Running a mechanical fuel pump dry

["Erkson, Toby" <toby.erkson@intel.com>]

In the quest to clean up the viewing area of my engine (and give me
something to
experiment with) I want to replace the mechanical fuel pump with an electric
one.  I would like to use the electric one but keep the mechanical one
installed
just in case (no hoses connected) until I'm happy with the electric pump.  I
figure I would put a stocking or similar filter on the in/out tubes of the
mechanical pump to keep stuff out but it would be running it dry otherwise
(no
fuel being pumped).  Is this a bad thing to do or does the fuel act to
cool/lubricate/whatever the mechanical pump?

I DON'T need advice on pump location, safety switches, pressure regulation,
and
my car is far from stock!  I have a pre-pump filter that is HUGE, can handle
up
to 70 psi, filters particles down to two microns and is a water separator so
that base is covered as well.  If anyone has had good experience with any
particular electric fuel pump you can let me know, though.
   Toby Erkson
   air_cooled_nut@pobox.com  <-- Please use this address for email
   '72 VW Squareback 1.6L bored and stroked to 2.0L, Berg five-speed
   '75 Porsche 914 1.8L, ORPCA member
   Portland, Oregon, http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/8501/