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Electric Fuel Transfer Pump

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How Does An Electric Fuel Transfer Pump Work?

An electric fuel transfer pump is the component of a refuelling system that safely conducts fuel from one location to another; most commonly from a fuel storage tank to the engine of a vehicle. Electric fuel pumps can come in all kinds of types, with each designed to accommodate different types of fuel and under different conditions. Given this, it’s important to know exactly what you need and how to find one that can handle the job properly.


Do electric fuel pumps run continuously?

Once the engine is switched on, electric fuel transfer pumps will run for as long as the key’s turned in the ignition and the engine is running. Depending on the engine load and speed, the pump will perform at a constant or varying pace.

Where should an electric fuel pump be mounted?

It’s important to install the pump close to or on a level with the end of the fuel tank. If you site it higher, it may offer inferior performance or even fail to work completely. An electric fuel pump should be placed at a maximum of two feet from the tank.

Does an electric fuel pump need a return line?

A return line isn’t a requirement for an electric fuel pump to serve its purpose. However, it can be advantageous to have one installed if you have the option to do so. It will help cool the fuel and reduce stress on the pump.

Does an electric fuel pump need a relay?

Whether or not you need a relay depends on the following factors: wire thickness, amperage, and pump circuit controls. You won’t typically need a relay if the pump has low amperage, short heavy wires and/ or standard control requirements.

Can you put gasoline in a fuel transfer tank?

A fuel transfer tank, also called an electrical gas dispenser pump, can contain gas, diesel, methanol, ethanol, and kerosene. However, vapours emitted by fuels are dangerously flammable. Therefore, it’s very important to check whether your fuel transfer tank can transport gasoline for your own and others’ safety.

Can you use an electric fuel pump with a carb?

A lot of modern engines can’t use a mechanical fuel pump. Given this, it’s becoming increasingly popular for people to use an in-tank electric pump to sustain a carburetted engine. It is also advisable to use one if you have a bypass regulator in place.

What are transfer pumps used for?

You can use a transfer pump to extract liquid from one container, store it, and unload it into another container. A small electric transfer pump is a common tool used by vehicle owners to siphon and transfer fuel between vehicles.
Transfer pumps come in different varieties. These include the electric diesel transfer pump and the gasoline transfer pump.

Can you mount an electric fuel pump upside down?

A properly mounted electric fuel pump is one that stands upright. If you position it tilted to one side or upside down, the pump seal won’t function properly, and can cause leakage all over the electrical motor, creating a serious fire hazard.

How do you wire a relay for an electric fuel pump?

Follow these instructions correctly:

  1. From the stock ECU, attach pin 85 of the relay to the 12-volt supply wire.
  2. Connect pin 86 to a good ground on the car.
  3. From your battery to the pin 30, run a dedicated wire on the relay.
  4. Run a wire from the factory wire that directs to the fuel pump to pin 87.

Will an electric fuel pump prevent vapour lock?

Vapour lock is the result of fuel getting too hot in the fuel line or carburettor. The vaporised fuel can prevent fuel from reaching your engine by creating back pressure. Because fuel types these days are designed with electric fuel pumps in mind, you’re less likely to suffer from vapour lock if you choose an electric fuel pump over an older type.

where to find an electric fuel transfer pump

Fuel transfer pumps can be used for many applications, and having some knowledge about how they work will allow you to make better decisions on what kind to purchase. To help you understand the fuel transfer pump’s value and function, here we’ll explain the surprisingly uncomplicated technology behind it.

Electric fuel pumps have a straightforward mechanism. They simply make use of pressure to siphon liquid through an inlet and then along tubes to its destination. Numerous factors can come into play in this process, as there can be different levels of efficiency and speed. The type of power source used will also play a part. To select the best one for your needs, you will have to carefully consider how you intend to use the pump.

Here are some of the most common examples of where an electric transfer fuel pump is instrumental:

  • For logistics and distribution, fuel will need to be transported from the main plant’s tank to a tank truck.
  • For safety during car repairs, a mechanic will usually pump out fuel from the car’s fuel tank to a temporary dispenser.
  • For refuelling other cars, you can collect fuel from your own fuel tank and direct it to another fuel tank.

Because fuel transfer inevitably involves handling volatile fluids, it can be a daunting task choosing the right electric transfer pump for your needs. However, we aim to make it easier for you.

At Electric Fuel Pump, you can find top-grade fuel pumps and accessories for all types of automotive applications. With top quality and industry-approved products at unbeatable prices, we can proudly say that we are the UK’s #1 fuel pump retailer!

Our goal is to simplify your shopping experience. As an all-in-one site, we sell everything you need to replace your fuel pump with an impressive selection from top name brands. To make it even more convenient, you can order online with just a few clicks from the comfort of your own home and we’ll deliver your products straight to your door, fast!

Still not convinced? We have a great record for customer service and you can see what past customers have had to say at TrustPilot. We have over a thousand positive testimonials, and we’re committed to ensuring that you experience the same high levels of customer satisfaction too.

Specifications You Need To Know

Here at Electric Fuel Pump, our products are categorised conveniently so you can easily locate the pump and parts you need. What’s more, each product page includes a complete description with full specifications, highlighting the three most important parameters.


This refers to the amount of electrical power required to sustain the pump’s function. A pump will need consistent power to be able to work continuously and generate sufficient pressure. The most common requirements are for 6v or 12v electric fuel transfer pumps but powerful 24v pumps are also available.

Checking Electrical Power

Fuel Flow Rate

The volume of fuel that passes through the pump within a certain time span is called the fuel flow rate. The flow rate needs to be regulated because the fuel injection system is built to take a specific load within a specific period of time. The fuel flow rate is measured in terms of litres per minute or litres per hour.

Measuring Fuel Flow Rate

Outlet Diameter

The outlet is the fuel’s exit point. A hose will be attached here so the fuel can continuously flow to its destination. This is an important detail to take into account, because you’ll need a hose that fits snugly around the outlet to prevent leaking issues.

Checking Outlet Diameter

Get Additional Accessories To Complete The Set

We are your one-stop-shop for all fuel pump requirements. Alongside our range of electric fuel transfer pumps, we also have a selection of top-notch filters, regulators and valves, fuel hoses, and unions. Our product range includes parts only from trusted brands that specialise in fuel efficiency and optimised fuel delivery.


what is an electric fuel transfer pump

Enjoy Great Deals At Electric Fuel Pump

Look no further – the UK’s #1 fuel pump retailer is the place to go! We can help advise you on what you need, whether it’s fuel pump parts or a portable diesel transfer pump. We guarantee all components are made by precise machinery that will ensure optimum and flawless operation.

Not only do we stock top quality products, but we also offer them at the lowest prices you can find. And as if that’s not a great deal already, we often feature a host of regular discounts and promos that are sure to help your budget.

Need advice? We’re more than happy to help with your purchase. Send enquiries to or call us on: 01248 417113. We look forward to hearing from you!


who offers a reasonable electric fuel transfer pump price

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Electric Fuel Transfer Pump – Factors To Consider Before Buying

Here are two key factors to consider before buying an electric transfer pump:

Flow Rate

This refers to the amount of fuel going through the pump. The flow rate needs to be precise as the fuel injection system can only take a specific load within a certain period of time.

Fuel Pressure

Fuel pressure plays an important role in engine combustion. Choose a pump that will pressurise the fuel sufficiently to allow the engine to run flawlessly.

Electric Fuel Transfer Pump Buying Guides

What’s more, you should specifically buy an electric gasoline transport pump if you are transferring gasoline. The same goes for any other fluids, such as diesel and oil: choose the right tool for the job.

Troubleshooting Electric Fuel Pumps

The most common causes of malfunctioning electric fuel pumps are fuel contaminants such as water or particles of rust. Other sources of problems include mishandling, incompatible pumps, and inferior fuel quality.

In some cases, it’s hard to work out the main cause of the problem. However, in general, it’s more than likely to be one of the above reasons.

If the problem is incompatibility, check you have a pump with the right specifications. If your engine needs 230v and your current pump doesn’t match these requirements, you will need to replace it accordingly.

Understanding Electric Fuel Pump Designs

Fuel Pump Rotary Vane Style

Rotary Vane-Style Fuel Pumps

This features a paddle-wheel component housed by a bigger circular case. The centre of the wheel is offset, creating a crescent-shaped atrium. As the wheel spins, the paddles make forward and backward motions, which draw the fuel into the pump.

Fuel Pump Gerotor Style

Gerotor-Style Fuel Pumps

This is the recommended high-volume fuel pump and also requires high-pressure. It has two gears: a spur gear and a ring gear, that rotate simultaneously in the cavity.

Fuel Pump Diaphragm Style

Diaphragm-Style Fuel Pumps

This is made with a flexible membrane that pushes and pulls vertically in a chamber. There are check valves inside to direct the fuel flow.

The Best Fuel Transfer Pump

Whether you need an electric biodiesel shift pump or an electric gas pump, choosing a specific model is all about your preferences on functionality. The three main choices are:

Wall-Powered Pumps

a. Wall-Powered Pumps

These have a remarkably high pumping rate with long pumping duration. However, they can be quite difficult to clean, and have low mobility.

Portable Electric Fuel Transfer Pump

b. Battery-Powered Pumps

This is the most portable electric fuel transfer pump. However, because it is battery-powered, the charge level can be unreliable at times.

Manually Powered Pumps

c. Manual Pumps Or Siphons

These are a durable type of pump that function without electricity or charge. However, because it’s manually powered, it can be tiring and tedious to operate.

About Electric Fuel Transfer Pumps

An electric gasoline transport pump is used to transfer fuel from the gas tank to the injectors. Fuel pressure created by the pump must measure within the specified range to maximise the engine capacity.

Usually, the pump needs around 30 to 85 psi in order for the injector to spray sufficient fuel. If the pressure is below par, the engine will not get enough fuel, causing it to lean, stall, or misfire. On the other hand, if there’s too much pressure, it will overload the engine, waste fuel, and cause belching.

Visit Electric Fuel Pump for a great selection of electric transfer pumps for fuel. If you want to check which product will suit your engine best, we can send you a list of recommendations! Send us a message here, and we’ll get right back to you: