Biting the bullet: Converting to electric fuel pump

Laine D

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Since we're talking about elevation and smoke and power I'll post (maybe repost) a picture. This is my truck at the top of Donner Pass, on I-80. The elevation is just over 7000 feet. The trailer was loaded, literally to the roof. The truck is set to run at sea level, and is NA. I didn't notice an appreciable loss of power, but the smoke level did rise. It's times like this that I really want a turbo.

I remember, years ago, taking our '73 VW camper into Rocky Mountain National Park, up from the back side, from the west. That was a long uphill climb, to a bit over 12000 feet, for the old camper with it's 1700cc suitcase engine. It had a hard time running at the top, at that elevation. Needless to say, it was not a happy camper (pardon the pun ;) )

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Donner is always a fun pull, how hot was the exhaust getting?
 

gandalf

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Donner is always a fun pull, how hot was the exhaust getting?


EGT was not bad. I wasn't pushing the truck, so I was watching the temp, but not watching closely. We made two runs there from the Bay area, up and back the same day each time, loading the trailer in Reno.
 

Cubey

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Finally driving it since I converted. Maybe the flow isn't keeping up on the last 1/4 or 1/3 pedal travel. It doesn't seem to rev up as high as it did. Or maybe it's my imagination, after driving my mom's car a few times.

Well, if I have to switch to something like Holley Black, I can later.

I plan to get the timing done in 3-4 weeks at an OB member's shop, so maybe that will help, especially if the pressure at the IP is more than 5psi. The Red pump is 7, so it can't be any more than that.

I will stick my test gauge on soon to see what it shows at the filter head bleeder valve port.
 
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Cubey

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Ok, I think it's actually ok. Thing is, the engine seems like it isn't quite as loud when accelerating as it used to be.

Maybe it's a timing shift, or maybe it's just getting better/proper flow compared to the 35 year old mechanical pump, without it having to drive up the RPMs for higher flow.

It used to be almost deafening when accelerating from a stop, not so much now. Also, putting my foot down when already in motion doesn't make it scream anymore, but it still speeds up.

The lack of audible feedback I'm used to made it seem as if it was weaker, but in reality, I think it's perfectly fine.

Here's a starting video from cold from today. (Cold timing advance is operational)
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Cubey

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I see your glow plugs came on the first time. Are you still having trouble with them?

Nah. It's pretty rare that they don't on the first try. It hasn't done that in a long time now.

My F250 (7.3 GP system) had that problem bad when the relay was bad. It was so bad though that I would have to take off the whole air cleaner and hit the relay with the plastic handle of a screwdriver to get it to click on. It didn't take me long to buy a new relay and install it. Problem solved.

The RV might need a new GP relay eventually too.
 

Cubey

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I don't know why people fuss about how loud Holley pumps are, I can't even hear it over the engine at idle. But yeah, it is engine noisier in a van cab, plus I have the pump down on the frame where the tank selector valve was mounted.
 

Cubey

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Maybe they mean that it's noisy with the ignition on and engine not running?

I guess but... what does that matter unless you want the key turned a lot without starting? You can put it on a power switch to disable it, in that case (even with it set to key on like on mine). If it's for radio use, put in an override power switch to turn on the radio without the key even being turned.
 

IDIBRONCO

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I say a post that mentioned it earlier tonight. from my understanding, the poster mentioned that you can tell that it's on and I was assuming that he meant while cycling the glow plugs. I could be wrong on that though.
 

Cubey

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I say a post that mentioned it earlier tonight. from my understanding, the poster mentioned that you can tell that it's on and I was assuming that he meant while cycling the glow plugs. I could be wrong on that though.

He meant how the pump's tone changes when the GPs cycle off. You can hear it in the video. But eh, the GP relay click and light being off should tell you that.
 

IDIBRONCO

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In the post I was talking about, Beast master said that his is quite noisy and you can hear it whining away while awaiting the glow plug warm up to complete. He also mentioned that you can hear it change pitch when the truck is ready to start. There was no attached video.
 

Cubey

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In the post I was talking about, Beast master said that his is quite noisy and you can hear it whining away while awaiting the glow plug warm up to complete. He also mentioned that you can hear it change pitch when the truck is ready to start. There was no attached video.

Yeah. But like, it's not deafening and it's just until the GPs run, so I don't see the problem? If somebody doesn't like loudness, why on earth are they driving a diesel?

I meant the video I posted of mine starting. You can hear the Holley red running when I turn the key. Sounds worse in the video since it amplifies it.
 

Cubey

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Crap!!! :mad:

Low flow definitely seems to be a problem. I jumped on the interstate for a couple miles, and with the pedal to the floor, I was staying steadily at 68mph!! Letting off a bit maintained it. 70 was the best I ever hit, trying to floor it.

An IDI needs more than 97gph?! :eek:

EGTs were lower than normal. Used to run at 900ish at 65-70, it was around 700-750 I'd say.

Could off-timing cause that?
 
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