Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

[Raystownboater]

Im trying to replace the fuel pump on my mercruiser. I purchased a mechanical fuel pump for a small block chevy and as you can see, the mounting surface does not match. What am I doing wrong and what fuel pump will fit this block? I've checked every small block mechanical fuel pump and they are all the same.

The block was ordered from Rapido with a plate on the block because at the time, I had an electrical fuel pump. So, I dont have the old pump to match up.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

WOW, not sure why that pic is so big..............but I think I may have answered my own question. I was looking through the service manual and it looks like there is a plate between the block and fuel pump that I am missing. Now to try and locate that plate!

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Im trying to replace the fuel pump on my mercruiser. I purchased a mechanical fuel pump for a small block chevy and as you can see, the mounting surface does not match. What am I doing wrong and what fuel pump will fit this block? I've checked every small block mechanical fuel pump and they are all the same.


The block was ordered from Rapido with a plate on the block because at the time, I had an electrical fuel pump. So, I dont have the old pump to match up.

Do you need one of these?;
View attachment 98478

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-3719599/

Pump won't work without an adapter plate...

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

You also need the fuel pump pushrod.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Thanks for the heads up, Don. I ordered the plate but didnt realize I needed the pushrod. Just called and added the pushrod to the order. Thank you!

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

do you need one of these?;
View attachment 98478

That's EXACTLY what i need! thanks

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

You also need the fuel pump pushrod.

Good point, without one you may be disappointed with how well your new fuel pump works...

Make sure you put some assembly lube on the pushrod shaft and it's tips. A nice thick assembly lube will help hold the push rod in place while you install the pump.

No matter what, I would refrain from using plumbers putty to hold the push rod in place.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=480371&highlight=Plumbers

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Plumbers putty never would have crossed my mind! Good to know, though.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

You also need the fuel pump pushrod.

Does the pushrod go into the upper or lower hole in the block?

 

[mkast]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Does the pushrod go into the upper or lower hole in the block?

I image it will go in the hole it fits in.
Use vaseline , DO NOT USE PLUMBER"S PUTTY.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

I image it will go in the hole it fits in.
Use vaseline , DO NOT USE PLUMBER"S PUTTY.

There are two holes in the block. If you look at Don's diagram, the pushrod is positioned at an upward angle like it would be installed in the upper hole. Just dont want to bend or damage anything by installing the pushrod wrong. I didnt even think about vaseline, though, Thanks!!!

 

[mkast]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

When you see the push-rod, this will be a non-question, it will only fit one of the holes.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Yeah, common sense is lacking, on my part, this morning. Probably should have waited til the part got here to look at it. Thanks for the info.

 

[daydreamer1252]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Whoa....must be cold where you are working....if I were to use vaseline here it would melt and rundown before I could pick the fuel pump and gasket off the deck to install it....wish I were where you are....

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Whoa....must be cold where you are working....if I were to use vaseline here it would melt and rundown before I could pick the fuel pump and gasket off the deck to install it....wish I were where you are....

If I refrigerate the vaseline prior to using it and install the pump in the middle of the night, I should be able to get it in before it melts!

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

I changed the mechanical fuel pump last fall on a Merc 228R with a Rochester Quadrajet carb. Upon starting the engine, fuel leaked profusely from the carb. Long story short, the solution (obtained by calling Merc) was to use the much thicker gasket intended for 3.0L applications. Here's a link to the thread about it:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=437166

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Thanks for the info Four Winns. Is this a common enough occurance that I should just go with the thicker gasket right away?

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Thanks for the info Four Winns. Is this a common enough occurance that I should just go with the thicker gasket right away?

I wouldn't. See what the fuel pump you get does with the correct stock gasket. That thicker gasket deal sounds like a band-aid to fix another problem. There are hundreds of thousands of boats out there using fuel pumps with the correct thickness gasket....

 

[mkast]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

Whoa....must be cold where you are working....if I were to use vaseline here it would melt and rundown before I could pick the fuel pump and gasket off the deck to install it....wish I were where you are....

Must be warm there today.
Petroleum jelly is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, having a melting-point usually within a few degrees of 75 ?C (167 ?F).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_jelly

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Merc 228 mechanical fuel pump issue

I used wheel bearing grease.............