Elec. Fuel Pump??

[bonsaiwino]

Our '79 carbureted Spider takes a long time turning over before starting if I haven't run it for a couple of days. Once it starts, it runs strong & steady. Would an elec. fuel pump take care of this symptom? Is there any downside to installing one? If I do it, can anyone recommend a reliable one to use (& where to source it)? As usual, thanks for the advice. All the best, Don

[vandor]

When the car has sat for a while, before starting it remove the air cleaner cover and move the throttle while looking down the primary carb throat. You should see the accelerator pump jet squirt fuel into the throat of the carb.
If it does not then likely the fuel has drained out of the carb, and then yes, an electric fuel pump could fill up the carb before you start it. If you want you can put it in line with the mechanical pump and just have a pushbutton to operate the electric pump before startup. Once the engine starts the mechanical pump takes over and draws through the electric pump.
We carry the Facet brand pumps as they are made in the US and do not quickly fail like most Asian made pumps.

[bonsaiwino]

Csaba, OK…I'm going to mount it just above the tank outlet. For wiring, my plan is to wire it directly to the "START" position on the ignition switch, so it only engages when cranking & goes off when the engine starts. Sound OK?? Thanks again.

[vandor]

I would wire it to a separate pushbutton, so you can fill the carb before cranking. Otherwise you will still be cranking for a while to fill the carb.

[mgbgtn]

I would run a relay as well as some pumps draw a large amperage.

[nibbes123]

Hi Csaba I don't know if this is dumb of me asking but how would you wire in the inline fuel pump with the mechanical one?
Thanks Nick

[vandor]

Nick, I am not sure what is your question.

[perthling]

I did this on my 124 wagon. My battery is lasting a lot better now.

The concept I struggled with was whether the electric pump would be able to pump 'through' the mechanical pump on the engine. After much internal debate I got some fuel hose and tested it with a pump wired directly to the battery. Once I proved the concept I installed it more soundly with a switch under the dash which I only need to use when the car has sat for a while. I typically turn it on then open the garage door - it then has had 20-30 seconds to pump fuel through which seems to be sufficient.

PS don't forget to power the switch off a circuit which is live only when the ignition is on - otherwise you run the risk of forgetting that it is on and running your battery flat. I also opted for a switch with an LED so I am reminded when the pump is turned on by a red lamp on the switch.