Converting from manual to electric

[Zraden]

Merc 4.3 with 4bbl QuadraJet carb.

Just finished installing the new motor but I have hit a snag.
The old 4.3 ltr had a slot for the mech fuel pump but in the
new motor, its capped off.

So I figure, no problem. Just install an electrical
fuel pump with an oil pressure switch for a cut off
but as I get to the parts store I find a big problem.

They have gravity fed electric fuel pumps for about $40. ( correction... $80 )
The lowest spot under the tank line I can think of is
in the bilge but water and electrical fuel pump don't mix.

The next step up is a pump you can mount over or on the engine
but its $180 :facepalm:

I have read of people doing the switch from mech to electric
but they don't really go into detail of what setup they used
and where they mounted things.

Any suggestions? Am I really stuck buying a $180 pump or
is there somewhere under the tank line I can mount a gravity fed pump to safely?

 

[ken51k]

Re: Converting from manual to electric

Who has a fuel pump for $40.00? Sounds to me like your looking in a auto supply store. You have a boat not a car, you need to use a marine grade pump. Using a pump designed for a car could blow you and your boat up. Do a search for ( Mercrusier electric fuel pumps )
I saw some for a little less than $180.

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting from manual to electric

You need a marine rated fuel pump, not some fire danger automotive pump.
Here is about the most used universal marine rated pump out there.
http://www.iboats.com/Electric-Fuel...2511911--session_id.344015694--view_id.203982

 

[Zraden]

Re: Converting from manual to electric

Whoops.. ment to say $80. Not $40

The pump I referring to was this one
12V In-Line Fuel Pump | Princess Auto
which is listed for marine use. The only draw back its that its gravity fed.
I would definitely double check it though before I went ahead and installed it to make sure
its not misrepresented for marine in their ad.

But that goes back to the original problem. If it is gravitys fed ... is there any safe place to install
it thats not below the waterline?

 

[airshot]

Re: Converting from manual to electric

Just reading this thread for interest but have to wonder what is meant by gravity fed pump? If gravity is being used what do you need a pump for? And if this is truly a "pump" wouldn't it work without gravity? Perhaps I am missing something here, been in small engine repair for some time and this sounds rather odd to me. Thanks

 

[dingbat]

Re: Converting from manual to electric

Merc 4.3 with 4bbl QuadraJet carb.

Just finished installing the new motor but I have hit a snag.
The old 4.3 ltr had a slot for the mech fuel pump but in the
new motor, its capped off.

Got to ask the obvious....why not remove the cap and use your old mech fuel pump?

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting from manual to electric

Just reading this thread for interest but have to wonder what is meant by gravity fed pump?

It means the pump will not pull fuel from the bottom of the tank and through an anti-siphon valve to get to the fuel pump. You would have to have a tank feeding from the bottom that is above the fuel pump, letting gravity feed the pump.

Not even close to being allowed in a boat.

 

[Don S]

Re: Converting from manual to electric

Got to ask the obvious....why not remove the cap and use your old mech fuel pump?

The aren't drilled for the fuel pump push rod, nor do they have the lobe for the fuel pump push rod on the cam.

 

[Zraden]

Re: Converting from manual to electric

Holley Electric Fuel Pumps - JEGS

Thats better. $130 . and the marine pump meets USCG regulations

This is not a gravity fed system so should work great

With the $20 difference between auto and marine ... you don't feel so gouged