Fuel pump ?

[Gregor 4,846]

I want to install an electric fuel pump on my C-141. I was wondering. Can I plumb it right through the existing mechanical fuel pump? Once the tractor is running, I could then turn off the electric pump. Would the mechanical fuel pump still draw fuel through the electric pump, with it being shut off? Thanks  Greg

Edited March 7, 2021 by Gregor

[squonk 41,155]

You can plumb it right thru the old pump. As far as the old pump drawing fuel thru the electric I would think probably but do not know for sure. Why would you turn off the old pump?

[Gregor 4,846]

1 minute ago, squonk said:

 Why would you turn off the old pump?

???????

[squonk 41,155]

Just now, Gregor said:

???????

Why turn off the electric pump sorry.

[Gregor 4,846]

With the tank being located so far away, it takes a long time to draw fuel to the motor on a cold start. Once it's running, the mechanical pump will work fine. Simply don't need the electric one, or the noise it makes after start up.

[953 nut 55,321]

Your mechanical fuel pump has a thin diaphragm between the fuel and your engine oil. If the diaphragm fails you will be pumping your engine full of gasoline.        I would suggest you bypass the mechanical fuel pump, locate the electric pump lower than the fuel tank and run a wire with a fuse to the "A" terminal of you ignition switch. That is what I have done on a few of mine and they work well 

[rjg854 11,387]

It's been mentioned here before about installing a primer bulb, inline.

[squonk 41,155]

This is the pump I use. You can't hear it over the noise of a running engine. 

 

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_6103021?cid=paidsearch_shopping_dcoe_google&campaign=GSC-Fuel-Emissions&campaign_id=10951730297&adgroup_id=113117085528&adtype=pla&gclid=CjwKCAiAkJKCBhAyEiwAKQBCkiZFPfBQlpcTWyyD83eA52OBxIoaT-WTsRQEb5IhfBARux_2P0b9vhoChTYQAvD_BwE&

 

[wallfish 17,012]

Hard starting issue solved with one of these as long as the existing pump can pump something. Easy, simple, cheap and nothing to break. Just a squish or 2 before you start it. Not much to loose at $7 if you don't like it

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pactrade-Marine-Boat-Rubber-Fuel-Pump-Hand-Large-Primer-Bulb-Fuel-Hose-1-4-6mm/283107772078?hash=item41ea89c6ae:g:ei8AAOSwoFVaZ6LB

[Racinbob 11,094]

I used a Mr. Gasket #42S fuel pump and the slight whirr of it running can't be heard with the engine running. I'm pretty sure that would be true for all or most of them. I was thinking the same as you about shutting it off once the gas is pushed to the carb but I couldn't draw through it when it wasn't running so I'd say no to that. I didn't bypass the mechanical pump but only because I didn't think about what @953 nut said. I haven't changed it yet  but plan to this spring. As much as I love the benefits of the electric I would probably go the primer bulb route next time.....if I had only thought about it. 

 

[Gregor 4,846]

I have read the post about a primer bulb, and I have one on hand. My primer bulb has 3/8" barb fittings. All I could find. May have to do a little extra plumbing, but it may be simpler to go that route. We have had enough snow melt, I think I can get it out of storage, and up to the garage today.

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

IMHO l wouldnt. If that diaphragm in the mechanical pump would go bad and dump fuel into the crank case... well. Have had that happen before and will not happen again!

[squonk 41,155]

If the pump diaphragm goes bad it will pump fuel into the crankcase whether an electric is connected or a bulb. I will never rebuild /replace a mechanical pump again unless it's a tractor I'm getting rid of.  Put a plate on the engine and It's electric for me.

Edited March 7, 2021 by squonk

[pacer 3,173]

1 hour ago, squonk said:

Put a plate on the engine and It's electric for me.

 

Thats me too..... Since almost every tractor i get hasnt been run in ---- years? and fuels system is most always a mess anyway, I get an electric.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,600]

Super simple, cheap, works every time...

 

[pfrederi 17,741]

Clearly the primer bulb is a good inexpensive option for slow starting...BUT  When a mechanical pump fails internally you can destroy the engine.  Common occurrence no, but $30 for a pump vs how much for an overhaul???

[Lee1977 6,667]

I put an electric pump on my 520-H. Ran the hot wire to the key switch and ran the ground wire through a toggle switch then to ground, If i want to run it out of gas I just turn it off. Broke the plastic pump trying to change the gas lines.

Best thing that could have happen starts easy now. Turn the key switch on let it pump 3 or 4 times turn to start come up with the choke and right back down and it's running.

[Gregor 4,846]

I keep going back and forth, back and forth. Sure wish you people would make up my mind.

[Lee1977 6,667]

4 minutes ago, Gregor said:

I keep going back and forth, back and forth. Sure wish you people would make up my mind.

All methods work some what. My 312-8 still has a mechanical pump. I try to always turn the gas off at the tank even with that some times it takes at least two tries to get it started. I'm sure the hand bulb will work never tried one.

My electric pump works great and they all can fail at some point so what ever you want to do it's up to you.

[ronhatch 406]

Several years ago, I installed a Facet 1-2 PSI electric pump and filter from Aircraft Spruce for about $35. on my Case 4016. Using new gas line, I installed the filter/pump as close to the tank as possible. The original mechanical pump still does its thing just like before.  I used a momentarily 'ON' push button switch with a 3 amp fuse close to the battery.  Just hold the button in for 5 secs or so, turn the key and off I go!  No more grinding away for 30 - 40 secs after the tractor sat for a month or more.  

Last fall I installed a good inline squeeze type of primer with 1/4" fittings on my C-101.  We'll see how well it works in a couple of weeks when I get the tractor out and ready for mowing.  Yes, it was simpler, cheaper and easier to install but, not as cool as pushing a button. 

Edited March 7, 2021 by ronhatch

[clueless 3,005]

Primer bulb under the seat pan on my 312-8 best $8.00 I ever spent on a tractor. Lift the seat reach in the hole in the pan squeeze it about 4 to 5 times, fires up in less than 5 seconds weather it's been sitting for 6 weeks or six months .  

Edited March 7, 2021 by clueless

[oldredrider 2,548]

1 hour ago, pfrederi said:

Clearly the primer bulb is a good inexpensive option for slow starting...BUT  When a mechanical pump fails internally you can destroy the engine.  Common occurrence no, but $30 for a pump vs how much for an overhaul???

I had a mechanical fuel pump arm break off on my C-141. Took out the whole bottom end of the engine. Not a common occurrence but once is too often. That is a really good reason to go electric fuel pump. 

[Gregor 4,846]

Ding  Ding  Ding  I think we have a winner. That will probably sway me. I put a new plastic pump on last year. Probably form the "Land Of Almost Right". If ones going to break, it will be mine. I had the electric fuel pump hooked up to a 10HP Tecumseh. It loaded it with fuel. I had to turn it on and off periodically. I hope that doesn't happen here. Specs say it is 2.5 to 4 PSI. I hope that isn't too much.

Model HEP - 02A

[pfrederi 17,741]

What brand pump.  Some have had success with the China ones others (like me ) had them fail. 

[oldlineman 1,481]

Not to change the subject but does anyone have the # for the block cover too seal the fuel pump opening in the block. 1989 M 14 Kohler, Thanks Bob