Author Topic: electric fuel pump question (Read 8922 times)

Mike Harry · « **on:** August 10, 2012, 10:57:25 AM »

For those of you who run electric fuel pumps I would like to know where you have them mounted. I'm trying for close to the tanks so it pushes instead of pulling but was looking for experiences.

Thanks,
Mike

RonT · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2012, 01:50:52 PM »

USCG requires that it be within 12" of the engine, which is why most eng. builders choose to mount them on the eng. try to mount as low as possible to minimize vapor lock issues. New boat builders who mount elect pumps inside the fuel tank are required to submit for a special exemption from USCG.

phil · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2012, 09:57:19 PM »

Quote from: RonT on August 10, 2012, 01:50:52 PM

USCG requires that it be within 12" of the engine, which is why most eng. builders choose to mount them on the eng. try to mount as low as possible to minimize vapor lock issues. New boat builders who mount elect pumps inside the fuel tank are required to submit for a special exemption from USCG.

Hi Ron,

What is the reasoning behind that?

RonT · « **Reply #3 on:** August 11, 2012, 12:59:09 PM »

You want me to explain why & how the USCG makes various rules?? I sat on a board years ago for the NMMA compliance & standards committee when we actually wrote most of the current USCG small craft regulations & I still could not answer answer your question. They do not always think logically but always side on being cautious. In this case think possible fuel leaks & fire. I argued years ago about allowing in-tank fuel pumps which are still not allowed unless very specific exemptions are granted.

Joel · « **Reply #4 on:** August 12, 2012, 02:07:16 PM »

Because the guys in HQ that are making the decisions have gone to college but have never built a boat... All theory... no common sense. Ask me how I know??? LOL!!!

Messer · « **Reply #5 on:** August 12, 2012, 11:35:38 PM »

Remember- DEEPWATER


Original-See other copy if this version is frozen

Joel · « **Reply #6 on:** August 13, 2012, 09:06:45 AM »

Messer, Is that you in the video?

If the CG's contracting with civilian shipyards & contractors wasnt so obviously out of hand I'd be laughing my ass off... Around 1990, after a complete refit (from stem to stern) we took the USCGC Boutwell out of Todds Shipyard in Seattle. We had multiple watertight doors & hatches (at the maindeck & below) that were not watertight (some would barely close). The main mast shook so hard it almost broke in half during speed trials (31 knots). The phalanx (missle defense system) NEVER worked and was always down for repair. The entire ship's stenciling of water-mains, fire-mains, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, electrical lines, etc, were incorrectly marked/stenciled (the person applying the stencils couldnt read ENGLISH). The entire ship was painted Eggshell White (wrong color) - CG cutters are Bright White which makes a huge difference when sitting next to another cutter. If we washed the deck in the galley all the water would drain into the crews quarters the next deck down. When all the issues were brought to the command they all nodded politely and thanked us for our input and that was the last we'd heard about it. Whether or not it went any higher up the chain of command is anyone's guess... I suspect it went all the way to HQ (but thats the problem / not the solution). It took the CREW (not the shipyard) over a year to correct all the deficiencies. In the meantime we were all aboard hoping we didnt NEED the watertight doors or had to fight any fires onboard (which happened twice in my 3 years onboard MIDGET and BOUTWELL)... When the Admiral came to inspect the BOUTWELL, the crew was directed to repaint the dockside half of the ship so it matched the other two cutters tied next to us... No prep, no sanding, just paint it NOW... It was laughable...

The response to the EXXON VALDEZ was even more screwed up and clean up contractors made MILLIONS while making minimal impact on the spill. Long story short... does the deepwater fiasco surprise me?? Not in the slightest - hence, I'm retired because the command didnt want to hear LT Roberts say "No sir... thats a stupid idea" one more time. Just breathe deep and collect another dollar in retirement

Joel

Messer · « **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2012, 11:42:38 PM »

Ha, no man, that's not me... I was an Intel Weenie...and much better looking!

Mike Harry · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2012, 10:37:19 AM »

I ended up drilling and threading a hole on the stock fuel pump pad location on the block to mount the electric. The bowtie blocks that are not drilled for a mechanical fuel pump also only have one mounting hole on the mounting pad where the mechanical would be if it were equipped. The pump that I used fit in place almost perfectly with 1 small adaptation and the drill and tap so I would have 2 bolts holding instead of just one.

If anyone needs pics or anything just let me know.

So far so good and working perfectly. Its nice having the gas at the carb when I turn the key on instead of having to have the mechanical pump pull it up through the line for a few seconds at startup after the boat has sat for a couple of days, I do know that! Fires every time now with no long cranking.

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