adding electric fuel pump for lack of power

[surf250]

I just bought an 86 f250 6.9 diesel. It is blowing white smoke and has a lack of power goin up hills or over 30 mph. The smoke doesn't smell like coolant so I'm hoping its the fuel pump and or injectors. The previous owner included an electric fuel pump he didn't put on but suggested I use it in addition to the lift pump. He said to connect it to the front wire on the driver side of the ip and to ground. I hooked it up between the mechanical pump and fuel filter. It doesn't work and I read a post somewhere that said a pump needs to be connected to a positive wire and the ip.
Is there a simple way to wire this up? I'm good with basic wiring but unclear on using relays and how the fuel shut off switch connects to the electric pump. GRACIAS

 

[Trying my best]

It's been said that you should not run both. Either run the electric or mechanical.

 

[riotwarrior]

If anything and this is just my opinion...put the pump on the frame, and pump into the lift pump...not from lift to IP...

MOST...MOST electric pumps are PUSHERS...meaning mount close to tank and low...not pullers...

take a look here for a quick idea

http://www.oilburners.net/forums/sh...cal-fuel-pump-to-electric&p=689721#post689721 I just did this but I removed a dead lift pump and just kept it off the engine.

 

[Hydro-idi]

If anything and this is just my opinion...put the pump on the frame, and pump into the lift pump...not from lift to IP...

MOST...MOST electric pumps are PUSHERS...meaning mount close to tank and low...not pullers...

take a look here for a quick idea

http://www.oilburners.net/forums/sh...cal-fuel-pump-to-electric&p=689721#post689721 I just did this but I removed a dead lift pump and just kept it off the engine.

^What he said. I would make sure the lift pump is in good condition as well. If not, replace. These lift pumps are cheap and available at your local auto parts warehouse. It is a good idea to have an auxillary electric fuel pump on these trucks. I got a facet pump mounted to the frame and use it as a backup for when I am running low on fuel or when I change fuel filters. It takes the air out of the lines very nicely and have used it many times. I do not run the pump constantly because there is no need with my setup. The lift pump works well and does the job. Just a little insurance!

 

[surf250]

Thanks for the replies. Would I be better off just buying a new mechanical pump? OReilly said $29 for a new one. I forgot to mention that the front fuel tank has been removed. Is it possible for this to cause an air leak and cause the problem? How would I fix it?

 

[Hydro-idi]

If the tank selector valve is working properly, I don't see how that could be a problem, but don't quote me on that. i am not totally sure. Does your existing lift pump show signs of it leaking fuel? If so, it needs to be replaced asap. A bad lift pump will pump diesel fuel into the crankcase and cause lots of problems (diesel fuel is very bad for engine bearings). It would probably be a good idea to replace lift pump and see if that fixes your problems to begin with.

 

[riotwarrior]

ONE CAVEAT...is if you have both electric and stocker...and the electric pushing INTO stocker...you can blow the diaphram on stocker and fuel would run INTO your block...NOT GOOD AT ALL

Better to run a single electric or new manual lift...

JM2CW...and I appoligize for not mentioning this previously...MY BAD

 

[Hydro-idi]

My aux pump seems to push low volume. I do a routine maintenance check just to make sure my LP isn't leaking from the weep hole from time to time. For the amount that I use my aux. lift pump, I don't worry too much about the diaphram being ripped.

 

[dgr]

Surf,
I think you should not worry about the electric pump for the time being. Your second and third sentences seem more important as I think it is not likely the electric pump is going to resolve the issues you are having. Read up on cracking your injector lines with the engine running to see if you can find a bad injector or three.

You can check your flow on your current lift pump at the filter head by seeing if it shoots a stream of fuel out when you depress the valve while the engine is running

 

[dgr]

Also, pump timing is another likely cause of low power. Mine wouldn't back over a curb with the front tires against it when i first got it. Advancing the timing solved that

 

[hesutton]

Like stated above, the supply pump is unlikely to cause the white smoke problem. The lack of power maybe...... if it is shot. But, leaking worn out injectors and a dying IP with bad timing are more likely suspects. Why and how did the previous owner remove the front tank and mod the tank selector valve on the frame rail?

Heath

 

[surf250]

I ordered a new fuel pump and ill take off the electric one. I also notices that the ip was retarded but couldnt get my adjustable wrench in there to loosen the bolts and turn it. I hope I have time to soon. The check valve on the return line was pretty clean so Im hoping the ip is ok. It's a refurbished part
Don't know why the fuel tank was removed. I think the sending gauge is broken so ill test it before putting the tank on again.
Thanks for all the help can't wait to get this truck rolling

 

[oworm]

One or the other but never both! As has been said, if the mechanical pump diaphragm ruptures the electric pump will fill the crankcase with fuel. The only way to have both pumps is to keep the electrical on a switch for backup and priming after a filter change or fuel system service and then switch back to mechanical. If you are going to run electric full time you need to delete the lift pump and use a block off plate.

 

[SLC97SR5]

Will the mechanical lift pump pull through a frame mounted electrical pump?

Could the OP put the electric pump on a switch for priming or backup and not have any interference with the mechanical lift pump?

 

[Hydro-idi]

Will the mechanical lift pump pull through a frame mounted electrical pump?

Could the OP put the electric pump on a switch for priming or backup and not have any interference with the mechanical lift pump?

This is exactly how mine is set up. My lift pump pulls thru my facet pump (mounted on frame) just fine. I rarely use my auxillary electric pump but it has come in handy multiple times. I have a switch near my HHO gauge and flip it on when I need to prime system when I change fuel filters and injectors. When I did injector job (twice ), I flipped on my aux. pump for about 2 minutes and it started like I never even touched anything. My setup doesn't seem to interfere with the lift pump at all and am pleased with the setup.