T&T: Electric fuel pumps

[Rich Gano]

In response to the request for info, I have a Facet fuel pump in my system
for the express purpose of filling filters at change-element time.  However,
since its installation in 1987, I have found it invaluable in bleeding the
air out of both my Lehman 120's injector pumps when the fuel systems
developed air ingestion problems over the years.  I kept one of the engines
going until I could effect repairs (a bad O-ring in a Racor Tee handle) by
leaving the pump on while underway - the engine had been dying every 15
minutes or so.  Turning it on and cracking the bleed nut on the injection
pump until the foamy bubbles stopped was a lot easier than hand-pulsing the
lift pump on that hot engine, and since I was alone a lot of times, it was
easier by FAR than trying to crack bleed nut, spin engine with starter, and
then close bleed nut!

Along the way, I discovered it was handy to move fuel around between my four
tanks with it.

It is plumbed into my system at the manifold, BEFORE any filter, AND it has
a simple loop of fuel line around it with a ball valve in the loop.  The
valve is normally open effectively bypassing the pump.  Shut valve, energize
pump, and the whole downstream fuel system is pressurized, or by use of
crossover valves in the downstream system (these are normally closed), only
one of the three diesels can be pressurized.

I have a .jpg graphic of the system for anybody who cares to ask for it.

Rich Gano
CALYPSO (GB-42-295)
Southport, FL