Electric fuel pump really needed 7.3 idi

[MasterChiefIDI]

I was wondering what are the benefits of adding an electric lift pump for these engines and is it really needed? Like, will the stock mechanical pump do everything I need for a mild built 7.3 with a turbo and 90cc IP? I could understand needing more fuel delivered if using a larger IP but not sure where that threshold is? I like the simplicity and availability of the mechanical pump.

Any insight is appreciated.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

The thing about most e pump installs is that the quality of the mechanical pumps is really terrible these days. A benefit is that you avoid the poor quality mechanical pumps. Of course the e pumps have been having the same issue more often as well. Another benefit is that you don't have to use the starter in order to get fuel to the engine if you happen to run out or while doing a fuel filter change. Is a e pump needed? No. Will it keep up with a mild build? Yes, if you can find a quality one.
I like the simplicity too. I just don't like the idea of having to fight with constantly changing them out due to lack of performance.

 

[IDIBOBS]

I say leave it alone. The mechanical pump will put out more than you need. Lazy people started tossing e pumps at these because they didn’t want to find air intrusion. I say every 50-100,000 miles just put new fuel line and return on the truck. It’s basic maintenance really and doesn’t cost much of anything. The machanical pumps I get from oriellys with a lifetime warranty seam to last around 50,000 miles. And they take less than 30min to swap out. Why take a reliable mechanical motor and put an unreliable electric fuel pump on?

As far as running out of fuel or changing filter ext. last month I did all new return lines to the tank and kit, injectors, IP, lift pump and new supply line. It took about 3 20second cranks to start it up. It’s really not that big of a deal. Just fill the new fuel filter up and crack 8 injectors

 

[Clb]

No
Brb

 

[franklin2]

I will second the opinion that although the mechanical pump is simple and adequate, it is hard to buy a good new one anymore. While my mechanical pump was still fine, I started finding a puddle of fuel from it everytime I stopped the truck. It was leaking around where they crimped it. I am sure it was the original 20 + year old pump.

But after seeing all the reports on here of new mechanical pump failures, I decided to go electric. Nothing fancy for me, I just bought one of those little clicker pumps and installed it on the frame rail right in front of the mechanical pump spot so the lines were easy to hook up. And I just ran a wire up and tied into the hot wire that goes to the vacuum warning switch. Works great. I do like the fact that if you do work to the fuel system, that is fills it back up with fuel by just turning the keyswitch to on.

If you have air intrusion problems, a electric pump will help cover it up some, but not completely. It will still start and stall, but the cranking is much less to get it going again.

 

[DirtyWood]

Lazy people started tossing e pumps at these because they didn’t want to find air intrusion.

This is just so untrue--kind of like saying lazy people started using internal combustion engines because they were tired of shoveling coal into a steam engine.

Anyways, I searched and searched for a better mechanical lift pump but the quality is all over the place. Some pumps have the weep hole and some don't. Even a $190 lift pump from International is still made in Mexico. I just have a turned up stock pump, 1 flat or so, but even with a clean/new filter and tight fuel system I get the filter light if running hard up a long hill. Sure I could keep swapping mechanical lift pumps until I find a better one but that costs money and time, so I too am looking to go with an electric. No air intrusion issues what-so-ever as my truck fires on the first revolution every time regardless of how long it has sat.

I can see the Facet pumps are problematic so not looking there.

 

[chicken bones]

I have been use mechanic pumps since 1994 , I have never had a premature issue and see no reason to change ,very reliable . Got the last one from ford dealer. I use the fender soleniod to purge air ,so Im not cycling glow plugs.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

Lazy people started tossing e pumps at these because they didn’t want to find air intrusion.

This is just so untrue--kind of like saying lazy people started using internal combustion engines because they were tired of shoveling coal into a steam engine.

Yes and no. Some people really do want to use a e pump to try to Band Aid their air intrusion issues. Others are looking to do away with low quality mechanical lift pumps.

 

[DirtyWood]

I'm sure some folks do have air intrusion issues that they would rather not sort out but I doubt they were the prime movers in terms of figuring out which e-pumps would be appropriate for our trucks. I spent quite a bit of time reading the various Facet sagas and I guess just like the mechanical pumps they seem to work fine for some people but then poorly for others. I prefer the simplicity of the mechanical pump but the quality and performance just isn't there. I was excited for a moment when I found International still offered the mech pumps but was bummed at the price and country of origin. Found this one on ebay, https://www.ebay.com/itm/1355961816...4vAw6TOTRJ1gZWXeBHeKPV/g==|tkp:Bk9SR9z5pr3KZQ

International part#

1804495C93​

 

[klook]

I might be lazy, most that know me say not....But take a look at the location of the pump on a van sometime....Then lay on your back in the dirt and take a face full of dirt and crap and probably diesel fuel to swap it out. For the price, I can buy a second e pump(and I will if I travel), and just swap it out in a matter of minutes. I bought the 40222 Facet and so far so good. 8+psi before the WTS light goes out.

 

[MasterChiefIDI]

Thank y'all for the information. Has been very helpful. I think I may keep my mechanical for now as it has started on first rev every time for 4 years like that (has because new engine is going in). I think I will keep a spare pump in the tool box though. The pump is pretty accessible from the top down in my truck.

 

[Ruffnek7tree]

I used a lift pump off a 24v cummins, supposed to flow 71 gph at 8-10psi, it's kinda loud, but that's really the only downside so far, have had it on the truck for about 2000 miles.. truck is definitely better on long hills vs the cheap parts store pump that was on there, with the cheap edelbrock one, it seemed to run out of fuel at higher rpms or on a long hill.. I'm happy with it