4D61 Electric Fuel Pump

[rnummi]

Anyone disconnected their mechanical fuel pump for replacement w electric fuel pump? If you recall, can you post pics, describe procedure, part numbers etc... Thanks.

[Beta Don]

Once upon a time (20+ years ago) there was an 'official' kit for swapping in an electronic pump on a 4D61. My boat had it installed when I bought it and there was documentation of the mod in the ships papers. The kit came with a huge (and very expensive) Stewart Warner electronic pump which I'm still using and a metal block-off plate to cover the hole on the block when the OEM pump was removed, plus hoses, clamps, wiring and such. The kit was around $200 IIRC

This is the pump that came in the kit - Surprised they still make it http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stewart-Warner- ... gj&vxp=mtr

That said, you could do your own conversion using any $15 pump rated for diesel which is rated at 5 psi or less. Make your own plate by tracing around the fuel pump gasket (you'll need a new one) and buy your own hoses, clamps and wiring. The pumps are so cheap, buy two and carry one as a spare

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-Electric-Fu ... D7&vxp=mtr

Don

[sail149]

Capt. Vic did the conversion too
Check his previous posts

[rnummi]

Can it be done inline w mechanical still in place? I was reading on cruisers forum where some guy did it to a Volvo MD21. Just plugged it right in line before reaching the mechanical pump. Theoretically, it acts as a "booster" or pressurization supply before it gets to the mechanical. The issue I see with the conversion is no one has the plate template to block the mechanical off.

In a perfect world, someone said hey, let me trace the outline of the plate/gasket in case 20 years from now someone wants to do it too.

[Sprig1]

I think but not sure. The diafram in the the pump leaks and then it leaks fuel down into the oil and dilutes it. So it best to get rid of it when it goes bad.

[rnummi]

Gotcha. So essentially take it off, trace the outline for a metal piece, drill the holes in the new plate, use the plate as a template to cut a gasket, mount, seal. Then plug in the electric one into the gap and off you go.

Any thoughts on where to plug it in?

[kerrye]

Couldn't a person bypass the existing mechanical pump entirely while leaving it in place and perhaps plugging it's inlet and outlet? Saves making a cover plate.

[Vic K]

Make the cover plate. It's easy. I had the problem Warren described that being the mechanical leaked diesel into the lube oil. Which could have led to one heck of a mess like a run away engine.
Vic

[kerrye]

Yes, but once the lines are disconnected from the mechanical pump, such a situation is impossible. The pump becomes the cover plate.

[Beta Don]

Yes, but once the lines are disconnected from the mechanical pump, such a situation is impossible. The pump becomes the cover plate.

Then when the pump's diaphragm goes bad, it will probably leak engine oil into the bilge instead of diesel into the engine oil!

I would remove the old pump and make a cover plate

Don

[kerrye]

Not if you plug the inlet and outlet. No way for it to get to the bilge.

[rnummi]

It turns out, I think the PO already did the conversion. I was engine diving trying to figure out where everything was and tracing fuel lines, it sure looks like an electrical pump... What say the experts?

[kerrye]

Looks like a pump to me. Way overkill on the fittings. It's good to T in a pressure gauge after the pump for diagnostic purposes.

[rnummi]

Better angle. On a lighter note, PO said it had a water heater.... I looked everywhere. I found it today. See the white box on the right of the picture...... That's it. Never seen anything like it.

[Beta Don]

It's good to T in a pressure gauge after the pump for diagnostic purposes.

Probably more useful to Tee in a vacuum gauge *before* the pump - That tells you the condition of your fuel filter

Don