mechanical fuel pumps

[WALTER]

Is there any reason I can't use a mechanical fuel pump on a 1275 engine?

Thanks,
Walter

 

[Bugeye58]

Walter, the 1275 has no provision on the block for a mechanical pump. If you look, you'll just see a blank pad on the block casting in place of the opening found on the 948/1098 blocks.
Sorry, but it's an electric pump in your future.
Jeff

 

[WALTER]

My engine has a blank plate w/2 bolts holding it on where a pump will fit. I guess I better take an other look to make sure it really is a 1275. I was told it was by the PO.

Thanks,
Walter

 

[lesingepsycho]

Walter,
I have a 1275 (I checked the ID tag) and it has the same blanking plate as with every 1275 I've ever owned. I always assumed that this was where a mech. fuel pump would go, but why would anyone choose mechanical over electric? Even if you found a mechanical fuel pump that would fit there, you would also have to make sure there was an eccentric on the cam to run the thing. And moreover, mechanical fuel pumps take more horses away from your engine and when you're running an A-series, you don't have much to spare!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif

 

[Keoke]

Walter, what is the underlying reason you want to use a mechanical pump on the 1275 engine???---Keoke

 

[WALTER]

I checked the number on my engine(12V/671Z/L8562). According to a restoration book I have, it is out of a Mark III Midget. There is an eccentric on the cam to run the thing at the opening. The reasons I'd like to use a mechanical pump; the '62' isn't set up for electric, I have it, seems more dependable.
On the down side, if it died I doubt NAPA would have a replacement.

Walter

 

[lesingepsycho]

Well, if it were me, I would retro-fit an electric. A small toggle switch under the dash somewhere would be easy enough to wire in, and would also serve as anti-theft since a thief wouldn't necessarily think to turn on a fuel pump. Or even wiring it up to a switched fuse off your ignition would be a snap. I replaced my fuel pump with an aftermarket unit simply for the cost and reliability. I had at least 3 or 4 different stock units and they all had problems, either diaphrams, points or just completely burned out. I suppose the main obstacle you face and hence your apprehension is positive ground? My guess is with a little research you could find something to accomodate.

 

[Keoke]

Walter,I would take a look in the Austin Healey archives there is much information there on inexpensive, reliable electric fuel pumps compatible with Neg or Pos grounding which are available from NAPA stores. It will probably only require you to run one new wire off the ignition sw--FWIW---Keoke

 

[WALTER]

I'm getting the fealing you guys don't like mechanical fuel pumps. OK.........thanks for the advice.

Happy Healeying,
Walter

 

[lesingepsycho]

Don't get me totally wrong. The mechanical fuel pump on my 66 'Stang was great! Of course, being that it cost $15 bucks to replace that one, it was reliable and it had at least 250hp to borrow from makes it a different story. I wouldn't discount mechanical fuel pumps altogether, it's more a matter of picking the right tool for the job.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I have mechanical pumps on the TRs just 'cause that's what they were built with... but in the spares bag in the boot is an electric pump to get me home when (not if) the mechanical pump lets me down.

 

[spritenut]

Some later 1275s had a blanking plate that was bolted over the fuel pump hole. Early 1275s had that hole cast over.
The cams have the lobe if the block has the plate.
A mechanical fuel pump from a later A + engine is a dirrect bolt on. Check out any Mini supplier for A + parts,
Mini Mania, Seven enterprises, Mini City.

Of course one wire from the key to the fuel pump is not a problem either.


Frank

 

[Bugeye58]

Frank, I looked at the 4 1275's I have sitting here, a '66, '67, '72, and '74, and they all have no provisions for a fuel pump. Curious.
Jeff