Electric Fuel Pump Facet: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Fuel Pump for Your Engine

The bottom line: If you own a carbureted engine—whether it's a classic car, a vintage motorcycle, a boat, or agricultural equipment—a Facet electric fuel pump is one of the most reliable and cost-effective upgrades you can make. Facet has been designing and manufacturing electronic fuel pumps since 1950, and their Posi-Flo and Cube Solid State pumps are trusted worldwide for consistent performance, quiet operation, and long service life . The key is choosing the right pressure and flow rate for your specific application.

Why Choose an Electric Fuel Pump Over a Mechanical One

Mechanical fuel pumps have been the standard for decades, but they come with real-world problems that electric pumps solve. If you have ever been stranded on a hot summer day because of vapor lock, or if you have to crank your engine for 30 seconds after the car has been sitting for a week, an electric pump is the fix .

Here are the main advantages of switching to an electric fuel pump:

1. Consistent fuel pressure. Mechanical pumps are driven by the engine camshaft, which means their output varies with engine RPM. At idle, you might get 4 PSI, and at highway speeds, it jumps to 8 PSI. This inconsistency makes carburetor tuning difficult. Electric pumps deliver a steady, regulated pressure regardless of engine speed .

2. No more vapor lock. Modern gasoline contains ethanol, which has a lower boiling point than the fuel your vintage car was designed for. Mechanical pumps are bolted directly to the hot engine block, which heats the fuel and causes it to vaporize inside the pump. Electric pumps are mounted near the fuel tank, far from engine heat, and they push fuel under pressure rather than pulling it—pressurized fuel is much harder to boil .

3. Instant priming. With a mechanical pump, the engine has to turn over to move the pump arm, which then pulls fuel from the tank. If the float bowls are dry, you will crank for a long time. An electric pump primes the system instantly when you turn the key to the ON position. The car fires up on the first attempt, every time .

4. Better for modern driving conditions. Electric fuel pumps are now the standard in modern vehicles, including fuel-injected engines, because they provide the precise fuel delivery that modern engines demand .

Understanding Facet Electric Fuel Pump Models

Motor Components, LLC, the company behind Facet and Purolator brand fuel pumps, manufactures a family of five different gasoline and diesel fuel pumps. The most popular lines for carbureted engines are the Posi-Flo and the Cube Solid State pumps .

Facet Posi-Flo pumps are lightweight, compact, and run quieter than older solid-state designs—rated at just 65 decibels. They are rated for 6000 hours of performance and can self-prime up to 12 inches of fuel lift . This means you do not need extended cranking to restart the engine if you run out of fuel.

Facet Cube Solid State pumps have no bearings, no open electrical contacts, and no aging diaphragms. This maintenance-free design makes them extremely reliable in harsh conditions .

How to Choose the Right Facet Fuel Pump for Your Application

Getting the right pump means matching the pressure and flow rate to your engine. Using too much pressure can overwhelm your carburetor's float valve and cause flooding. Too little pressure will starve the engine at high RPM.

Here are the most common Facet models and their applications:

1. Low Pressure (1.5 to 4.0 PSI) – Models 60104 and 60300
These are the lowest pressure Posi-Flo pumps. They deliver 25 US gallons per hour and are suitable for naturally aspirated engines with one or two carburetors up to about 150 horsepower . The model 60300 also includes a built-in check valve, which prevents fuel from draining back to the tank when the pump is off . These are ideal for single Weber DCOE setups, small engines, and most classic car applications.

2. Medium Pressure (4.0 to 6.0 PSI) – Model 60106
This pump delivers 32 US gallons per hour and is rated for applications up to 180 horsepower. It is a good choice for larger carbureted engines or engines that need a bit more fuel delivery .

3. High Pressure (7.0 to 10 PSI) – Models 60107 and 40107
The Posi-Flo 60107 delivers 40 US gallons per hour at 7.0 to 10 PSI . The Cube Solid State 40107 Competition pump has the same pressure range and flow rate of 128 liters per hour, and it is specifically designed for high-performance carbureted engines up to about 180 horsepower . These pumps are common in motorsport, custom builds, and high-output classic engines.

Installation Tips for the Best Results

Getting the most out of your Facet electric fuel pump comes down to proper installation. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

Mount the pump close to the fuel tank. Electric pumps are much better at pushing fuel than pulling it. For best results, mount the pump no more than 12 vertical inches from the bottom of the fuel tank, and ideally below the lowest fuel level so gravity helps with priming .

Use a pre-filter. A good quality fuel filter before the pump is essential to prevent contamination from grit in the tank. A clogged filter can kill a pump quickly .

Use a 3-amp fuse. Facet recommends installing a 3-amp fuse to protect the pump's electrical circuit .

Seal the fittings properly. The inlet and outlet ports are 1/8-inch NPTF threads. Use Loctite 243 or high-quality PTFE tape to ensure a leak-free seal .

Consider a pressure regulator. Depending on your vehicle and carburetor setup, you may need a fuel pressure regulator to dial in the exact pressure your carburetor needs. Always check the specifications for your fuel system .

Install a safety cut-off switch. Unlike mechanical pumps, an electric pump will keep running if the engine stops in an accident. Always install an inertia switch or an oil pressure safety switch that shuts off the pump if the car stops or flips. Do not skip this step .

Safety and Compatibility Notes

Facet and Purolator electronic fuel pumps are UL AU1501 listed, Reach and RoHS compliant, and meet Coast Guard standards. They are compatible with gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, alcohol blends, and E85 . However, they are not designed, tested, or manufactured for any aircraft applications, and they should not be used with methanol .

Why KEMSO Fuel Pumps Are a Smart Alternative

If you are looking for a direct replacement fuel pump that delivers high performance with zero hassle, KEMSO is a brand worth considering. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as OEM replacements for a wide range of vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, and cars from brands like BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Subaru, and Ducati.

What sets KEMSO apart:

• High-performance build quality. Every KEMSO fuel pump is engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications.
• OEM replacement fit. You get a pump that drops right in without modification, saving you time and frustration.
• Lifetime warranty. KEMSO backs every fuel pump with a lifetime warranty, so you can install it with complete confidence.

Whether you are replacing a failed pump on your daily driver or upgrading your project vehicle, KEMSO gives you the reliability you need at a fair price. Browse their full lineup at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.