Electric fuel pumps - suck-through-able?

[prv]

Has anyone tried one of these cheap fuel pumps?

Specifically, any idea if they 1) self prime from a few cm above the fuel 2) allow fuel to be sucked through them when not running? I've sent a question to the eBay seller but it's the kind of thing that people import and sell on without ever having opened the box themselves, so they may not know.

The idea is to plumb it in just after the tank to help with priming. Recommissioning the fuel system was so much easier this year because my mum happened to be down and could squeeze the rubber bulb pump when I asked. Usually it's just me, and the rubber bulb is completely inaccessible from the engine compartment. Being an afterthought, it's awkward to access even from the primary filter access hatch for which it was intended. It would be nice to replace it with a small electric pump with switches by the engine and by the filters - crack the bleed screw, hold the button till the fuel comes through, job done.

Pete

 

[Jabs]

Cheap fuel pump.

I have bought one for exactly that purpose.

If I install mine first, I'll post a result.

One thing I did was to spray it with loads of coats of Hammerite, just to stop it rusting.

Just holding it and blowing suggests there are valves in there to allow the fuel to flow freely and not return.

Tony.

 

[Ariadne]

I have a facet 12v lift pump 2 years ago, wouldn't go back to mechanical pump now. Cost me £25 form here http://www.fuelpumpsonline.co.uk via e-bay (I bought 2 just in case!).

Worked out the cost of a rebuild kit for a Volvo lift pump and never looked back!

 

[Pete7]

Pete,

I have one of those set up to filter my fuel tank, see post 18 for photos.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254260&highlight=fuel&page=2

The pump will easily prime 18" above the top of the tank, pulling fuel through a CAV filter.

Pete

 

[rogerthebodger]

Has anyone tried one of these cheap fuel pumps?

Specifically, any idea if they 1) self prime from a few cm above the fuel 2) allow fuel to be sucked through them when not running? I've sent a question to the eBay seller but it's the kind of thing that people import and sell on without ever having opened the box themselves, so they may not know.

The idea is to plumb it in just after the tank to help with priming. Recommissioning the fuel system was so much easier this year because my mum happened to be down and could squeeze the rubber bulb pump when I asked. Usually it's just me, and the rubber bulb is completely inaccessible from the engine compartment. Being an afterthought, it's awkward to access even from the primary filter access hatch for which it was intended. It would be nice to replace it with a small electric pump with switches by the engine and by the filters - crack the bleed screw, hold the button till the fuel comes through, job done.

Pete

I have that exact pump on each of my 3 tanks with a push button on my instrument console next to my primary filters to do exactly what you are thinking of. The two side tanks work great but my keel tank needs 2 in series due to the height of the filter above the bottom of the keel tank about 3 meters. my side tanks are only about 1 meter below the filter.

 

[Graham_Wright]

It appears to be exactly the same as the ones ASAP sell (except for the price!).

Yes it will allow flow in the direction of pumping.

 

[pappaecho]

I have twin Mermaid engines, one of which, suffered a mechanical lift pump problem caused by a dicky cam inside the engine.

Replaced mechanical pump with cheapo Ebay "Universal lift pump" ( diesel proof) which is wired into the ignition.

The filter bank for the injector pump has bleed nipple, onto which I pump a Pela vacuum pump and suck the fuel from the tank via the primary filters and water traps, through the lift pump to the injector pump. Engine starts straight away once the air is purged.

So yes you can suck the pump through!
100+ hrs no problem

 

[Travelmate]

Walbro & Mechanical pump

I fitted a Walbro pump prior to my primary filter but downline of a water seperator. Plumbed a ball cock valve on the bleed screw of the secondary filter. Pressure bleed without the spill of diesel. Also fitted a duplex filter system so can pressure bleed the filter not in use.

Normally activate the elec fuel pump with the ign switch via a 2 way switch for manual or auto operation of the pump.

Have used the system effectively with the elec fuel pump switched off.

Makes bleeding and filter changing an easy and clean task.

Tony