C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Walbro fuel pump issues?

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Old Apr 18, 2010 | 09:36 PM
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Default Walbro fuel pump issues?

I am getting ready to install a Walbro 255 fuel pump in my 1985. The current pump is operating fine. I am making this switch because I understand the stock pump is good up to about 400 HP only. The Walbro will handle more than 400.

My specific question is has anyone had issues with the two flexible fuel lines that are on the passenger side with the increased pressure. I believe the stock pump puts out 60 PSI and the Walbro pumps out 70 PSI. There are hard fuel lines that lead from the fuel filter, then change to flex lines to turn about 180 degrees back into hard lines that go to the rail. Being that I have 25 year old lines, I am a little concerned with the increased pressure on these lines.

Anyone had issues?
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Old Apr 18, 2010 | 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by John A. Marker
I am getting ready to install a Walbro 255 fuel pump in my 1985. The current pump is operating fine. I am making this switch because I understand the stock pump is good up to about 400 HP only. The Walbro will handle more than 400.

My specific question is has anyone had issues with the two flexible fuel lines that are on the passenger side with the increased pressure. I believe the stock pump puts out 60 PSI and the Walbro pumps out 70 PSI. There are hard fuel lines that lead from the fuel filter, then change to flex lines to turn about 180 degrees back into hard lines that go to the rail. Being that I have 25 year old lines, I am a little concerned with the increased pressure on these lines.

Anyone had issues?
On my '96 the stock pressure was 43psi at the fuel rail (no vacuum). With my Walbro 255 it's 48.

Works great. I'm around 500hp at the crank.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 01:16 AM
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for about $100 you can change out the supply and return lines from the filter forward with -6an braided.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 02:26 AM
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Originally Posted by John A. Marker
I am getting ready to install a Walbro 255 fuel pump in my 1985. The current pump is operating fine. I am making this switch because I understand the stock pump is good up to about 400 HP only. The Walbro will handle more than 400.

My specific question is has anyone had issues with the two flexible fuel lines that are on the passenger side with the increased pressure. I believe the stock pump puts out 60 PSI and the Walbro pumps out 70 PSI. There are hard fuel lines that lead from the fuel filter, then change to flex lines to turn about 180 degrees back into hard lines that go to the rail. Being that I have 25 year old lines, I am a little concerned with the increased pressure on these lines.

Anyone had issues?
The pressure won't increase with a mere pump change, the line pressure depends on the fuel pressure regulator setting. the pump doesn't make the pressure.

race on!!!

Last edited by CFI-EFI; Apr 19, 2010 at 02:28 AM.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The pressure won't increase with a mere pump change, the line pressure depends on the fuel pressure regulator setting. the pump doesn't make the pressure.

race on!!!

Correct. Also, Ive been running my Walbro at 70# for 6 months or so with no problem.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The pressure won't increase with a mere pump change, the line pressure depends on the fuel pressure regulator setting. the pump doesn't make the pressure.

race on!!!
Mine did. Only change was the pump. Factory regulator and lines.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 09:02 AM
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John:

I installed the Walbro 255 about 3 years ago. It's been fine.

I'm running the OEM fuel pressure regulator. The gauge reads 44lbs.

Fred

Last edited by Kool88vette; Apr 19, 2010 at 09:05 AM.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 07:45 PM
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The stock pump delivers 60 PSI to the line that feed the FPR and the Walbro delivers another 10 making the pressure to the FPR at 70 PSI. The AFPR would then allow the fuel to enter the rail at the pressure it would be set at, which in my case would be about 39 PSI. The excess fuel would then enter the return line and go back to the tank.

I am not concerned with the AFPR pressure since I do not believe this will increase. My concern is the additional 10 PSI in the flex hoses prior to entering the fuel rail via the AFPR. I have read and saved several threads showing the replacement of these hoses with braided lines and fittings. I was wondering if others had changed to the higher PSI pump and then experienced problems with these hoses. I would rather react prior to failure than be running and spraying fuel over hot exhaust manifolds and burning the car to the ground.


Fred....are you headed to Corvette Magic this year?

John
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted by John A. Marker
The stock pump delivers 60 PSI to the line that feed the FPR and the Walbro delivers another 10 making the pressure to the FPR at 70 PSI. The AFPR would then allow the fuel to enter the rail at the pressure it would be set at, which in my case would be about 39 PSI. The excess fuel would then enter the return line and go back to the tank.

I am not concerned with the AFPR pressure since I do not believe this will increase. My concern is the additional 10 PSI in the flex hoses prior to entering the fuel rail via the AFPR. I have read and saved several threads showing the replacement of these hoses with braided lines and fittings. I was wondering if others had changed to the higher PSI pump and then experienced problems with these hoses. I would rather react prior to failure than be running and spraying fuel over hot exhaust manifolds and burning the car to the ground.


Fred....are you headed to Corvette Magic this year?

John
I got my invitation in the mail and I'm planning to be there.

I'm not sure if you have to pass a California smog. Remember the problem I had with an adjustable fuel pressure regulator? It worked well but I failed the visual. The regulator is a pain to change with a Superam. Why not use the OEM regulator and have it dialed in?
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Old Apr 20, 2010 | 04:52 AM
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Default No rpoblems....

I replaced my OEM fuel pump with a Walbro 255 fuel pump in 2001. Other than a new sock and AC fuel filter, I made no additional modifications. The Walbro 255 has worked fine since installation and I have had no fuel line problems of any sort.

FYI
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