How to prime the fuel system on a 49 P-18?

[perrymedik]

So I now have the fuel tank drained and will be reinstalling the Exhaust manifold and carb in a few days.  What is the best way to prime the fuel system?

Also, what grade fuel is recommended these days?  It is still the stock motor – no modifications.

Thanks!

Cory

[TodFitch]

When I was getting things back together, I had the spark plugs out to reduce the load on the starter and then I cranked the starter in about 10 or 15 second bursts to get the gas pump bowl full and to get some oil pressure showing on the gauge. Short bursts on the starter with fairly long rest pauses between to avoid over heating the motor as it is not designed for continuous operation. Once the oil pressure gauge showed something other than zero when the starter was cranking and there was gas in the fuel sediment bowl I put the plugs back in and set the ignition switch to on (my foot starter pedal is independent of the ignition switch) and fired it up.

[perrymedik]

Excellent idea!  I'll give it a shot!  Thanks!

[Dave72dt]

I've filled carbs through the vent tube using a squeeze bottle. Works better than pouring gas down the throat and safer plus usually enough in the carb for it to run long enough for the fuel pump to start filling it

[_shel_ny]

Vent tube filling if carb has it.

 

My photo, not my idea. (Tip posted by Dale Jr a while back.)

 

 

[perrymedik]

cool!!  I do have a vent tube in mine.  I will definitely use that idea!  How much do you use to fill?  Until it overflows?

[_shel_ny]

I used the ink cartridge refill syringe which was 10ML.  Gave it a couple of shots. Probably did not fill the float. I would not fill it until it overflows, but that is an option if you would like to.