I hav a Honda 390 engine I put in a club car golf cart. I want to hook up the gas tank already on the cart. I need to put an electric pump on it. The engine seems to only have 12 volt to the starter and everything else is app 4 volt. Is there a place to tie in a 12 volt pump to work when the key is on? Or what are my options? Thanks
390 engine electric fuel pump
BackyardBrian
Active Member
Welcome to this forum. The other knowledgeable guys can help you with all the questions.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Where are you measuring 4 volts? Does this engine have a stator and a voltage regulator to recharge the cranking battery? The regulator charge wire has to be connected to battery positive at the starter solenoid before it will do its job.
Pictures would help along with the engine identification plate information. There were different versions of the Honda 390 engine.
Have you wired it to the start switch on the golf cart?
A simple 12V electric pulse type fuel pump with less that 5 PSI should work fine.
Craftsman Garage
Well-Known Member
You will have to be careful with what EFP you buy. Its buy once, cry once for a true 1 PSi electric fuel pump from a good brand. I bought a cheap one labelled as 2-3 Psi and the float couldn't handle it and started flooding.
grumpyunk
Well-Known Member
I think it would be easier and perhaps safer to use a regular pulse operated pump as found on yard mowers/tractors. The pulse of pressure that occurs inside the crankcase as the piston(s) to to BDC can be used to operate the pump. No wiring, no excessive pressure, and regular vacuum lines to operate the pump. Fuel line IN and OUT to the carb, and you're done.
You might even find a decent one in a boneyard. If you have a dipstick tube accessible, you can plumb a barbed fitting into the side near the top, and that will provide the pulse needed. A rocker arm cover can also provide an access port if needed.
Electric can cause sparks, and most are higher pressure than the float valve on tractor carbs would be used to handling. You also need to figure out a way to kill the power should the thing overturn along with a point to access 12V power.(fused)
tom
You might even find a decent one in a boneyard. If you have a dipstick tube accessible, you can plumb a barbed fitting into the side near the top, and that will provide the pulse needed. A rocker arm cover can also provide an access port if needed.
Electric can cause sparks, and most are higher pressure than the float valve on tractor carbs would be used to handling. You also need to figure out a way to kill the power should the thing overturn along with a point to access 12V power.(fused)
tom
StarTech
Lawn Royalty
It called a mercury switch. And some of the ZTRs I work have them.
grumpyunk
Well-Known Member
I think I would go to a boneyard and take a 'rollover switch' from the cab of a Ford Ranger or other car/truck so equipped. Lots cheaper and easier to find than a mercury switch. I have not tried to find a mercury switch, but the EPA and other Feds do not like mercury and may have put them on the endangered species list or similar. The Ford style switch has a steel ball bearing that sits in a little pocket atop two contact 'forks' and gravity holds it in place, letting it fall out of position on a good big jostle. Simple and cheap, I think.
tom
StarTech
Lawn Royalty
Then you can go with a 45 or > degree tilt switch. Those can be mechanical, rolling ball, or optical. All work on the same principle of breaking the circuit they are in. But all would to operate a relay to handle the current of the pump; unless, Ford style handles the current of an electric fuel pump.
Auto Doc's
Lawn Addict
Here is a video I found that shows a regular rider mower pulse pump being adapted to work.
Honda GX 390 fuel pump option - Search Videos
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