[Public-List] Diesel fuel pump alternatives (Universal M3-20B)?

[John Birch via Public-List]

Randy, diesels recycle their fuel in a loop several times before burning, 
going from tank to pump to gallery and back to tank. 15-20 GPH is not 
uncommon cycling even on a small diesel, that's what our WB 4-107 moves, yet 
it consumes less than 1/2 gal an hour.

The purpose is two fold, one the fuel cycling polishes the fuel repeatedly 
through the filters and sediment bowl and secondly helps to cool the system. 
Diesels for all their simplicity are in fact complicated beasts. Love them, 
but don't mess with pump sizes - use the one the engine was designed for.

Cheers

JB  Sunstone, A-37

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mike Lehman via Public-List" <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
To: <public-list at lists.alberg30.org>
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2014 5:08 PM
Subject: Re: [Public-List] Diesel fuel pump alternatives (Universal M3-20B)?


> Hey Randy
>
> I am no diesel mechanic, but when the fuel pump failed on my universal 
> M4-30 I was able to buy a exact replacement at NAPA auto parts in 
> Annapolis without paying the'marine' price.
>
> Mike Lehman
>
>
> ------ Original message------
> From: Randy Katz via Public-List
> Date: Mon, Jul 14, 2014 5:04 PM
> To: A-30 List;public-list-request at lists.alberg30.org;
> Subject:[Public-List] Diesel fuel pump alternatives (Universal M3-20B)?
> Greetings-- Any diesel mechanics on our list?
>
> I'm wondering if anyone knows whether or not it's possible to use a less
> expensive, less powerful fuel pump of the same brand as that recommended 
> by
> the Universal/Westerbeke manufacturer. I'd like to carry a spare pump, 
> just
> in case. I can make a guess about this, but I'd love to hear from someone
> who really KNOWS the ins and outs.
>
> Details re: the recommended pump are below.
>
> What should be requirements for a fuel pump that one should consider when
> choosing one?
>
> Given the very small engine size (3 cylinder, 20hp), is it necessary to
> have a pump at 32 gph and 6-8 psi? Wouldn't one of the several less
> powerful pumps made by the same company work just as well since the engine
> burns ONE-TWO gallons/hour?
>
> There are also "cube" style pumps that appear to have equal capacities as
> the recommended "cylinder" style. Does it really matter what shape the 
> pump
> is?
>
> The recommended pump is around $120-160, but other models that seem they
> could work are half to a third that cost.
>
> I'll try checking with our local Westerbeke distributor here in Seattle
> (Gallery Marine), but I suspect they'll say you have to use the one the
> company lists.
>
> Many thanks for any replies!
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Randy Katz
> #249 Simple Gifts
> Bellingham/Seattle
>
> %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
> *The recommended fuel pump is made by Facet:*
> Manufacturer: Facet Pump
> Part Number: 476459N  (N = individually packaged)
> Description: Electric Fuel Pump, 6-8 PSI, 12 Volt
> Highest quality dependable fuel lift and priming pump for most diesel
> engines, heater systems, marine engines and generators. Universal pump for
> most carburetor equipped applications.
> May be used with diesel fuel, gasoline, or pure alcohol.
> Easy to install via 2 bolt mounting system.
> 32 GPH
> Port size is 1/8 NPT
> 74 Micron filter included
> Nothing to adjust.
> For best results mount pump close to the fuel tank, below the fuel level.
> Pump is self priming to 24" vertical fuel lift. Only service required is
> the occasional cleaning of the filter and fuel inlet cavity.
> This pump is the appropriate replacement when properly installed for the
> Universal 301385 and Westerbeke 24831.
>
> %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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