I just did the same thing. Actually, I started to do it earlier in the year but finally needed it bad so finished the conversion last week. I have mine plumbed to a spigot and a brush. Not quite the flow I want but it works. I ran mine through the large 10 micron yamaha filter.
Well first I measured the resistance of the pump. It reads 5.1 ohms. So using that as a guide, I took an older 24 volt transformer at 2 amps with a center tap and coupled the two outer leads with that center tap winding to give me 12 volts. But that also doubles the current. So instead of 2 amps I now have 4 amps output. So all I needed was a way to convert that to DC. And since I have thousands of electronic parts, I located an 8 amp bridge diode pack and will use that to rectify the AC to DC. WALA 12 volts with 4 amp capability. If you take the 5.1 ohm into ~12 volts it pulls a little over 2.3 amps. But I know it will be loaded and require about 3 to 4 amp in reality... So everything will fit inside the metal box section and that is how I am fashioning my new pump setup.
what is the fun in that?
You can't get a parts washer pump that pumps mineral spirits anymore. They quit selling them 2009ish. You are supposed to go green and use water based solutions that just don't work well.
Actually that is how I got thousands (actually tens of thousands of part) of electronic parts...buying NEW parts with extras so many times when building projects...
Actually I haven't even looked for one. However, a typical in-tank fuel pump will work all day long. The only issue is they all use 12 volts or 24 volts for special vehicles, and therefore you have to build a power supply that can supply the current to run them. But once you build the power supply, you can pick whatever in-tank pump you like. And surprisingly those universal in-tank pumps are very reasonable ranging in price from ~$15 dollar an up. And it looks like most of them are built the exact same. The body of them are 1.5" in diameter. So use a clamp setup to hold 1.5" and build away...
A little update to this after more building today. Seems the pump only pulls about 2.3 amps without a load. That jumps to 4.5 amps under load. So I aborted the initial transformer and picked a much larger version. It is capable of 9 amps out. So I am setting up to use that transformer now. Everything else basically the same. I could move to a 35 amp bridge as well. We'll see. Anyway, that pump is strong and the flow rate is amazing compared to the HF version... And even with the heftier transformer, everything still easily fits into the metal box. Joy joy...
The only.issue I see with the in tank pump is filtration. I plumbed a pick up in the metal box and ran that to a fuel/water separator filter then to the pump. Powering it with a deep cycle and battery charger till I figure out a power supply. I am going to switch it to a fuel injection style pump. I think that will give me better flow. I have a couple off some junk mercruisers laying around I think.
The only issue I see with the in tank pump is filtration. I plumbed a pick up in the metal box and ran that to a fuel/water separator filter then to the pump. Powering it with a deep cycle and battery charger till I figure out a power supply. I am going to switch it to a fuel injection style pump. I think that will give me better flow. I have a couple off some junk mercruisers laying around I think
Thanks Jake, Not an original idea but it allows me much movement if needed, and if I have to, I can take the pump out and install another one very quickly. And since most in-tank fuel pumps are manufactured the same (actual pump portion anyway) they are available pretty cheaply too. Way cheaper then the Harbor Freight replacement, and light-years better too.
