Crap !!! I have to run an electric fuel pump...

Natchamp · Post by **Natchamp** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:38 am

Well, I've stripped the starboard motor down to prep, clean and paint everything like I did to the port motor. I installed a new mechanical fuel pump on the port motor. I also bought 2 fuel pumps at the time because I was planning on replacing the starboard side pump as well. It turns out that evidently my boat has had a motor replacement along its journey and the starboard motor doesn't even have provisions for a mechanical pump so obviously it's a much newer motor.

This really sucks for me because aside from liking everything to be symmetrical and clean, I really don't want to run an electric fuel pump. Not to mention I've already purchased a new mechanical pump for it. It has a Carter electric pump and it wasn't wired into any oil pressure sensor. It is just wired to the neg side of the coil. I'm still debating whether or not to wire it into a oil pressure sensor.

Bummer days....

koviak · Post by **koviak** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 5:00 pm

Changed both of mine last season to electric pumps and still have not put in pressure switch. Whats the old saying "electricians never get there projects done because of work for others". I had issues with pumps failing internally, not corn gas rated.

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 5:23 pm

yes do it by all means....with gassers we can never be to safe....

Natchamp · Post by **Natchamp** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 10:17 am

Thanks guys,

Personally I'm leaning towards not wiring it with the sensor. I'm all for safety but the scenario we are talking about only pertains to a situation where the key/ignition is on but the motor isn't running. Now, who exactly turns their ignition on and doesn't have their motors running?

koviak · Post by **koviak** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 5:26 pm

My reasoning exactly. If I ever put up for sale I'll put them in.

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 5:11 am

how about floats get stuck open engine dies ....it still pumps...someone else turns key on ...pump is on...all sorts of different things can happen, will they most likely not. but it's better to say I'm glad I did wire them that than to say I wish I'd wired them that way

and please remember our boats can go BOOM !

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 6:41 am

Reasons to install safety switch ?

Its the law (CG reg,) . If something happens it could cause a insurance issue .

When you going to leave the key on ?? it happens .

It may cost you 50 bucks to do both engines so whats the big deal ? Are not your family and Friends worth it ?

Natchamp · Post by **Natchamp** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 9:38 am

If I remember correctly there is a buzzer that sounds (fairly loud) when you turn the key on. The buzzer stays on until/unless the engine is running. It probably works off the oil pressure as well. So if that's the case then at any time the key is on but the engine is not running the buzzer will definitely let you know.

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 6:20 pm

ok....I give up...

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 6:40 pm

Good luck with a survey for insurance .

Natchamp · Post by **Natchamp** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:46 am

Ok, if its the law and it may have implications for surveys, insurance or USCG inspections then I should do it.

Now I need to figure out the wiring aspect. I've done a lot of reading and it appears to be fairly straight forward although there are a couple different ways to accomplish it.

Here is one I like:

http://prestoliteperformance.com/Portal ... h_7872.pdf

And this one is good too. This one uses the "R" terminal on the starter for the starting phase of the circuit and I believe my starter has this "R" terminal.

http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128

My question is this: On my existing setup there is a oil pressure sensor and "T'd" off of that is a low pressure sensor. Can I simply replace the current low oil pressure sensor with the new safety pressure sensor? I believe I can. The new safety low pressure sensor would be wired and used for both the fuel pump and its current role for the buzzer and engine safety shutdown. Make sense?

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:45 pm

You will need to put in a T fitting , as this switch will control the power . Your Buzzer switch works off ground . You really don't need to wire it in to the starter R terminal ( if you have one) and if it is used for the ignition you cant use it . , the carb holds enough fuel to start , after a long lay up you can jump the switch or just crank till you get some oil pressure .

You only need to use a 2 wire switch that closes ( turns on) at 5-7 psi and above . and open below that