perkins prima 60 lift pump

[ottewj]

The mechanical diesel lift pump on my perkins prima 60 engine failed. This happen as we left to dock going on a week long trip. We could not get a replacement on short notice. Therefore we installed an electric 12 volt low pressure pump that is electrically activated when the key is turned on. It work fine.
My question is should I leave the electric pump in or replace it with the perkins mechanical pump.
Thanks,
Bill

[Compass790]

Plenty of cars use an electric fuel pump so they can't be too unreliable. I carry a spare electric one on the boat as Yanmar wants $360 for a mechanical pump ( & wont sell spare diaphragm etc) but I leave the mechanical pump on as it's lasted for 39 years AFAIK.
My GUESS is to trust a mechanical more but I'd be ok with an electrical if I had a spare. Think about how many electrical things crap out on a boat especially if it's older.

[Emmalina]

Up t you but the new lift pumps don't allow you to change the membranes of valves. Its a throw way world but charging big money for something like that is taking the p*&s. I ordered a spare for my old perky and the thing that arrived is very poorly made so I bought a service kit and rebuilt the old one. PS you can make your own diaphragms if you want !

[ottewj]

Thanks for your replies

[Compass790]

Originally Posted by ottewj

Thanks for your replies

You are welcome, plenty have helped me on this forum so I like to help others if I think I can.

FYI A chap who rang me looking for a Yanmar lift pump said that a diesel injection workshop told him they had lots of different diaphrams & to bring his lift pump in if he wanted a replacement.
Just a thought for you if you want te rebuild your own.