Electric Fuel Pump, Inline 1.5 To 4 LB

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your vintage Volkswagen''s fuel delivery system with the EMPI Solid State Electric Fuel Pump, the industry standard for reliability and consistent performance. For decades, air-cooled enthusiasts have struggled with the limitations of mechanical fuel pumps, which are prone to vapor lock in high temperatures and can fail unexpectedly due to worn diaphragms or eccentric cam wear. This inline electric pump eliminates those headaches by providing a steady, low-pressure flow of fuel the moment you turn the key. Designed specifically for carbureted engines, this unit operates within a 1.5 to 4 PSI range, making it the perfect match for stock Solex carburetors as well as performance Weber or Dellorto setups that are sensitive to over-pressurization. The heavy-duty metal casing ensures that this pump can withstand the harsh environments of a daily driver or the vibrating chassis of an off-road dune buggy.

What sets this EMPI unit apart is its solid-state electronic design. Unlike older style pulse pumps that rely on internal contact points that eventually carbon up and fail, this pump utilizes modern electronics to move fuel efficiently with fewer moving parts. This results in a much longer service life and a quieter operation compared to many loud, vibrating budget pumps on the market. Whether you are building a show-winning Cal-Look Beetle, a rugged Baja Bug, or a weekend cruiser, ensuring your engine gets the exact amount of fuel it needs without flooding the needle and seat is paramount. This pump is self-priming and engineered to push fuel from the tank to the engine bay with ease, providing the peace of mind that only a high-quality EMPI component can deliver. Please note that while this pump is highly efficient, we always recommend the addition of a high-quality fuel pressure regulator to fine-tune your specific engine requirements.

FITMENT

This universal inline fuel pump is designed for 12-volt systems and is a primary choice for the following air-cooled Volkswagen models and custom builds:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Bug, and Super Beetle (1950-1979)
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus (1950-1971)
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback (1961-1973)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years (1955-1974)
• Volkswagen Type 181: Thing (1973-1974)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style bodies, and Trikes
• Engine Compatibility: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based upright engines

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 41-2500-8
• Pump Type: Solid State Electronic Inline
• Pressure Rating: 1.5 to 4 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
• Voltage Requirement: 12-Volt DC
• Flow Rate: Optimized for single or dual carburetor configurations
• Case Material: Heavy-duty reinforced metal housing
• Internal Design: No bellows or diaphragms to wear out
• Inlet/Outlet Size: Standard 1/8-27 NPT (Fittings sold separately)
• Self-Priming: Yes, capable of lifting fuel up to 12 inches

PRO TIPS

1. Gravity is Your Best Friend for Mounting

Electric fuel pumps are much more efficient at "pushing" fuel than "pulling" it. For the best performance and to extend the life of your EMPI pump, you should mount it as low as possible and as close to the fuel tank as the chassis allows. On a standard VW Beetle, the ideal location is often on the front frame head or tucked safely near the fuel tank outlet. Mounting the pump in the engine compartment is a common mistake that leads to premature failure and vapor lock because the pump has to work twice as hard to pull fuel from the front of the car while battling engine heat. Always ensure the pump is mounted in a location where it is protected from road debris but still receives some airflow.

2. Never Skip the Pressure Regulator and Filter

While this pump is rated for 1.5 to 4 PSI, many classic Solex carburetors perform best at a very specific 2.5 to 3.0 PSI. If the pressure spikes to 4 PSI, it can overcome the needle and seat, causing your engine to flood or run rich. We highly recommend installing a "Dial-A-Flow" style regulator between the pump and the carburetor to lock in the perfect pressure. Additionally, you should always install a high-quality fuel filter on the "inlet" side of the pump. This protects the internal solid-state components from tank scale, rust, or debris that could jam the pump or reduce its flow capacity. Preventing contamination is the easiest way to ensure this pump lasts for years.

3. Safety First: Use a Relay and Safety Switch

When wiring your new electric fuel pump, do not simply tap into the positive side of your ignition coil. This can overload your ignition circuit and lead to poor spark or blown fuses. Instead, use a dedicated 4-pin or 5-pin 12V relay triggered by the ignition switch. For the ultimate safety setup, Appletree Auto specialists recommend installing an oil pressure safety switch. This switch ensures that if the engine stops running (for example, in the event of an accident), the fuel pump will automatically shut off even if the ignition is still in the "on" position. This prevents the pump from continuing to spray fuel in a dangerous situation, providing a modern safety standard for your vintage ride.