Why replace an existing fuel pump with an electric one?

My VW van mechanic has suggested replacing my existing pump with an electric one.

Why would you do this, what would be the benefits?

 

Before you ask, I had asked him to look the van over and make a list of any items he thinks need or will doing in the near future. I forget to ask why the fuel pump. ..

 

you have your own VW Van mechanic! are you holding him hostage? where can I get one?

 

If it ain`t broke etc,etc,etc......

 

Ok, ok

what i meant is that he is a VW Van specialist not just the guy at the local garage. And the best bit is he would rather I did most of my own work & doesn't just fleece me!

 

Tis what me is thinking...

 

Ask him what's wrong with the one.

 

it was more of a: you might want to consider, rather than there is a problem with the existing from what I remember.

Was mainly interested in what benefits there are one over the other?

 

Have you got a type1 or type4 engine? Type 1, no point, as the mechanical pump is perfectly reliable. Type4-ers may move to an electric pump as, I believe, replacements for the mechanical one aren't available. But if yours isn't broken...

 

T4

 

ok

 

make sure if you do go to electric they put a fuel cut off relay so it doesn't keep running in an accident etc, mine has a pump but it's fuel injected, i'd leave it alone if it works.

 

He might have a point if your existing pump is on its last legs, or as a bit of preventative maintenance. Maybe a mod for the future?

 

It might make it easier to start if it's been sat a while and/or on a hot day.
It has improved ours (2L Type4 with DellOrto Carbs). With the mechanical pump I found a fair bit of cranking was required to get the fuel pressure up.
Another useful thing if you're laying the vehicle up is you can disconnect the electrical supply to the pump and run the engine until it comes to a spluttering halt in order to empty the fuel in the carb bowls.

As an aside, I read somewhere that Type IV fuel pump refurb kits are now available again. Might be easier to buy one and stash it away...

 

If it's not broken , no reason to change it

 

Type 4 mechanical fuel pumps need to be tweeked if you fit dells or idfs to get the pressure down to around 3 PSI....this can be achieved by adding more gaskets, or grinding the pump rod down...
People often install an electric pump on Type 1 engines if they fit a weber (for the same reason), or if they modify the engine and want to use the space for something else, like a sensor bracket for crank timed ignition....some tuning purists suggest that doing away with the mechanical pump and the dizzy saves a few HP....who am I to argue...
If you do fit an electric pump, use a 3 pin oil pressure switch (from 79 type 2 2 litre or Vanagon) via a relay....the pressure switch is bypassed when turning the engine over, so that the carb (s) are primed whilst cranking.....once running and the oil pressure is up, the pump then runs direct from the battery (via the relay)....if the pressure drops below 4PSI (ie in a crash) power to the pump is immediately cut...

you can also add a Ford type inertia switch in the +ve supply as an additional safety feature....these cut the power if you get shunted....
Just done all this on mine (Type 1 1776)

 

Does any one know where to get a refurb kit from i havnt been able to find one?

 

I use an electric pump on my bug, it's quicker to start, especially if the engine runs hot, the fuel in the carb bowl evaporates so it takes a long time to crank.
Also if the car is not driven for longer periods of time 1 week+ it should fire up as though it just ran.

If you haven't got these problems, you don't need it.

The downside is that it can be noisy, it is less safe in case of a crash or engine fire so may require some security measures in the sense of a pressure regulator and/or a cut off switch. (i don't use either)

 

^^ This. Happened to me at petrol stations a couple of times last year. Embarrassing if there's a queue of cars waiting behind you to fill up.

 

INcidentally - where do people usually fit a leccy pump?