Electric Fuel Pump

[jackjanos]

Happy New Year!

I know a few of you have an electric fuel pump, in addition to the manual pump on your 4-107/108's.

I'm thinking about this because priming the beast is getting to be a real pain.

Whomever you are, is there any chance you might have some info on this, like:
1.) Where is it installed?  Before or after the Racor?
2.) The make/model type of pump?  As I hear that the pump has to be free-flowing when its not running.
3.) Any pictures would be great.

My intended use would be mainly for priming, but I guess it would be a good backup too.

Jack

[Jim Cozy]

Jack- We have an electric pump between the Racor and the engine filter, installed by a previous owner. I have found it no more effective than the hand lever for bleeding, which seems to work fine. Also, the switch is on the elec. panel which is very inconvenient for use when bleeding, so if you opt for one, I recommend a switch at the engine. Finally, I always carry a small container of fuel to fill the filter bowl when changing, so the pump serves no purpose for me. I hope others can be more helpful. Jim

[Randy]

I put a primer bulb from an outboard fuel tank inline between fuel tank and Racor filter. I can fill the Racor housing to the top and also the engine mounted filter if you crack the bleed nut on top. it works great, simple and effective. Cheers.

[SailingSeaDragon]

All,

While this appears to be a fairly common practice, I offer this counter-point.

http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/image/145237549/medium

With almost 50 gallons of diesel on-board our boats, this is worth considering.

Just a "for what it is worth"
Garner

[SVJourney]

Oh, now THAT looks bad!

So if installing a hand bulb point on our boats it would be good to make sure that it is up as high as possible so the entire tank doesn't siphon out.

Nigel Calder's book recommends to put a squeeze bulb or pump between the tank and the primary filter for priming.  For what its worth. 

I had the seals go bad in the little pump on top of the Racor primary filter.  Drove me nuts and I had to get a new filter housing as there were no parts available.  I'm thinking the fewer connections means the less you will have to be priming your engine after you chase down the inevitable leaks.

[Randy]

Wayne, you are correct. Need a check valve to keep fuel from siphoning if there is a nick in the line. Our boats come with an electric solinoid valve at the tank, so it's not a worry. Once you turn the key off, the switch closes the valve shut. No worries. Cheers.

[SailingSeaDragon]

Wayne,

Yes I would make sure it is higher than the tank at the very least... Also, I think regular replacement / inspection is in order. I have had several primer bulbs develop a leak over the years. The most recent was this summer. The one that failed this summer was on our club's work boat. It was several years old and out in the weather most of the year... But none the less, it did develop a leak. I am not sure if the cause of the leak was fatigue from regular use, UV damage, or the natural order of things.

Garner

[SailingSeaDragon]

Randy,

New topic... Sea Dragon does not have a solenoid at the tank. Instead it has manual shut off valve mounted on the bulkhead next to the Racor filter. I wonder how many other 365/367 have had their solenoid removed or ....

Garner

[Randy]

Garner, I too have the manual cut off mounted on the bulkhead. The original electric solenoid valve failed (went to the closed position and stopped engine. I had a heck of a time figuring that one out whilst in the middle of the Bay) so I replaced with a small inline check valve mounted inline about 5" from the tank and before the primer bulb. Works fine. I check the primer bulb annually and its holding up fine (5 yrs +/-). Since it is out of the weather I think it will last a while longer. Cheers