mechanical vs. electric fuel pumps

["Richard Knack" <birdman@domain.elided>]

I had two OEM-type mechanical pumps  rupture their diphragms and leak gas
into my oil (both were used but I don't know how much - one was on my truck
when I got it; the other was on a spare engine in my dad's barn). I decided
to bypass the mechanical pump with a Walbro bellows-type pump my dad gave
me. It works well, except for one problem: where I mounted it. I put it high
on the inner passenger side front fender (where the charccoal cannister
would usually go) as a matter of convenience and also it is a protected
spot. Unfortunately, it also gets heat from the engine (especially on hot
days), and develops just enough vapor-lock to make the truck backfire
occasionally. OTOH, I get instant fuel pressure as soon as I turn the
ignition on. It also makes draining the gas tank easy, if necessary, as all
I have to do is disconnect the fuel line going into the fuel filter and put
it into a gas can, then let the pump run the tank dry.