73 F100, 302, EB 1403 m-choke carb, elec fuel pump - Basically used for the gas station, hardware store, gas station, feed store, lumber yard, and the gas station. It has run pretty good for a year or so. I go to start it Saturday, it's starts right up like usual, and then dies shortly after. Clear fuel filter before carb is empty, but aftermarket Electric fuel pump (a cheap one) sounds like it is running. Gas gauge has been half-broken for a while so I think, doh, I need gas! So I put 5 gallons in, turn the key, pump turns on (wait a few seconds), still no gas in clear filter. (search forum for help) Pull the fuel line off the inlet side of pump and stick it in a gas can, still no gas at carb filter. Replace tiny inline fuel filter at inlet side of pump, put fuel line back in gas can, still no gas to carb filter. Check suction on inlet side and can't feel or see anything with my finger. So, Bad pump? Conveniently, the guy never removed the old mechanical pump. Of course it is now the source of a nice oil leak. The elec fuel pump is straight wired to the ignition, fuse "piggy back" style , so thinking if the pump is bad I'll switch back to mechanical fuel pump, otherwise I need to get a relay, oil pressure switch, fuse block extension, and a new elec pump ($$$). This is just my old truck you can't hurt and I "can" fix when it breaks mech fuel pump is $20 the other setup is well over $100, what do you think? Thanks for reading the narrative, anxious to hear what you think.

 

Original or aftermarket mechanical is how i would go . I have an electric one on a car i have ,but it's a hot rod. To make them safe you have to put in the safety switches unless you like living on the edge and that makes more wiring to pay for and maintain. Plus the way my hot rod is set up,if the pump quits me away from home with no tools or extra pump, it's time to call Triple AAA.

 

I know the stock setup in my '78 works fine - hot weather or cold. I'd suggest a stock replacement mechanical pump.

 

No complaints on my 76 with the stock mechanical one either.
I also have an electric in my 68 chevy convertible. No problems there either, but it does need a higher fuel volume than stock.
If you're going to do an electric pump, get a Walbro, they're worth the money.

 

Well I went mechanical and thus far I have no complaints. Starts right up every time. Cost me $22, plus about 10' of rubber fuel line...going back to the tank ~$10. I have been warned about vapor lock. To "prevent" it I ran the fuel line way around to keep it away from the exhaust manifold. Thanks for the help!