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I blocked off my Fuel pump when the diaphragm busted and put an electric pump off a 99 model powerstroke, works great, no problems since then, solved all my fuel problems.
My electric pump is between the mechanical pump and the fuel filter. I use it to prime the system when I mess with the fuel system. It's a lot cheaper than batterys or a starter. I don't have a problem using the mechanical pump under normal conditions. I've run out of fuel out on the road. It's no fun trying to prime the system on the side of the road. My 85 6.9 has an issue if it sits for more than a week. I simply let the electric run for 10-15 minutes and she fires up with a little glow plug action. No strain on the batterys or starter.
I am like Dave. I haven't put an electric pump on my trucks. I fixed a cam so I could keep running the mechanical pump. I have put a few on though and the one I use is an Delco EP309. Same pump the 6.5's used. They seem to run forever. I haven't changed very many over the years. I also wired in the oil pressure switch so it wouldn't run unless the engine was running.