What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Electric or Mechanical Fuel Pump

Electric or Mechanical Fuel Pump

  • Electric

    Votes: 23 47.9%

  • Mechanical

    Votes: 25 52.1%
  • Total voters
    48
P

PsRumors

1/2 ton status
Joined
Nov 11, 2006
Posts
626
Reaction score
0
Location
Cartersville, GA
454 is sitting in the burb. I am ready to start on the accessories. I am going with the Be-Cool aluminum radiator and electric fan kit. So I was thinking, should I use the mechanical fuel pump or electric? Neither of which I have.

Thoughts?
 
I like electric because it is easy to replace, and you dont have to worry about fuel getting into your crankcase.Dan
 
unless you go with an in tank pump. DON'T.

Simple is better. unless your engine is exotic then mechanical or something readily available at most parts stores. that way if it quits on you in the middle of nowhere you can get a replacement.

I have never replaced a fuel pump that I installed. they usually last a good while. but if the one in my truck does die I know that I can get a mechanical fuel pump for a 350 anywhere.
 
roadnotca said:
A common reason for using an electric is to help prevent vapor-lock.
Click to expand...

I had no idea that would help. I had a car once that was absolutely horrible about vapor locking. I ended up putting a heat resistive spacer between the carb and intake which cured the problem, but then I needed a hood due to space.
 
Gas coming out of the mech. pump, is warmer than gas going in. At idle, no air flow to speak of, plenty of time to warm-up. 115* in stop & go traffic; you've seen it before.:D
No guarantee to prevent vapor-lock, just another source.
 
Makes since just never thought about it. Even when running a coil and fuel line cooler never thought about moving it away from the engine. Makes sense.
 
I also have a 454 in my 78, with electric holley fuel pump
and had a backup for those not so special moments. The wire end I installed sealed quick connect fittings, hose ends are regular hose clamps. I also installed a valve after the pump if I needed gas, (for someone who neglected to check fuel level before a drive about, or to clean parts on the trail after breakage). Although I am curious to see what everyone has to say about the pole.
 
lurtch-k20-(78-90) said:
......I also installed a valve after the pump if I needed gas, (for someone who neglected to check fuel level before a drive about, or to clean parts on the trail after breakage....
Click to expand...

Now that is a pretty good idea. What kind of valve did you use?
 
Something else to think about is where to mount it.... posible damage on rocks.... If your running an internal elect. their quite if your running an external elect. they make a lot of noise.... The mech. is quite too.... On my 74 there is an external elect. and it make the truck as load as my 78 with dual 40 flowmasters.... just more to think about.... I do like the idea of having a elect to use as a parts cleaner
 
For a carbed engine you are fine with a mechanical fuel pump. Those things are pretty darn reliable and quiet.
 
I voted electrical, mainly for the very small reason of keeping the fuel cooler. But don't buy some some cheap electric pump buy a nice one. some of the newer externals are pretty quite. For simplicitys sake a mechanical can't be beat. I would go electric because in my mind it may help performance a bit.
 
Well, I ended up with a mechanical for now. I am trying to get the thing running so I can get it to the muffler shop Friday morning.

An electrical will come at a later date but so will alot of other things.

Thanks for the input.
 
PsRumors said:
An electrical will come at a later date but so will alot of other things.
Click to expand...

I tell myself that all the time when I am fixing something to just get it moving. I will upgrade this or that. then 8 years later when you haven't thought twice about that mechanical pump. I have all sorts of parts that I plan on puttting on my truck, but dammit, the stuff on there now works.
 
Mechanical is cheaper, more reliable, and requires no modification to wiring or fuel lines to run. With that said IMO go mechanical.
 
:haha: I'm waiting for the Wife to surprise me (maybe Christmas morning?) by installing my new hi-output alternator, some night between 10 PM and 4 AM????? :rotfl:

Maybe its waiting to be painted ORANGE? :haha:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom