Do I need to run a fuel pressure regulator with a Holley Red fuel pump?

[Steve2ManyBoats]

I was chasing a fuel pressure problem last fall with my 79 Crossflow 235 on my 20' center console fishing boat. Tore carbs down, pulled and confirmed clean and correct jets, rebuilt both mechanical fuel pumps, new racor filter, all new 3/8" fuel lines from tank to pumps and 5/16" to each carb. Still had fluctuating and low fuel pressure above 3,500 RPM.

Got tired of chasing my tail and bought a new Holley Red Marine fuel pump from Summit Racing to start out this season on a better note. Specs say it's set at 7 psi. I believe that specs on crossflows (and most carb motors) call for 3 to 5 psi.

Couple of quick questions:

- Is 7 psi to much?
- Are Holley Red pumps adjustable?
- Do I need to run an adjustable fuel pressure regulator? If so, I should mount it close to the carbs (under the cowl) right?
- I should mount the pump as close to the fuel tank as I can, right?

Advice appreciated.

Thanks...Steve2ManyBoats

[Gorilla0178]

I asked a similar ? a few weeks ago, I was told that you dont need a regulator at 7lbs, the needles will hold that pressure. I'm not sure if there adjustable, I dont think so, I think they just pump 5-7psi. If I can ask, what issues were you having? I just fixed a few issues I had on a 200 looper, and wondered about your issues. Is the motor a VRO amd if so is it still connected or premix.

[Markus]

Without knowing the specifics of the crossflow, I would be wary of giving it 7 psi.

Rather than the Holley red, I would recommend the Carter pump. It gives amazing volume, lower pressure and does not have the sticking issues of the Holley.

[MercNuts]

7 PSI is pushing it for any outboard carb. Mercs wont tolerate it and if OMCs will it is borderline. I thinks that any electric pump should be regulated for consistency. High voltage can also effect pressure on a not regulated pump. It is too easy to regulate and get right to take a chance. Hgh volume and low pressure is always the best choice.

[Euroski]

You maybe able to shorten the spring in the red pump to reduce the PSI. That's what I'm going to do once I check the pump pressure first.

[Liberator*21]

I run a Holley Red on my 300x and still use a reg to limit to 5 psi, there's plenty of volume..........

[gdp]

I would add a regulator. Better to be safe than sorry. 3-5 lbs should be plunty.

[frankydee]

Agree, YES on a regulator. Holley makes a low pressure model, just mount it to the pump. Works fine

[eli]

have red pumps go into the water seperator/filter and after that i have 5 psi at the outlet of the filter.so have not needed regulators.

[BUSHWACKER]

On a side note most pumps are pushers not pullers, mount it low.
Also mite wanna look up Wildmans post on the pumps he uses, buy it on ebay, I did and bought one, Purolator Pro 06SV 4-7psi, 32gph meets USCG tests

[Germansaleen]

thats my plumbing what i am building right now on my rig, it helps to keep the pump cool and the pressure is set by the bypass valve at 4psi with a good reeding fuel press gauge.
the not used fuel goes back in to the return line and in the tank

[Baja16]

I run a 235 with a Holley Red pump and yes you will need a reg...

[Forkin' Crazy]

I asked a similar ? a few weeks ago, I was told that you dont need a regulator at 7lbs, the needles will hold that pressure. I'm not sure if there adjustable, I dont think so, I think they just pump 5-7psi. If I can ask, what issues were you having? I just fixed a few issues I had on a 200 looper, and wondered about your issues. Is the motor a VRO amd if so is it still connected or premix.

Who ever told you that was wrong. Go with a regulator. I run mine a hair over 4#. Best is the return style.

[jas638]

I was chasing a fuel pressure problem last fall with my 79 Crossflow 235 on my 20' center console fishing boat. Tore carbs down, pulled and confirmed clean and correct jets, rebuilt both mechanical fuel pumps, new racor filter, all new 3/8" fuel lines from tank to pumps and 5/16" to each carb. Still had fluctuating and low fuel pressure above 3,500 RPM.

Got tired of chasing my tail and bought a new Holley Red Marine fuel pump from Summit Racing to start out this season on a better note. Specs say it's set at 7 psi. I believe that specs on crossflows (and most carb motors) call for 3 to 5 psi.

Couple of quick questions:

- Is 7 psi to much?
- Are Holley Red pumps adjustable?
- Do I need to run an adjustable fuel pressure regulator? If so, I should mount it close to the carbs (under the cowl) right?
- I should mount the pump as close to the fuel tank as I can, right?

Advice appreciated.

Thanks...Steve2ManyBoats

holley red pumps are preset at 7 psi. most carb needle and seats will handle that. but in boats you get a bit of slosh in the float bowls. it can cause the float to bounce around a bit. causing flooding in some cases which could be why you getting a low pressure reading due to the gas dumping. also todays ethanol (alcohol)fuels can damage the needles. the materials are not made for alcohol fuels. it would be wise to add a regulator to bring working pressure to 5psi. i have a brannew one from a blue pump i never used.sittin on my bench. let me know i can save ya couple bucks.

[Glory Days]

Mr. Gasket makes two a great little fuel pumps, one that puts out 4-6 lbs. & and one rated for 4-6cyls that put out 2 to 4 psi, that cost $40. And if your pushing thur a filter that will dampen the pressure a touch. Bin running one on my 240 along with the stock pump, no trouble, even when dancing over a light chop at speed. That usally make the floats bounce of there seats. It's perfect, small, plastic mount. Advanced auto sell'em.