Trouble Priming Fuel Pump After Tank Out

[purplewac]

Getting close to getting my 76 260z 2+2 on the road, but just having a problem priming the fuel.

When I got the car it had been sitting for a few years, so I drained the tank and filled with fresh. I got the pump primed and all was good, but it was a pain and took a good 20 minutes.

The fuel was quite dirty so I drained again and primed with fresh again, and it was still painful.

The engine ran fine etc.

After a bit more investigation I found that the tank was quite rusty inside, so I removed the tank and fixed using the KBS tank sealer.

Now I have filled it with 40L of fuel and can't get it primed.

This car only has what appears to be the original type electric fuel pump and no mechanical pump. The electric pump has been wired to run whenever the ignition is on.

I have tried the following:

 

Both fuel lines disconnected from the carbs and placed into a container so I can see the fuel flow.

 

Fitted new fuel filter just before the pump and confimed that fuel is flowing out of the filter when the line is disconnected, so no blockage from the tank or filter.

 

Sucked fuel from both fuel lines that connect to the carbs.

 

Jacked up the rear of the car.

 

Still not getting any fuel flow from the pump when switched on. I understand that it could be the pump, but it sounds fine and would be unlikely seeing as the car has not been used since it was tested recently.

 

The thing that concerns me is how can the pump not be primed if I have sucked fuel at the carb ends, or can it be sucked from the return without realizing?

 

Any ideas would be great.

[Linton]

you have checked the filter, take the hose off the pump outlet and check flow,

[HKSZ]

remove inlet hose off pump, fit a long length off hose to it with a small funnel and fill it, turn on pump and try get it to move fuel

[purplewac]

Thanks, I was trying to get away with not disconnecting the pump as it looks a pain, but I suppose I will have to remove it anyway if the pump ends up being broken so worth a try.

[purplewac]

Just to update this issue for others.

I was able to get the pump primed after a lot of effort, but was not happy with what would happen if I ever ran out of fuel.

I ended up replacing the fuel pump with a Pierburg, and it primes instantly, works well and is not too noisy.

[LLN260Z]

I ended up replacing the fuel pump with a Pierburg, and it primes instantly, works well and is not too noisy.

Which Pierburg pump did you get? What model and how much if you don't mind. My Holley red pump is really noisy

[purplewac]

I got this one.

Not running with a fuel regulator at the moment and it seems fine.

 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/E85-compatible-Pierburg-Fuel-pump-low-pressure-external-3-5-PSi-100LPH/151312762664?epid=1642452807&hash=item233af18728:g:EtwAAOSwLhBauSeV

[LLN260Z]

Thank you

Yea for a 3-5psi I wouldn't think a FPR is required. My holley pumps out 7-9psi so fpr to keep it below 4psi.

If possible can you PM me a video of the noise and perhaps some photos of the install?

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

Any more details of this set up? Where did you mount the pump? 

[LLN260Z]

Any more details of this set up? Where did you mount the pump? 

Hi Jeff,

With the 260z it came with an electric fuel pump and mech fuel pump. Next to the tank, of the fuel filler side is where the pump is mounted.

I don't know if your 240z has an electric pump, but you could get the brackets of a 260z and work your magic as you always do.

I can send you pics if you want.

Thanks Lahiru