I have older pre-vortec inboard mercruiser carbed 350's. They both run well, one of them was just rebuilt in fact.
The problem I'm having is with the fuel pumps. Someone before me converted over to electric pumps, like these https://www.summitracing.com/parts/crt-p4389. That in itself isn't bad, but the conversion is terrible. First off they mounted them on the bulkhead between the engines and the cabin, so when the pumps are running they're very loud in the cabin. They also never included any oil pressure safety switch. All I have is a switch for each pump that I gotta turn on before starting and off after I shut down. And on top of that, they put pressure regulators in between the pumps and carbs. There is no need for these since the output of the pumps is 5-6 psi and thats perfect for my carbs. So I need to move the pumps to another location, re-wire/plum them, add the oil pressure switches. I want to use the bulkhead they're currently mounted on for electrical stuff.
My current immediate issue is that my port side pump fails sometimes. Usually after a longer run at 2k rpm or above the engine will sputter and die. It usually will stay running at idle only. I checked the port fuel tank/filter/lines and found no blockage. The pump itself stops outputting fuel. I've taken it apart, cleaned it, check power... still does it. If I beat on it with my crescent wrench it'll start working again. This pump has failed at very inopportune times, like docking. Or today when trying to run with heavy following seas... loosing that engine caused lots of tense moments while I beat on that pump with my wrench.
So, I'm thinking instead of replacing that electric fuel pump, and moving them etc etc, that I'll go back to mechanical pumps.
Any thoughts?
The problem I'm having is with the fuel pumps. Someone before me converted over to electric pumps, like these https://www.summitracing.com/parts/crt-p4389. That in itself isn't bad, but the conversion is terrible. First off they mounted them on the bulkhead between the engines and the cabin, so when the pumps are running they're very loud in the cabin. They also never included any oil pressure safety switch. All I have is a switch for each pump that I gotta turn on before starting and off after I shut down. And on top of that, they put pressure regulators in between the pumps and carbs. There is no need for these since the output of the pumps is 5-6 psi and thats perfect for my carbs. So I need to move the pumps to another location, re-wire/plum them, add the oil pressure switches. I want to use the bulkhead they're currently mounted on for electrical stuff.
My current immediate issue is that my port side pump fails sometimes. Usually after a longer run at 2k rpm or above the engine will sputter and die. It usually will stay running at idle only. I checked the port fuel tank/filter/lines and found no blockage. The pump itself stops outputting fuel. I've taken it apart, cleaned it, check power... still does it. If I beat on it with my crescent wrench it'll start working again. This pump has failed at very inopportune times, like docking. Or today when trying to run with heavy following seas... loosing that engine caused lots of tense moments while I beat on that pump with my wrench.
So, I'm thinking instead of replacing that electric fuel pump, and moving them etc etc, that I'll go back to mechanical pumps.
Any thoughts?