OEM Mechanical fuel/Vac pump, vs just Electrical pump?
Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 7:41 am
As recently posted, I just realized that my mechanical pump was not even connected to my fuel lines. It is up being rebuilt now at Charles T's place. I removed the aftermarket fuel pump mounted by the tank, and also found out it is a 12 Volt pump, wired to my 24 volt system! I am not sure what PSI it was rated at, so perhaps it contributed to my occasional hot start flooding problem. I am installing the small box 24 volt Facet, I don't have room now for the longer lower PSI cylindrical Facet, having already done my lines, and my intent is to add a quality fuel pressure regulator.
But having read other's posts on mechanical vs electrical pumps, I am thinking about not re-stalling the rebuilt mechanical pump, as before I removed it, it only functioned to provide wiper vacuum. Besides, I am not sure running a "dry" mechanical pump is helpful for its reliability, and if I ever want to use it as designed, it might need another rebuild anyway. And hooking it up downstream from an electrical pump may prematurely damage its valves, dealing with pressurized inlet gas.
So I am leaning to is just using the Facet, a block-off plate for the mechanical one, & putting the later on the shelf. Which leads me to consider wiper vacuum. Here in SC, we do get monsoon-like rains, but Rain-X works well, and besides, how often will I be out in the rain anyway. So I can later put in 24 V wipers, or just leave them non-functional, and just for looks. Then too, one part to fail is better than two parts to fail. On the other hand, the military must have thought the mechanical system was adequate, but perhaps electrical pumps were unreliable then, and hard to waterproof. So maybe staying all original is a reasonable decision, too.
Any forum thoughts from others making such decisions?
and now for a picture....
After my first 6 mos in the field in the Plain of Reeds, I requested further field duty, and went way south to the very tip of RVN, as a District Senior Advisor, normally a Major's slot My only way around was in my Boston Whaler, with twin Johnson 40's, two motors because it was hard keep both running. It was a several hour trip up to Province HQ up in Camau, An Xuyen Province. We had to be back home before dark as the local Chuck owned the river then. I rarely made the trip. Besides, the local Vietnamese liked to load up or Whaler with so many body guards the Whaler would not get up on plane, it just plowed thru the water.
The other young Captains up at HQ had an easy life, AC comfort, good chow, movies at nite in the club, and wore comfortable civie clothes. I, in the year I was In-Country, never even had a non-issue T shirt. By then my jungle fatigues were worn and faded and torn. I much preferred my "country Gentleman lifestyle", with no command influence or interference to hassle me. He is a picture of young officers, can you guess which chap is the field guy, and which are the REMF's?
[URL=http://s663.photobucket.com/user/h ... .jpg[/img][/url]
Here is a shot of my overloaded Whaler, with SFC Tom Coon, looking over one of our Ex VC bodyguards, with his XM 203 rifle. Note the other Vietnamese on the radio. They never stopped talking, I had a hard time keeping them supplied with radio batteries. Terrible operational security.
[URL=http://s663.photobucket.com/user/h ... .jpg[/img][/url]
But having read other's posts on mechanical vs electrical pumps, I am thinking about not re-stalling the rebuilt mechanical pump, as before I removed it, it only functioned to provide wiper vacuum. Besides, I am not sure running a "dry" mechanical pump is helpful for its reliability, and if I ever want to use it as designed, it might need another rebuild anyway. And hooking it up downstream from an electrical pump may prematurely damage its valves, dealing with pressurized inlet gas.
So I am leaning to is just using the Facet, a block-off plate for the mechanical one, & putting the later on the shelf. Which leads me to consider wiper vacuum. Here in SC, we do get monsoon-like rains, but Rain-X works well, and besides, how often will I be out in the rain anyway. So I can later put in 24 V wipers, or just leave them non-functional, and just for looks. Then too, one part to fail is better than two parts to fail. On the other hand, the military must have thought the mechanical system was adequate, but perhaps electrical pumps were unreliable then, and hard to waterproof. So maybe staying all original is a reasonable decision, too.
Any forum thoughts from others making such decisions?
and now for a picture....
After my first 6 mos in the field in the Plain of Reeds, I requested further field duty, and went way south to the very tip of RVN, as a District Senior Advisor, normally a Major's slot My only way around was in my Boston Whaler, with twin Johnson 40's, two motors because it was hard keep both running. It was a several hour trip up to Province HQ up in Camau, An Xuyen Province. We had to be back home before dark as the local Chuck owned the river then. I rarely made the trip. Besides, the local Vietnamese liked to load up or Whaler with so many body guards the Whaler would not get up on plane, it just plowed thru the water.
The other young Captains up at HQ had an easy life, AC comfort, good chow, movies at nite in the club, and wore comfortable civie clothes. I, in the year I was In-Country, never even had a non-issue T shirt. By then my jungle fatigues were worn and faded and torn. I much preferred my "country Gentleman lifestyle", with no command influence or interference to hassle me. He is a picture of young officers, can you guess which chap is the field guy, and which are the REMF's?
[URL=http://s663.photobucket.com/user/h ... .jpg[/img][/url]
Here is a shot of my overloaded Whaler, with SFC Tom Coon, looking over one of our Ex VC bodyguards, with his XM 203 rifle. Note the other Vietnamese on the radio. They never stopped talking, I had a hard time keeping them supplied with radio batteries. Terrible operational security.
[URL=http://s663.photobucket.com/user/h ... .jpg[/img][/url]