[C320-list] Mechanical vs. Electric Fuel Pumps

[Warren Updike]

On our Perkins, the fuel pump is mechanical but not driven by a gear.  I
believe it is operated by a cam on a crank shaft or geared to the crank.
The pump, technically a lift pump, has a spring loaded piston that extends
into the block and is operated by the action of the cam.  The function of
the lift pump is to insure that the high pressure injection pump is kept
fully supplied with fuel. 

I understand several of the Yanmar engines are fitted with electric lift
pumps.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Hare [mailto:catalina at thehares.com] 
Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2010 8:06 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Mechanical vs. Electric Fuel Pumps

Mechanical fuel pump on a diesel for sure. 

Since diesels don't need electricity once running, an eletrical pump woud be
a liability.  Also mechanical pumps are frequently gear driven not belt
driven. 

The yanmar 3gm has a gear pump I believe. 

-Jeff
------Original Message------
From: David Detrick
Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
ReplyTo: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Mechanical vs. Electric Fuel Pumps
Sent: Dec 17, 2010 11:16 PM

Mechanical  vs. Electrical Fuel Pumps-- what are the pros and cons of each. 

 

I have an electrical and am concerned that if I lose power due to an
emergency situation, my engine will not run. Mechanicals have belts that
might go out, but not necessarily in an emergency situations.

 

Would appreciate folks weighing in on this one.

 

Thanks.