Crane/Lear Romec rotary fuel pump

Pheonix137 · #1 09-16-2016, 01:01 AM

Hi All,

I recently acquired an engine fitted with a rotary fuel pump on the accessory case, as opposed to the standard diaphragm pump I am used to.

Not being familiar with these, I was wondering if anyone has operational experience with these pumps and could tell me if they are worth using on an RV? Any problems to look out for?

rgbewley · #2 09-16-2016, 07:47 AM

What engine is it on? The rotary pump is fairly common on engines like the IO-540-L1B5, and some of our parallel head engine customers who run very high compression (read: race pilots) like to use the rotary pump with turbo lines and nozzles. You can certainly use the rotary pump, but it's expensive to overhaul, whereas a diaphragm pump is around $400.

TS Flightlines · #3 09-16-2016, 08:55 AM

Lee has one on his Rocket---great pump, but costly.
Tom

Pheonix137 · #4 09-16-2016, 11:51 AM

This one is on an HIO-360E1AD which has been converted to A/C use. If the race guys use them, is it a case of superior reliability or greater adjustability that makes them preferred?

Radioflyer · #5 10-07-2016, 03:40 AM

Hmmmm. I never knew there was an alternative to the standard diagphram pump. This would fit an O-320?

I'm about to replace my fuel pump due to slow pressure build-up and I think it is leaking oil from the diaphragm edges (and not from the accessory case gasket). I wonder if the rotary pumps are more reliable. Any links or pics to see what these rotary pumps look like?

fixnflyguy · #6 10-07-2016, 05:43 AM

I am running an O-320H2AD in my -4, and currently run 2 electric pumps, and no mechanical ( one primary and one boost/AUX) because the H2AD diaphram pump mount is on the top front of the case and would require a big blister in the cowl. I have pondered running a rotary pump off the vac pad, but they are typically high pressure, and I'm carbureted and only need a few PSI...Id love to hear if anyone is running a rotary that is low pressure.

imapilot2 · #7 11-05-2016, 08:59 PM

there is a rotary fuel pump used with carbed engines that had the Rajay turbo conversion. It's still low pressure like the diaphragm pump it replaces.

Expensive to overhaul.

Caveman · #8 11-06-2016, 08:41 AM

If you haven't done so, you guys should call Gene Martin at Martin Induction systems in Enid, OK. He was working on a solution to the cost of overhauling some of these high pressure pumps. I'm not sure how far along he is in the process, though.
Gene runs a certified repair station and is a great guy that knows his business. He also flies a Lancair so he is amateur built friendly.

He may be able to point you in the right direction.
He also a great resource on "installation specific" carb issues in homebuilt aircraft.Check the contact info on his website. Tell him I sent you.

http://www.martininduction.com/

Joe