470 Merc Fuel Pump

[crock83]

I just pulled an old mercruiser 470 out for a rebuild and have another to put in straight away. The question I have is the newly rebuilt 470 has no fuel pump, should I invest in an electric pump or tax the mechanical fuel pump off the motor that is out for a rebuild? Pros and cons for electric over mechanical fuel pump on the old girl? New to the forum so if there is a thread already out on the subject let me know cheers

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,......

The mechanical pump has worked just fine for 40 years or so,.....

The electric pump will need fancy wirin' to work properly on a boat motor,.....

 

[crock83]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,......

The mechanical pump has worked just fine for 40 years or so,.....

The electric pump will need fancy wirin' to work properly on a boat motor,.....

Awesome. Thanks. I will stick with the original

 

[Scott Danforth]

a mechanical fuel pump is $49 plus plumbing

an electric fuel pump is $89 plus oil pressure switch at $15 plus relay at $5, plus relay socket and terminals at $6 plus wiring harness at about $15 plus the plumbing

not to mention the mechanical pump will last 3-5 decades, the electrical pump may last 5-10 years

 

[Lou C]

Agreed any time you can use a simple mechanical fuel pump do so. The only one I’ve ever replaced was 30 years old!
In fact when I have to replace the engine in our boat I’ve considered getting a reman 4.3 so I can still use the mechanical pump (and other benefits of the old pre Vortec like the intake with 12 bolts less prone to leaks and the adjustable valve train).

 

[KMKlein]

Where are ya'll sourcing new replacement mechanical fuel pumps? I too need a new mechanical pump for my 470.