Electric fuel pump for 225 Looper

[frederick55]

I have a bad VRO pump on a 1998 Johnson 225. I am getting a lot of advice to switch to an electric pump. Holly recommends mounting lower than the fuel tank, which would be difficult on my Hydrostream Viking. What would you recommend for fuel cutoff pressure? I have heard they need 5-7 lbs. , but not more. Carter makes a pump that cuts off at 5.75lbs., and one that cuts off at 8lbs. Niether seem quite right. Any suggestions that are affordable? Thanks.

[mjwalters]

I think he 8lb pump would be good I would install a gauge and check it at full throttle

[frederick55]

Do you think it could overcome the foat valves at that pressure? I don't want to throw money away. I have also heard others voice your opinion concerning the fuel pressure gauge.

[mjwalters]

I believe the floats will hold 7lbs for sure. You would be suprised how much fuel those motors need . I have used the primer pumps OMC supplied with the motors and they were not up to the task . I found a holly fuel pump with a regulator does well Blue pump I think

[Liberator*21]

I don't think the application on a Looper is any differenet than any other O/B, stick a Holley "RED" in there and you'll be all set. No issues with over pressure on your needle and seat.

[frederick55]

From what I have read the Holly is a siphon feed, and needs to be mounted below the tank. Have you had any issue with this.After it is primed will it continue to draw fuel. The description I get is that the Holly pumps by pushing not suction. I cannot mount below the tank to generate a siphon feed. If it's not an issue, I would go with it.

[frederick55]

Just checked out the Holly red, and it says not compatible with alcohol. Will ethanol affect it, or would I have to run non-ethanol?

[perfmarine1]

I would recomend the holly blue with a regulator and the marine pump,when the seal starts to leak the fuel runs up a hose and overboard instead of in your boat! Safest way to rig plus you can adjust the pressure to your needs.

[Liberator*21]

Holley "BLUE" w/a reg is a waste of money, specially when a reg is not really needed. I don't dispute the idea of a fuel pump discharge hose when the pump springs an enternal leak. But on an outboard application risk of problems with fuel leakage is minimal (unless your a chain smoker.....LOL) since there's no motor or starter to spark in the boat and in all my years of boating and allways running an in the boat electric pump, I've yet to have one leak.

I can't speak for Holley, but I can speak from experience. The Holley "RED" will always self prime either mounted above or below the fuel level. As for 10% ethanol fuel (all that's available here) I've had no issues what so ever, now straight alcohol might be a big problem........... If your still indoubt, contact Jeg's and ask one of there tech's about it, call is free and so is the info.

[jphii]

I've got a Mallory 140, much better than a Holley. $100.

[Euroski]

My Holley red pump was set to 5psi from them when I checked it...

[frederick55]

Thanks for the info Freakin'. I see some good deals on pumps at ebay.

[Gorilla0178]

I went a round and round trying to fix my stock pump. I finally went with a electric pump. I went with a Holly style I found on e-bay, 110gph with regulator and gauge for 75$ with shipping. I have it regulated to 5lbs and it doesnt leak, yet. I flo tested it and pushing fuel through a water seperator fuel filter , hose bulb, and all the hose, I get about 75gph at the motor free flo. I havent had much time to water test it yet.

[lokinutz]

My experience with Holley red on an OMC looper...factory Holley red pushed 7psi and overpowered needle/seats. These were new needle/seats with floats correctly set. Cut 1 1/2 coil off internal spring and down to 5psi, no needle/seat problems, no regulator. Had it mounted 3" above tanks in my Stoker and would consistently lose prime, if it would prime. Mounted below tanks and problem solved. If you must mount above tanks, the holley may not be your best bet.

[frederick55]

Thanks Mr. Lokinutz, I had a feeling someone was going to echo the technical info from OMC and Holly. I am sure the other's posting have had success with their setup, but I am inclined to take your advice on this one. I will probably go with the East Coast Drag guy, and use the Mallory 140 w/regulator. It seems to solve all my issues, and is reasonable on ebay. Thanks for the help guys, I learned something from all of you.