I purchased a project boat and while reworking and learning the ins and outs of it, I noticed there were no primer bulbs for the twin outboards. Instead, there are two electric 12v inline fuel pumps between the tank and water separators. There are two toggle switches at the console (one for each of these electric fuel pumps). Instead of squeezing a primer bulb, you turn on these toggle switches for about 5-10 seconds and then turn them off and crank the engines. They work great, but I was thinking what if one of these pumps dies, how would I get fuel up to the engine. Here’s my questions: 1) Have you ever seen this before 2) Would you take them out and put a traditional primer bulb in-line? 3)Could I leave them in and put a primer bulb between them and the motor as a backup?
Thanks
Rick
I have seen that on numerous boats including larger grady-whites
it wouldnt hurt anything to install a primer bulb.
these pumps usually only have about3-5psi.
I’m now at www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
Thanks Chris, but help clarify for me. I leave the electric ones as they are and just add the primer bulbs between the electric ones and the motor or were you implying to remove the electric and install bulbs? Then if one of the electric ones failed, do you think the primer bulb would pull fuel up to the motor right through the failed electric pump?
As always, thanks for your help!
Rick
not sure what kind of pumps you have, but even if they fail, fuel should go through them.
I’m now at www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
I don’t know if this helps, but my old 235 hp V-6 used an electric primer and it never failed in 16 years of use. I also had a manual close to the engine as a back-up and never had to use it. Marine primer pumps are built tough and are free-flow. I would think that if one failed, you could probably pull fuel by using the choke to get started.
My experience only.
Thanks, very helpful
Rick
23 Center Console
Twin 135s
“Dirty Money”