Small question here from the peanut gallery. Gentlemen, why do we worry
about what the FAA has to say regarding fuel pumps when we operate
Experimental class aircraft? Wouldn't it be a wiser choice to go with the
mechanical pump on the engine with a Stewart Warner electric fuel pump for
takeoff as well as backup if the mechanical should fail? I have personally
used these electric fuel pumps for years in race cars (road racing type) and
have never experienced a problem even though I've completely eliminated the
mechanical pump for weight savings. To me it would seem logical to place a
fuel pressure gauge in the line between the pump and carburetor which would
give and immediate indication of a pump problem long before the engine
started to sputter or possibly fail. It would be a simple matter to place a
"T" in the fuel line where it exits to mechanical pump as well as check
valves in each line to insure the pumps aren't working against each other.
My opinion only and any other suggestions would be welcome.
Doug Rupert
