The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Electric fuel pump

I want to install an electric fuel pump on my 40 chevy pickup....216 engine. can anyone suggest where to purchase one and the best one? Speedway motors has one for $59.95 and 4-6 psi. Is the 4-6 psi the one I need? by the way, this is for a 6 volt system.

thanks, Ken

You might want to check out the Holley Carburator site and ask question about the 6 Volts. The pumps pull a pretty good amount of power. They be able to direct you to the correct pump. A 4-6 psi will be plenty for the 216.

Also, be sure to hook up a saftey switch to that pump. Run it to a oil pressure switch. The Chevy Vegas used a good universal switch. The pump will only run if the oil pressure is up. You will have to hook up a manual override switch for when the truck sits a few days or weeks.

All ways use heavy wire, 12-14 gauge atleast. Run a ground wire right along with the power feed. Ground right to the battery or block. Joe

Summit at 800-230-3030 sells different brands, good prices and free delivery

Is there a special application or problem here? What happened to the mechanical pump?
You may have some difficulty finding a 6 volt electric fuel pump. Then if you do, pay attention to its current draw so you size the wires accordingly.

Most good electric fuel pumps must be located close to the fuel tank & have some sort of pressure regulator or relief line to vent overpressure back to the tank. Just running a pump "deadhead" into the carb with no regulator can cause flooding, poor engine performance, electrical overload and shortened pump life.

good luck

Unless you are planning to get great amounts of horsepower, from the electric pump(no way), use a stock pump and eliminate all the electric pump problems. The stock pump will feed all the gas the 216 can use.

4 to 6 pounds will overdrive the float system in the original carburetor.

If you are going to use an electric, a pump that may be used is Federal Mogul / Carter number P-60430. This pump is self-regulated for 2 to 3 pounds at 6 V.D.C.; and has a capacity of 20 gal/hour rated at 2 psi.

Electric pumps are pusher pumps. One would probably push gas around the world, but it woun't pull 6 inches. Mount below the fuel tank on the frame, so you have gravity feed to the pump. Be sure to install the inline filter in FRONT of the pump (between the tank and the pump)!

Others have posted already concerning the electrical wiring (permanent controlled by oil pressure switch, with manual pushbutton override).

Do not run through your mechanical pump. Remove the mechanical pump and install a block-off plate.

Jon.