MISSING MEP-003A FUEL PUMP

[TYFYS !!!]

Hello All,

New member with a newly purchased 1992, MEP-003 generator. After it arrived, I noticed 2 plugs dangling from their wires below the main control box. After researching the wire id numbers and manuals I have to come to realize the plugs belong to a missing fuel pump (the rear one), and the Aux. pump solenoid. Therefore, the generator is currently running on only the one front pump (left side). I plan to purchase both the rear pump and a fuel pump solenoid (because I want to have an auxiliary tank set up). My two questions are:

1. Has anyone run their gen sets with only one pump, successfully? Is this causing any harm to the generator or engine? I've only run it this way for a few minutes. The previous owner, for 2 hours according to the meter (which shows 23 hours). The owner before him, who knows?

2. Any suggestions on where to purchase a new pump or solenoid. It appears Ebay has numerous options for auxiliary fuel pump solenoids. Oshkosh also is advertising fuel pumps (expensive suckers). Are there better suppliers available?

Thank You in Advance for your guidance. I look forward to learning a lot from the experienced here.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Yes you can run with 1 pump.

There should be 3 total. 2 in the prime run circuit and the last (with solenoid) on the aux fuel circuit

 

[Light in the Dark]

The pumps in that machine are special, as they allow flow through when one dies. You will want to find the correct pump for the application, not one that just looks like the part.

With that said, absolutely no issue running just one. The second is there for simple redundancy sake. Does the one still there have a little 'box' inline from the packard connector, up to the pump body itself?

 

[Guyfang]

Unplug all the pumps. Push in the CB, turn the start switch to run. Two of the wires should have 24 VDC on them. They are the main transfer pumps. The last wire is for the AUX function.

You can test the AUX pump by simply hooking up the AUX pump to one of the other two wires that are hot. I would unplug the two pumps and hook the AUX to one of the hot wires and then see if the AUX pump comes on. KNOW if all your pumps are good, dont guess.

 

[TYFYS !!!]

Thanks to all for the reply's!!! Light in the Dark, I am posting photos of my current setup from both front and back. I assume the "little box" you refer to is what looks to be an inline fuse in the photo showing the backside. I do plan on purchasing a new pump, as redundancy is my middle name. I've posted a photo of the new pump I plan to purchase. Seller lists the military part number 72-5313 as the replacement match. I'd be happy to post the eBay link for the solenoid, but I'm not sure if that is allowed here. If it is, please let me know and I'll do so. Further input Greatly Appreciated.

Thank You All for your time!!!

 

[Guyfang]

You are also missing a Nut, Bolt and "Star Washer". See the serrated washer on the left side of the AUX E-Pump? That's what you want. These pumps NEED a good ground. Thats what the Start Washer is for. It should be on ALL of the mounting hardware used for the E-Pumps.

Yes, part number 72-5313 (NSN 2910-00-930-9367) is the right pump. You are also going to need two fittings. If the two fittings shown in the picture come with it, good. If not, take one off the existing E-Pump, and go to a good automotive parts store and buy two.

 

[Light in the Dark]

The 'new' pump, by my eyes, is not the OEM pump. It may be 24V, but its not OEM. Not only does it lack the inline EMI, but it normally has Facet labelling on it. I would personally try to get more info from the seller, or look elsewhere.

 

[Light in the Dark]

If this is to be believed, reading up on the description here the inline EMI is no more... now its hidden somewhere internally.

Facet Cylindrical 24v Fuel Pump, 1/4 NPT Male, 6-8 psi, EMI | Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies

The Facet Cylindrical Style 24 Volt Fuel Pump runs on 24 volts for marine use, delivering 33 gallons per hour, with a maximum pressure at 6 to 8 psi. The EMI filter minimizes radio interference.

www.pegasusautoracing.com

And do you intend on using the remote refill option? If not, no need to buy another very expensive pump. Its up to you and how you intend on using the machine.

 

[Light in the Dark]

And I believe the pumps you have are the original design, with the cylindrical EMI canister. The ones that I am more familiar with have an inline cube, that is a common failure point.

 

[TYFYS !!!]

Guyfan, 10-4 on the star washer. I have hundreds of them in the shop that I use on my trailer lighting. I assume the casing of the pump itself is grounded against the frame and there is no wire connected. I'll take the old fittings and get new for the new pump. Thanks for the Great input!!!

Light in the Dark, Thank You for the OEM heads up. Do they still make OEM pumps? Where would one be found? Your link to the Facet pump at Pegasus Racing just saved me $150 over the pump I showed in the photo above. Plus, Free Shipping!!! So glad to have received your input. I'll be ordering tomorrow. Yes, I plan to use an auxiliary tank. One of the reasons I chose the 003A was the option of having the aux refill. Much better than going outside in -30 degree weather to refill fuel . Too old for that anymore!!!

Thank You Both again. Greatly appreciate the input and help. This is a fantastic site and resource!!!

 

[Scoobyshep]

I just used the aux fuel for a hurricane, it made it a lot easier not having to get in the trailer to refuel

 

[country]

COM-5354 | 24 Volt Electric Fuel Pump
24V Electric Fuel Pump For All Military Trucks That Use A 24V System.
NSN #: 2910-01-408-1530, 2910-00-930-9367
Part #: 1916070, 480517-PK
$59.00

 

[Guyfang]

This looks like a knock off, but would have to see/touch it to know.



This looks like the real deal. But the proof is the NSN and Part #.

COM-5354 | 24 Volt Electric Fuel Pump
24V Electric Fuel Pump For All Military Trucks That Use A 24V System.
NSN #: 2910-01-408-1530, 2910-00-930-9367
Part #: 1916070, 480517-PK
$59.00

Dont forget you need an extra fitting for the input side of the AUX pump.

 

[Light in the Dark]

This looks like a knock off, but would have to see/touch it to know.

View attachment 935841

This looks like the real deal. But the proof is the NSN and Part #.
View attachment 935842
COM-5354 | 24 Volt Electric Fuel Pump
24V Electric Fuel Pump For All Military Trucks That Use A 24V System.
NSN #: 2910-01-408-1530, 2910-00-930-9367
Part #: 1916070, 480517-PK
$59.00

Dont forget you need an extra fitting for the input side of the AUX pump.

Yeah, it does. And for the price you can put a few up in spares!

 

[Light in the Dark]

If you don't have the aux fuel bung setup, there are some available in the classifieds: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/new-mep-fuel-can-bung-adapters.220451/

 

[Scoobyshep]

I use VP fuel jugs and made a custom adapter and pickup tube for the aux fuel.

 

[TYFYS !!!]

The question I would have for both of you and any others:

1. What is reliability of these pumps over the years, in particular because the OEM pump above is in "used" condition? Is it better to bite the bullet and spend the extra money for New vs. Used? Ancient question I suppose?

 

[Scoobyshep]

Id say very reliable. I personally have yet to come across one that is a total loss, every inoperable pump I have had my hands on I have been able to clean out and restore to working order.

 

[TYFYS !!!]

Thanks Scooby, just ordered it. Only one available. Guess we'll see. I'll advise once received. For the record, VERY IMPRESSED with Michele from Eastern Surplus, the vendor mentioned above.

 

[Guyfang]

The question I would have for both of you and any others:

1. What is reliability of these pumps over the years, in particular because the OEM pump above is in "used" condition? Is it better to bite the bullet and spend the extra money for New vs. Used? Ancient question I suppose?


These pumps are extremely robust. Easy to take apart and clean, if need be. And as mentioned above, they are flow through pumps. Should one of the two give up the ghost, the other will pump through the defective pump and you will never even know you have a problem.