bench test a fuel pump???

[NCC1701]

Is there an easy way to bench test a fuel pump?? I got a used walbro 340 a few months ago and want to make sure it works before dropping the tank.

Thanks in advance

 

[orion]

custom setup? two tanks some hose and a car battery?

shooting in the dark here

 

[salvageV6]

Gallons per hour at a certain voltage perhaps?

I'd only use a 2 minutes test and then extrapolate myself.

Then again I've extrapolated a lot lately...

 

[87GN_70GS]

Yes there is a way to do this. Obviously you'll need a power source, a battery with charger will work, use a voltmeter to check what voltage you're using. The best source is an adjustable bench supply, you'll need at least 12 amps and 15 amps is better. HP makes a nice 20 amp unit but it's over $2k, best bet is to borrow one. Next you'll need a "load". I used a simple multi-turn (for precision adjustment) water valve, the gas didn't seem to affect the seals too much. You'll need a pressure gauge, 100 psi. The test is best done outside. Hook the pump outlet to the valve, "tee" the gauge somewhere in this line. Make sure the electrical connections are solid. Immerse the pump with filter into your gas container. Plumb the valve outlet into a measured 1 gal container. Adjust the pressure using the valve, and time the fill time with a stopwatch. Try to keep the voltage the same, and the pressure constant (there is a direct relationship, u might need 2 sets of eyes and hands). To completely characterize the pump, you can check flowrate at a few pressure test points (say 0,20,40,60,80 psi and shutoff). Plot flowrate (volume divided by time in gph) vs pressure and you have all you'll need to know. You can also repeat the test at other voltages.

If you're just wanting to check and see if it will work, check flowrate at 45 psi and 12 volts, which is where the 340 pump is rated at (~60 gph).