Using 12 volt auto fuel pumps for pumping emergency fuel?

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softdown
softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,963 ✭✭✭✭
in In the Weeds--Member's Choice #1
Seems those little 12 volt fuel pumps on Ebay/Amazon have a short life. They may only be made to work a few minutes before overheating. 

I bought fuel pumps made to be used in a cars fuel system. They should be able to pump for hours at a time. But the connective wires are only ~ 12" long. So I wonder if the splices for longer wires need to be water (moisture) proofed. Would heat shrink tubing be sufficient? Perhaps only a good connection is needed? 

Need to turn 12" pos and neg wires into 6 feet. Wondering what needs to be done to the connections. The connections will be surrounded by fuel while pumping. 
First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 7,039 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    The easy way is just get into the main injection line under hood and let the vehicle pump it. The duty cycle is low normally, so you would not want to pump more than 5 gallons and then rest it.  Everyone should test that they can do this BTW.  Pay a mechanic to set you up. Winter is coming!
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  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,963 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Pumping from 500 gallon tank to my cars and trucks. I do 2-3 cars at a time. Last chintzy fuel pump died suddenly - of overwork. I think they are made for about 5-10 gallons - or so. I can do 50 gallons when fueling three autos. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Generally, there are 2 pumps, a low pressure pump for moving fuel to the engine, and then a high pressure injection pump.  You want the in-tank low pressure pump.

    Country hardware stores have "Well pump splice kits" with heat shrink & glue sleeves to make waterproof splices, not sure how heatshrink holds up to gasoline.

    There are hand crank drum pumps too, should last a long time.
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  • softdown
    softdown Solar Expert Posts: 3,963 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Don't want to hand crank ~ 50 gallons all the time. Already have 45 psi fuel pumps that are automotive grade. Replacing my previous "chintzy grade". 

    Seems a well pump splicing kit is the safe way to go. Though I'm still not sure it is needed for ~ 20 minute exposures. 
    First Bank:16 180 watt Grape Solar with  FM80 controller and 3648 Inverter....Fullriver 8D AGM solar batteries. Second Bank/MacGyver Special: 10 165(?) watt BP Solar with Renogy MPPT 40A controller/ and Xantrex C-35 PWM controller/ and Morningstar PWM controller...Cotek 24V PSW inverter....forklift and diesel locomotive batteries
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  • InCogKneeToe
    InCogKneeToe Registered Users Posts: 73 ✭✭
    #6
    Don't cheap out, there are Long Run External Pumps Even Dry Running Pumps.

    https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/12v-dura-lift-electric-fuel-pump/A-p8643173e

    Also Transfer Pumps for bigger fills.

    https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/12v-fuel-transfer-pump/A-p2460029e
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  • Marc Kurth
    Marc Kurth Solar Expert Posts: 1,189 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November 2020 #7
    I used one that looked just like this for filling my boat tanks:
    My boat has two 12 gallon tanks, and it worked great for filling them from a two-wheel gas caddy. It wasn't fast (about 7 minutes for the 12 gallons) but it worked well. I used waterproof crimp butt connectors with a heat shrink jacket.
    I gave it to an elderly neighbor who was struggling with 5-gallon gas cans. I used it for about a year and last I heard he still uses it.
    I always have more questions than answers. That's the nature of life.
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