Pull through priming electric fuel pump for old cars: Help while cranking Airtex E8251 Carter P74021

This outlines the process of adding an electric fuel pump inline to aid in cranking. This is using an electric fuel pump on carbureted engine. While not in use, the mechanic fuel pump pulls fuel through it. This was completed on my 1964 Buick Wildcat with AC. Fuel pumps requires a fuel filter inline to retain the warranty, so I initially went with a Wix 33063, but after finding it was a 12 micron filter, not good for pulling applications, I changed to a 74 micron K&N 81-0303, shown in the affiliate links below. The K&N filter is a rebranded Facet 479735.

In 2019, Trico brands, already the owner of the Carter fuel management trademarks, acquired the Airtex brand. Multiple websites report the Carter inline electric fuel pump P74021 as a direct replacement for the Airtex E8251. I have listed it for convenience but have not tested it. Combing over all the specifications, they look identical, except the Airtex was rated 2.5-4.5 PSI, whereas the Carter is 3.5 to 5.5 PSI. A Summit article shows that this pressure will still fall within the maximum prescribed by many carburetor manufacturers. 

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Music: Seasons by roljui

[loathecliff]

Much appreciated. Straight to the point, unlike so many others. (PS wish you didn't add Muzak)

[awdjon]

Very good video. Thank you! This is my next mini project on my 70 Eldo

[BB-giuv]

If the stock fuel pump is working properly then the amount you cranked the engine would more than fill the carb. The problem in most cases is the automatic choke isn’t working properly. I have seen where people crank and crank forever but if the fuel going to the engine isn’t rich enough (choke on) you can be there cranking until the battery goes dead.

[garymccord]

This seems to work very well. I going to do to my 1957 belair 4 door sedan always have to prime the carburator before starting . This fix looks like it will work great .Thanks and I give you an

[Santosty]

Great video! I was looking for a video just like this. Doing this exact set up on my Riviera.

[stuckinmygarage]

Nice presentation and thank you. Don't forget the safety pressure switch off the oil circuit. Standard equipment on later cars. SMP PS-64 is a good example. Best regards!

[Ryz]

Curious why you need the steel fuel line quick disconnect? Wouldn't the fuel pump still allow fuel to travel through when it's turned off and or broken? Deciding if I want to put in a Y line next to the fuel pump with a check valve.

[coachgeo]

why could I not find this video months was going NUTS trying to find pull thru pumps for this reason. Did discover Faucet Purlator has a whole line of them too. Not sure how competitive priced they are. Added complication though is I needed diesel compatibility.

[AneesaCotwal]

Hi is that engine closes to a Opel Rekord Car Engine

[DATZ]

Just install a one way valve? Keeps the fuel from draining back. Provides just enough fuel to turn the engine over.

[KonnAlex]

So, with this Airtex you just make fuel reach the mechanical fuel pump that the car already has, right?? I have the same problem with my '77 Autobianchi. You crank too much and drain the already small capacity battery.

[honda]

Nice Job. This is exactly what I need. But I'm going to find one with enough psi that it will run down the hay on just incase the mechical pump goes out I can use it as a back up to get home if needed. Main reason is for priming the fuel system an then shut off tho. Do you know if all inline electric pumps pull through if shut off?

[TheBack-Yardian]

Does the power to the pump need to be left on or is it just for priming

[davidreali]

Where the the switch on amzon u used noticed wasnt linked

[tepp]

could i run the electric pump, inline with my mechanical pump, at all times? not just for priming. and if so, would I get my power from the sending unit wire? i have a 1962 Impala

[termonostruman]

well explained, but if you rn your car everyweeks you dont need that

[hugegizmo]

Do these style of pumps run constantly

[jimgee]

do ya have any vapor lock issues on a hot day, if yes what ya do to fix it

[InternetDude]

This would have been better without the music but good video otherwise.

[spymaine]

WAY TOO COMPLICATED . PUT IN AN INLINE CHECK FUEL CHECK VALVE