In Tank Fuel Pump 1985 Thompson Cutlass 185 Mercruiser IL 224 170 HP

Ed_Green Bay

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2018
Messages
9
Just changed the original fuel pump. While changing filter I got curious and opened up the fuel tank inspection cover. I have an aluminum tank. It occurred to me I could get better performance if I installed an in tank fuel pump and if necessary, put a regulator in line to hit carburetor operating pressure, rather than try to install an electric fuel pump below the tank level.

The other option I considered was to install a lift type fuel and regulator to feed the carb.

Both plans would include an anti siphon and pump shut off should the engine die with the key on.

I did an experiment with a push type fuel pump by connecting it and laying it on the floor of the bilge as close to the tank as I could get. Engine started right up. I ran it in gear and it ran fine I had a regulator set to 5 psi, right in the middle of the carburetor operating range. Ran it up RPM and ran fine. I did all of this with muffs on.

Any advice, comments would be appreciated.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,952
Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... In tank pumps are Not used on boats,....





(edit: 70,000th post)
 
Last edited:

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,952
Ayuh,.... The original pump ran 'bout 40 years,..... Why change a good thing,..??
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,291
Well, somebody used your screen name to repair a plastic gas tank

Factory mechanical will work just fine for another 40
 

Ed_Green Bay

Cadet
Joined
May 22, 2018
Messages
9
Ayuh,.... The original pump ran 'bout 40 years,..... Why change a good thing,..??
Curious and if the new pump takes a dump —they don’t make things like they used to— I would like another option with a lift pump.
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,322
In tank pumps are Not used on boats,....
Some do

Malibu and Mastercraft are two that come oem factory with in fuel tank pumps

Worked for a dealership that insisted on changing fuel filters for winterizing. So many gaskets, so many bolts, so much fuel spilled/dumped.

I got pretty good at being efficient in changing the filters. Learned to keep a fuel bucket (3.5 gallon) next to the deck lid with a pig mat/many rags under it to avoid spillage

I would not condone anyone install an in tank fuel pump on any boat. It's a bad idea/pita in the first place. Your boat causes enough trouble with access, why make it more difficult?
 

ddrieck

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 12, 2007
Messages
663
Not a very good idea to use any electric fuel pump on a boat.
 
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