs. I do Have a vent line from the tank going back up to the air filter housing though.
Not sure how these pumps would work with Edelbrock carbs but then I don't use them.
Just came from a drive in the rig and it is running fantabulous!
Now to put the A/C back in...

[85chevy86]

I will be using a holley carb too. Guess I will try it with out a regulator and see what happens.

Thanks for all the help