Electric fuel primer

[witeagle]

Has anyone figured out a good method to install a fuel primer system? On the test run, the dealer didn't put enough fuel in the boat and we basically ran out of fuel as we were tying up the boat in the slip. Once this occured, even after putting 40 gallons of fuel on the boat, the engines had to be reprimed by opening both primary and secondary fuel filters (Cat 3116 engines) and refilling with diesel fuel.

This would not be a safe situation if out on the water and the fuel system gets air locked.

The survey I had done recommends electric fuel primers be installed. Any ideas?

Thanks

Justin

[kcummin]

Justin,

Here is a couple of pictures of a simple solution that is recommended by Tony Athens on Boatdiesel.com. By using an outboard bulb, and a few shutoff valves , this allows you to push fuel thru the filter system and remove any air in your system after you have changed filters, and before starting again.

He uses Fleetguard filters in his setup but this can apply to any filter setup. Take a look on his site for more details and discussion.

Hope this helps
Kevin

[witeagle]

This is a great idea. I am gong to see if there is a way to install this. I also found Racor has an electric primer for about 350 bux (per engine)

Thanks for the idea

[irishrogue]

nice set up. do you need to bleed the air as you pump?

[kcummin]

No need to bleed as you pump. The hand pumping action forces the fuel and residual air thru your filters and thru your lift pump, injection pump, and then back thru return line to your tank. The use of the clear hose allows you to see the fuel as you are pumping it to ensure that there is no air bubbles coming in from the intake line. So the beauty is no need to open up any bleed ports..cheap...quick...simple..works!
Lot's of discussuion on this topic at Boatdiesel.com

[irishrogue]

nice! will add it this winter next to the racor 900s.