Anybody running an electric fuel pump on their sbc?

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3jvj

3jvj

Joined
Jan 14, 2006
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76
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Location
Durango, Crawlorado
Freaking HAD it with fuel issues:mad:. I'm starting to think I've worn the lobe down and my mechanical pump may be underpowered.

Is anybody running a 12v fuel pump?

Any advice on which one to use, and how much they run?

This is for my 55. Warmed over Chebby 350/700r4.

Thanks- Josh
 
As a side note;

Are there several types of fuel pumps on sbc's? Any chance I'm just running a pump with too short a throw?
 
What has led you to think you have a fuel issue?

Have you ruled out a clogged filter? Maybe vapor lock? Jackson Hole is fairly high in altitude and vapor lock is more likely as you gain altitude.

I once fought a fuel issue and eventually found the cause to be one of those in carb filters. Didn't even realize there was a filter in the carb at the time.

Is your fuel clean? Maybe you have dirt or rust in the tank that's gotten into the carb? Assume you are running a carb if you are using a mechanical pump.

I don't know if the SBC pump pushrods come in different lengths but if they do, maybe you have one too short? Hard to believe that the pump lobe on the cam is worn down. I've never had an issue using any stock mechanical chevrolet/gmc pump on a carbed SBC. I've just looked for one that had the fuel line fittings where I wanted them and never paid attention to the pump arm. I kind of thought they were all the same on a Gen I engine at least.
 
Me too but, pay attention to the mounting location. Some pumps are designed to "push" fuel so you will want it closer to the tank and some are designed to "pull" fuel so you will want it closer to the carb.
I think I have it right.
 
Thanks for the input. No question it's a fuel delivery issue. I've had issues for years; it's not a new problem. I pulled pounds of rust out of the tank and go through filters like candy. I'm just tired of punching the gas and sputtering out. I've cleaned/purged the whole system, replaced all the lines/filters only to see the brand new fuel pump sputter like an old man with prostate issues.

I've never considered a jockey pump to assist. I like the idea. I may do that.

If I reverse the electrical on the pump would it reverse flow (are they diaphram or impellar)? Could be another nice anti-theft trick.
 
why don't you clean and coat the inside of the tank ? or take it to a radiator shop and pay them to do it and be done with it forever or buy a new tank for about 200.00 and be done with it.
 
I just got done cleaning it. That was what spawned the let down and dismay. Although it should have fired right up and been better than it has in years it's straving for fuel.

No radiator shop here anymore, and the closest shop is 1 1/2 away. Due to financial restraints (i.e. no way to take time off of work); it's gonna be awhile until I can get it coated (spring).
 
(a) You never said what your V8 is. If carbureted, 5 psi max is ok. If TBI, you need 15 psi.
(b) Yes, electric fuel pumps are pushers, not suckers. Should mount at the tank (below floor board).
(c) Elec pumps are cheap, carry a spare!!!
 
Downey said:
(a) You never said what your V8 is. If carbureted, 5 psi max is ok. If TBI, you need 15 psi.
(b) Yes, electric fuel pumps are pushers, not suckers. Should mount at the tank (below floor board).
(c) Elec pumps are cheap, carry a spare!!!
Click to expand...

+1 on that . especially on pump location , they don't like to suck fuel at all .

i have personally never had a problem with my mechanical pump :meh:

i can't stand electric fuel pumps , with efi you need them but other wise there silly . very unreliable in my experience .
 
I've been running a carter pump since 1996 with no problems (was about $50-60). Less cranking to get it started even when it sat for two years. It has been very reliable.

On a side note it you add a "T" and a shut off you can pump gass into the mower, generator, motor bike, ... you name it.

350, Second auxillary tank waiting to be installed.
 
3jvj said:
No question it's a fuel delivery issue. I've had issues for years; it's not a new problem. I pulled pounds of rust out of the tank and go through filters like candy. I'm just tired of punching the gas and sputtering out. I've cleaned/purged the whole system, ...
Click to expand...

How is an electric pump going to resolve this issue? :confused:

Rust dosen't care if you pump it into the carb by mechanical or electrical means.
 
miker said:
How is an electric pump going to resolve this issue? :confused:

Rust dosen't care if you pump it into the carb by mechanical or electrical means.
Click to expand...
:lol:

Point made.

Ever get sick of changing the same thing over and over? I am.

It's carbed b.t.w.

Giving serious thought to a tbi vortec swap though. I've got a decent lead on a full propane setup that would be pretty sweet.
 
3jvj said:
Ever get sick of changing the same thing over and over? I am.
Click to expand...

Then why keep changing the pump when its not the problem?

3jvj said:
It's carbed b.t.w.
Click to expand...
And unless you've also completely disassembled and cleaned the carb, this is more likely why the engine is falling on its face under accelleration. From what you've said, you had and still have a lot of contamination in the tank and fuel. This stuff doesn't just flow through the carb and get burn't up in the engine. It settles in the carb and then tends to move around and cause all kinds of intermittent fuel flow problems.

3jvj said:
Giving serious thought to a tbi vortec swap though. I've got a decent lead on a full propane setup that would be pretty sweet.
Click to expand...

If this engine will be gasoline powered, you better get the fuel contamination issue fixed or the TBI will leave you stranded on the side of the road. Carbs are much more forgiving to dirt and rust than injection.
 
I think you may have missed it. The tank WAS dirty. I've dropped, cleaned, replaced every component only to find that my fuel pump isn't moving it along fast enough. I can watch the filter and see that it's not pumping very much, and road tests verify. I can putz along under 55 all day with no problem but as soon as I hit a hill or kick the spurs to her she falls flat on her face. I thought it was a vac condition issue, then I found the rust. Now that I've crossed that hurdle I'm about to change out the pump (again). I'm just shooting for a more powerful option so I can correct the problem once and for all. I don't want to be in moab and have her conk out.
:cheers:
 
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