priming carb

[William F.]

What kind of "squirt bottle", etc., can I use to put fuel in Holley carb through bowl vents before starting after short period of storage(talking about short period-few weeks, not long term)? Also is it best to do this so engine will start at first touch of key or is it best to let starter have to turn engine over for several seconds before it fires in regard to best engine oiling and least engine wear on starting?
Thanks

[Gene M.]

Re: priming carb

You can just give the carb a small splash of gas right down the primaries. This will give the engine enough as it starts to have the fuel pump put fuel in the bowls and keep it running.

[Stephen L.]

Re: priming carb

Agree with Gene. Just DON'T do it while trying to start car. Pour a little fuel in the carb, THEn get in the car to start. NEVER pour fuel in while simultaneously attempting to start, because a backfire thru the carb will probably start a fire on the container in your hand.....not good!!!!

[John G.]

Re: priming carb

Depending on how long it's been stored, but I'd turn it over enough to get some oil pressure before firing.
John G

[Joel F.]

Re: priming carb

I use an ear cleaning syringe bulb to fill the bowls. Agree though that if it has been sitting for a while, it might be worth pulling the distributor and using a priming tool to get up to pressure and keep it there for a minute or two and then going at it.

[Terry M.]

Re: priming carb

What kind of "squirt bottle", etc., can I use to put fuel in Holley carb through bowl vents before starting after short period of storage(talking about short period-few weeks, not long term)? Also is it best to do this so engine will start at first touch of key or is it best to let starter have to turn engine over for several seconds before it fires in regard to best engine oiling and least engine wear on starting?
Thanks

Bill,

I got some plastic bottles from a lab worker friend. I thought they were called reagent bottles, but when I Google that term I get something different. My plastic bottles have a spout that draws fluid from the bottom of the bottle and it exits from a spout near the top. Squeeze the bottle and a stream of fluid comes out. I tried to find an on-line photo without success.

I found it. Wash bottles:

http://www.google.com/products?q=laboratory+squeeze+bottles&hl=en

[Stuart F.]

Re: priming carb

I used to use a plastic type bottle with a brass squirt tip years ago, but it was too much trouble as the fuel in the bottle would go bad before I got to use it. My car may sit for up to 3 or 4 weeks sometimes and I just get in and crank it till it starts - usually no more than 20 seconds. Been doing that for many years and it still runs fine. Back up north I would take more precautions when it sat over winter, but not here in Florida. Mine has the Carter AFB.

[Brian M.]

Re: priming carb

I stab the pedal once to set the choke crank for 5 sec. stab the pedal 2 more times and it fires and fast idles as designed.

[John H.]

Re: priming carb

I use a plastic bottle like you find ketchup in at some diners (K-Mart has them, photo below); my toys sleep for six months through the winter, and I fill the float bowl through the bowl vent tube in the spring (takes about 1/3 of a bottle), hit the pedal a couple of times, and they fire instantly.

[Stuart F.]

Re: priming carb

John;

Can you address the concern that some have for oil pressure (pre-lube)?

Stu Fox

[Clem Z.]

Re: priming carb

a lot of race car engine are spun over without the ignition on till the oil pressure come up. sprint car engine are started like this all the time with no problems.

[Christopher R.]

Re: priming carb

I use a big syringe that was designed to inject meat with marinade. Bought it in a store that sold kitchen and cooking gadgets. Looks like a big hypodermic needle.

[John H.]

Re: priming carb

John;

Can you address the concern that some have for oil pressure (pre-lube)?

Stu Fox

Stu -

Unless an engine has been sitting undisturbed for a couple of years, I wouldn't worry about it.

[Ron S.]

Re: priming carb

I use a turkey baster, works great!

[Thomas H.]

Re: priming carb

a lot of race car engine are spun over without the ignition on till the oil pressure come up. sprint car engine are started like this all the time with no problems.

I used to do this when we raced our big block Camaro. Turn the fuel pump on, crank for a few seconds to get the OP up, pump the gas, then hit the ignition switch. Worked like a charm, but the car needs to be wired to allow this type of starting.

Tom