Fuel pump - change to electric?

[gturner008]

I have been given some advice about the mechanical fuel pump on the TC. A good mechanic recommends changing the fuel pump to electric. Something to do with reducing risks of fuel vapourising when in traffic? Also, much easy to start as no need to crack engine to pump fuel.

Anyone have a firm view. I don't think its an expensive job - just wondering about views others may have - thanks Gary

[jbcollier]

Nothing wrong with the mechanical fuel pump.  As long as you are not having fuel vaporization issues, I would leave it.

If you go electric, make sure it's wired up properly.  You absolutely need a safety circuit which shuts the pump off in the event of a crash.  You can wire it to an oil pressure sensor (with a starter bypass); or, use an inertia switch in the circuit such as these:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_mPrRngCbx=1&_nkw=fuel+pump+inertia+switch

[EuropaTC]

I'm with JBCollier on this, I can't see anything wrong with the Ford mechanical pump. It's been used in thousands of Ford Cortinas/Escorts/etc over the years and fuel vapourising wasn't a known problem back in the 60s/70s. 

Having said that, I will admit to fitting an electric one on the Elan but that was just one of those "I wonder if ?" sort of things.  It does make starting easier if the car's not been used for a while as it primes the webers without turning the engine but apart from that I can't tell any difference.  My prime reason was for another anti-theft device because it's hidden away and easily isolated.

Apart from the safety cut-off aspect already mentioned I needed to fit a pressure regulator as well, despite having a low pressure rated pump.  The complexity involved convinced me that the Europa didn't need one 

Brian

[TCS4605R]

I have never liked the Europa twin cam mechanical fuel pump - it is mounted directly above the starter motor.  If there is a leak at the fuel pump, chances are fuel will get on the starter.  When you engage the starter, boom a fire.  I have a Facet silver top cylindrical fuel pump ($93.99) from Pegasus Auto Racing (https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=85) that I mounted on the engine bay fiberglass about 4" in front of the opening in the fiberglass for the rear cross brace on the right side.  It has an integral mesh fuel filter and delivers 23.0 gallons per hour at 2.0 psi.  I used stainless steel braided fuel lines and fittings to get rid of all of the rubber fuel lines.  I have a photo of the installation, but it is too big to attach - 2186 KB.  If you would like to see it, let me know and I'll email it to you.

Tom

[LotusBob74]

I am taking your advise on the electric fuel pump and braided lines.  Love to see the photos or your installation

[EuropaTC]

well, it just shows how time flies when you're having fun, my previous post was over 7 years ago. And it also shows how ideas change. Since we've adopted E10 fuel in the UK I have also decided to change the Ford pump despite my previous post of "it'll be ok".

My concern now isn't the mechanical performance but more of a concern about the suitability of the rubber valves, etc, inside the pump with E10. Just looking at it, a gradual leak would either end up on the starter as previously noted, or inside the engine. I'm not keen on either so have bought a new electric pump supposedly suitable for E10 fuels.

Mind you, it's been in the workshop for weeks and I still haven't gotten round to fitting it !

Brian

[jbcollier]

Talk about zombie posts.  Have I really been posting here that long?  Scary.

Just another friendly reminder to include a safety circuit of some kind.  And, if you use steel-braided fuel lines, make sure they are secured properly.  A loose braided steel line is like a buzz saw.

[Bainford]

I've been considering a change to an electric fuel pump, not for mechanical concerns with the stock mechanical pump, but to benefit from the reduced mechanical load on the engine.

[Fotog]

Wouldn't that make the mechanical load on your engine from the alternator greater?  As I guy who spent 15 years designing and building high-temperature industrial furnaces (kilns), I came to realize that when it comes to energy, there's no free lunch.  I suspect that no matter what, it's a pretty small load.

Vince

[jbcollier]

A mechanical fuel pump puts virtually no measurable load on the engine.  Fit one if you like, but not for that reason.

[Bainford]

Wouldn't that make the mechanical load on your engine from the alternator greater?  As I guy who spent 15 years designing and building high-temperature industrial furnaces (kilns), I came to realize that when it comes to energy, there's no free lunch.  I suspect that no matter what, it's a pretty small load.

Vince

You are right, of course. There is no free lunch, but there are cheaper ones. The small load or effort required to move fuel is transferred to the alternator, along with the small load required to run the efficient electric pump. But the alternator is already there, doing its job. Nothing is added except a small increase in electrical load. The load required to operate the mechanical pump (friction and clanky parts of mass, which, at several thousand RPM, is not insignificant), minus the very small load of just moving fuel, is removed entirely. An entire mechanical assembly is removed, with only the small load of the work it used to do remaining. It's a small gain, but it is through the cumulative effects of such changes that larger gains are realised. The lighter and more efficient the car, the more these small, individual gains matter.

There's a reason Colin didn't like flat washers going for a ride in his car.