Hey guy's, I was wondering if anybody was running a Holley Blue electric fuel pump on their truck. I just rebuilt a 429 thunderjet and got the engine put back in the truck about a week ago. (it's a '71 F100 by the way) I put a carter mechanical fuel pump on it, and it started, however, the fuel pressure would fall and the engine would die. This happened about three times. The engine ran for a total of about three minutes. After troubleshooting the fuel system, I found that the fuel pump eccentric on the end of the camshaft has become loose. I can put a screwdriver in the timing cover where the fuel pump arm goes, and I can move the eccentric back and forth because of the loose bolt. I guess it became loose because I didn't put thread lock on the bolt. Anyway, I'm pissed because I have to take the whole front part of the engine apart again to get to the eccentric. I want to just remove the bolt and eccentric completely from the camshaft and install a fuel pump block-off plate, then put a Holley Blue electric fuel pump on. I need to know if these pumps work with the old style gas tanks. (Mine is the kind mounted behind the driver seat). If you guys are using them or know someone who is, Please let me know before I buy one and try to install it. Thank you

 

For a daily driver.........I'd stick with the mech pump. Much more reliable then a Holley blue pump. When you do tear the cover off, TORQUE the cam bolt to 65 lb/ft. It will not come loose again(plus a drop of locktite). The lock tite is not needed if you torque it tight enough, but it does not hurt. I would leave the eccentric on even if you decide to put a electric pump..........just in case.

BTW, you CAN'T leave the cam bolt out. It is there to hold the cam gear on the front of cam. You can leave the eccentric off, but I wouldn't. (by your wording it sounded like you were leaving the bolt out completely--you can't)

I used to have a blue pump on my '69 F100, ran it without any problems, but removed it due to putting a mech pump back on. As long as you have a "drop" below the pump where it can keep a prime it should be fine. That is the issue with Holley pumps, they do not "draw" fuel, only "move" it, so you need to make sure there is adequate fuel to create a suction each time you turn it on. I had mine mounted right behind cab, where rubber line is.

 

I've had one since just before Christmas.
I'm running a very mild 390 w/ 2bbl and operate at low rpms... aka - not a hot rod.
Mine is mounted on the inside of the drivers side frame rail, just ahead of the (behind the seat) gas tank. Used rubber isolation mounts/spacers.
I only ever notice it running at 'key on' when it'll buzz up, after that the engine drowns it out.
No problems, but, then, the mech pump had no problems either, until it failed... it was old.

Good luck.

 

My blue pump FAILED every couple weeks when I had it in my race car. I took it off the truck, used it in the car instead. I worked more on that stink'n pump than anything I ever had! It now is a part of a new car fender somewhere, and put a Mallory on instead. It's been 6,7,8 years now...........no problems.

I DON'T like Holley pumps.

 

wowzers... I hope I have better luck.
I remember your advice to me as well, but, a mech was going to be more expensive and extra down time for ordering...
fingers crossed.