Real World Result- My $60. DIY Fuel Transfer Pump

JoLin

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Aug 18, 2007
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You might remember this original thread, which prompted a lot of discussion...

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/othe...transfer-pump-for-about-60-00?_=1454673181470

I got down to Stuart, FL a week ago and started draining the old fuel out of my 16-footer. I don't know why the pump setup worked so much better on the boat than it did at home, but I filled a 6-gallon can in less than 20 minutes. That gives it a flow rate about double the 10 gph I saw when I tested it at home.

When I 'bench tested' it originally at home, I had plugged it in to a 5-amp converter (110V to 12V), and I measured a 4-amp draw from the 2 pumps. On the boat I plugged it into my portable jump starter. I dunno if or why that would make a difference, but the little pumps were cranking along pretty well.

Just wanted to share. Thanks.
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
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Jun 26, 2011
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JoLin, I actually do remember that thread and the attention it had received. Glad everything worked out for you. :thumb:
 

GA_Boater

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Mission Accomplished!

Maybe battery volts/current are better than from AC to DC conversion. :noidea:
 

JoLin

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Mission Accomplished!

Maybe battery volts/current are better than from AC to DC conversion. :noidea:

Yeah, I'm stumped, too :)

At least it works in the field. 20 gph makes it usable when I occasionally needs to transfer fuel where a siphon doesn't work too well. I sat the pump assembly and fuel can in the cockpit, pulled the sending unit and ran a couple of short hoses. Piece of cake- I didn't need to run any long feed or drain hoses, or snake anything through the boat to ground level. If and when I find some extra bucks, I'll replace the low capacity pumps with a high pressure F.I. pump.

My .02
 

Scott Danforth

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you dont need high pressure, you need high volume
 

JoLin

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In the context of fuel pumps, higher pressure = greater volume. In either system, you're pushing (or pulling) fuel through the same size hose. High pressure F.I. pumps push a higher volume of fuel than low pressure carburetor pumps do.

My .02
 
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