electric fuel pump for priming?


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By Talkwrench - 9 Years Ago
Has anyone used an electric fuel pump for priming?  Normally I pour fuel down the vent tube for a Holley but switched to an Edelbrock and cant do that so I was thinking about a priming pump.  I have an Airtex E8016S on my flathead for priming its on the firewall BEFORE the fuel pump. Ideally on the Y Block I could put it on AFTER the fuel pump. The Airtex will flow fuel through it [many don't]  but when priming will it pull fuel past the mechanic fuel pump?
By charliemccraney - 9 Years Ago
You can fill the carb via a nipple at the fuel inlet using a short length of hose and a funnel.
The metering rods go through the main jet, which is in the float bowl, so you may also be able to fill it there.  That probably does serve as the vent for the float bowl since there is no gasket on the metering rod covers.
By miker - 9 Years Ago
I've never done it on a yblock, but I've used priming pumps on everything from riding lawn mowers to motor homes. Always worked, either in front or behind the engine pump. I'd just temporary it in, and if it pulls fuel into a catch can, call it done. Note: no smoking allowed in this area.
By Vic Correnti - 9 Years Ago
It has been my experience that most electric fuel pumps push fuel better then pull and are recommended to be installed near the gas tank. I use a small one I bought from O'Reilly on an Amphicar for both priming and to push through a vaporloc.
By Talkwrench - 9 Years Ago
Yes Vic that is the way to do it, however this is just priming so I don't care too much for the placement just the ease [ OMG you have an Amphicar!]
Charlie, Whats the nipple you speak of?  I might have to take another look if Ive missed something. To fill via the jet needle[s] would require to take it out and that would be a PITA every time, though Im not sure filling from there is a good idea...
Guess if no one has done it Ive got a Carter pump that I could rig up and see if it sucks past the fuel pump..   Suck it and see ...So to speak...
By charliemccraney - 9 Years Ago
The nipple usually comes with the carb, perhaps with a few other fittings.  It goes on the fuel inlet, for use with a rubber hose.
Alternatively, you can use a piece of steel fuel line to attach the hose, flared on one end, no flare on the other.

The needles are held in with one screw each.  Super easy to remove, it would be only 1 extra step vs a Holley.
By 2721955meteor - 9 Years Ago
i have a cheap elect pump close to the tank on my ranchero. the switch is a push buton so i hold the switch when needed. the pump when off is just a check valve for the main pump on the 292.
have installed them on several customer cars. some like a of on switch but  if you choose that should have a light so pump is not on all the time.
By DANIEL TINDER - 9 Years Ago
An indicator light is a good idea.  I see how I could very easily mount one next to the toggle switch that operates my inexpensive 6v pump spliced into the fuel line under the drivers door.  I prefer the on-off toggle over a momentary one, since if the manual pump fails, you could still limp home driving with both hands (no power steering/stick shift). But, the older I get, the more often I find the switch inadvertently left on!  I passed on the accessory hand brake light, since leaving THAT on becomes rather obvious as soon as you release the clutch.  Not so with the fuel pump, as it is rather quiet when running.
By charliemccraney - 9 Years Ago
You can wire the pump so it is key hot.  That way, if used in conjunction with a toggle or momentary switch, the pump will only work if the key is in the on or run position and the toggle is on.
By Talkwrench - 9 Years Ago
I rigged up a long fuel line to the carter pump I had and it pulled the fuel past the fuel manual pump so and Airtex pump should be fine after the manual pump. I was just going to make it simple and use a switch under the hood I have a fuse box I put in so somewhere off that. I have to put a battery key in for power so just prime from under the hood while there , get in and go..