Thursday, March 1, 2012

Fuel pump research

I started to plumb my fuel system and ran into a small problem with my fuel pump. My Accel Thruster EFI system came with a fuel pump that is labeled as an Accel model 74701. It did not come with any instructions nor is the pump marked with any indicators for flow direction or even simple in/out labels. So I did not know which way to install it. I thought it will be a simple task to go on Accel's web site and download an instruction sheet but alas they didn't have anything about this pump on their site. So then I tried submitting a ticket to Accel's online support desk. I received back this less than helpful response:
Rick, Mar 01 10:43 (EST):

There is currently no instructions for the pump, there should be a line or an arrow that acts as and indicator for inlet and outlet. If nothing is evident, please call our EMIC at 401-826-4400. Thank you

Rick Cole Jr.
Prestolite Performance
Tech Service
10601 Memphis Ave. Bldg 12
Brooklyn, OH 44144

Now I'm not a professional mechanic but I'm not an idiot either. Had their been a line or arrow on the pump I wouldn't have needed to submit a support ticket. I am also an IT professional and I avoid making phone calls at any cost. That's why the internet was invented, so nerds like me don't have to actually talk to anyone. While I was closely examining the pump for this secret hidden arrow I noticed it had some numbers on it: E8248. I typed 'E8248 fuel pump' into the magic Google machine and viola! I found out this pump is actually made by a company called Airtex Products. I went to Airtex Products web site and found that they also have an online support desk. So I asked them the same question: "which way do I install this dang pump??". Finally I got my answer.
Matt,

Good afternoon. The outlet of the E8248 is the end with the electrical connectors. The inlet will be the end that requires the fitting to be installed on. If there is anything else I can help you with please feel free to call or email me.
Thanks Shane

Shane Neuman
Tech Line Supervisor/NIR Coordinator
E-mail: xxxxxxx@airtexproducts.com
www.airtexproducts.com
So now to give something back to the community I have created this drawing. Hopefully Google will give this page as a top result the next time someone goes looking for Accel 74701 or Airtex 110-E8248. Thanks for the help Shane from Airtex! You can use my drawing as an instruction sheet for a small fee.

Radiator hoses