Installing a standby Electric Fuel Pump

[Z-MRP]

Yes these pumps must be horizontal otherwise they give endless problems or dont work at all. Also it is a good idea to mount the pump on small rubber mountings as this prevents vibrations going into the pump and causing the coil windings in the pump body to break. I have had this problem with one pump and then with 2 starter motor solinoids, now that they are on rubber mountings no more problems.
Z-MRP

[Sad-Ham]

I put a 3 mm thick rubber gasket between the pump and the mounting bracket to help with the vibration. Will re-mount the pump horizontally.

Thanks for the advice

[Arnulf]

Yes these pumps must be horizontal otherwise they give endless problems or dont work at all. Also it is a good idea to mount the pump on small rubber mountings as this prevents vibrations going into the pump and causing the coil windings in the pump body to break. I have had this problem with one pump and then with 2 starter motor solinoids, now that they are on rubber mountings no more problems.
Z-MRP

Duck Rogers wrote:

Yes, you're right, it has a non-return valve but it doesn't work so lekker if the pump is fitted horisontally. It took me some time to figure out that the outlet side has to either point up or upwards at a 45 deg. angle. That way gravity helps with the non-return mechanism pushing it backwards. I initially had it installed horisontally and it (the non-return)didn't work. Now it's at a 45 deg. upwards angle and it works ok.

There is a bit of conflicting info here. The installation instruction specify the pump to point in an upward direction.

So what is the proper way to install the pump?

Regards,
Arnulf

[Duck Rogers]

The pamphlet that comes with the pump recommends an installation at a 45 deg. angle.
I found that the pump will work in any configuration but that the non-return doesn't work well when it is horizontal. It seems that the vertical or angled approach works better and I'm assuming the backwards pressure of fuel onto the non-return mechanism helps.
Also bear in mind that these are primarily "pusher" pumps and doesn't "suck" that good. It WILL still work if it's installed higher than the fuel tank but at a diminished rate. When installed level with, or below the fuel tank, I've had one push as high as 1.5 metres at a good rate of flow.

On another point in one of the posts here:
Fuel WILL/CAN freeflow through the pump when it's switched off, especially if the pump is below the level of fuel. Even when the Rotax pulse pump is off. Mine does, and the pump is working 100%. It doesn't necessarily mean it's broken The rubber mountings is a good idea and will probably prolong the life of the pump. The installation instructions don't call for rubber mountings though but I think it's a good idea. Mine is like that. Rather be safe than sorry.

[Koevoet]

Duck roger - can u show a picture - like the mountings idee.

[Duck Rogers]

Ag nee jislaaik Jaco. Nou maak jy werk vir my!
Be patient.....I now have to draw pictures, scan them, convert and post.........

[Morph]

Duck,

Have you heard of a c-a-m-e-r-a

[Duck Rogers]

Duck,

Have you heard of a c-a-m-e-r-a

You mean I must photograph the sketch instead of scanning it
Great idea Morph

[AndyG]

Duck,

Have you heard of a c-a-m-e-r-a

You mean I must photograph the sketch instead of scanning it
Great idea Morph

[Morph]

You guys are so funny

. Mine is like that.

Photograph yours and email it. Why go the the hassle of drawing etc etc. unless you are nowehere near your plane or you don't have a photo already with the image in it.

Otherwise draw it roughly on a piece of paper, fax it to me on 021 551 9415 and I'll create a JPG image using visio for you

[AndyG]

Just pulling your Leg Morph. Enjoy the trip to Jnb.

Please post a pic of the sketch as I should have a plane soon and definately will be fitting a second pump.

Thanks,

[Bayliner]

Hi All

Can the electric pump not be left on permanently during flight?

[Morph]

Yes but it is not advisable to constantly have your carbs and manual pump under the additional pressure. I found that the added pressure eventually pushes fuel past the Needle and Seat in the carbs and you get fuel pissing out though the overflows. OK in an open environment, not in a closd one where the exhaust might be below the overflows

[Bayliner]

Thanks Morph. Makes sense. I must just check to see if my trike has a standby fitted. It is still in SA and I have not yet seen it. Bought it over the forum and it looks good. Should be here in Kenya by end November latest.

[AndyG]

Hey Bayliner,

Hope you enjoy your new trike. Post some pics of her flying in Kenya when you get her.

Cheers,