Reply to "Fuel pump - Electric vs Manual"

I just replaced my Carter fuel pump with a 'top of the line, the best one you have' from the local NAPA. I replaced it because when the key was turned on, but the engine was not started, it was making an annoying, worrying 'low grinding humming noise.' So the new Carter was $65.00, cheap I thought. It turned out to be exactly the same one that was on it all along.

When I replaced it, the old three rubber isolater washers were very hard and brittle, so I deduced they had been on there a long time. The new metal mounting bracket was thrown in the trash because the existing one was welded onto the chassis right below the tank, but inboard.

When the installation was complete, and I turned the ignition on but didn't start the engine, it still had a humming noise, but not as loud. I disassembled the old Carter fuel pump and it appeared to be in good working condition. There was a very minute amount of debris on the screen. My mechanic buddy wanted it for a 'fuel injector cleaner' and is still using it.

I would rather not have the mounting bracket welded onto the chassis, and would prefer to use the rubber washers they provided with the new pump to further isolate the noise. But when she's running, can't hear the fuel pump any more. I conclude I probably could have just changed the mounting rubber washers, but dependability and reliability are real important to me.

I have been reading alot on Panteras for years, but with new focus and concentration since 5/9/03, my Pantera's purchase date. I have a concern about the fact that this pump continues to keep running while the key is on, but the engine is off. There is a fire danger, and I've noticed minute amounts of evaporated fuel on the intake manifold. I am considering a fuel pressure cut-off (fully described in the Carter fuel pump installation brochure, and a Carter product as well) to stop the pump when the outlet line is fully pressurized. It's not a top priority now, but a future project. I don't turn the key on without starting the car unless I'm working on it and need to for some reason. And then, I'm very conscious of how long the key is 'On' while the motor is 'Off.'

So I'd recommend not listening to the stereo while the wife is in the grocery store, and the motor is off, to prevent fire potential.

As for mechanical fuel pumps, I had to change one of those out on a '71 Mustang convertible while I was a grad student. It was $18.00 and I liked that fact. It was also pretty easy to do. But the fact is, it went out on me in 1988, so after 16 years of service, presumably. Changing the electric fuel pump got some gasoline on my T-shirt, which burns a little, but it's good to know your own car well, and the fuel line inspection revealed more servicable life, but a project in a couple of years....