Will a 7psi electric fuel pump pull gas out of a gas can?

blykins · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 04:19 PM

I was given an estimate that I will be receiving my basic kit from Shell Valley on the 4th of July weekend. I plan to go ahead and install my engine, radiator, ignition box, fuel pump, etc. so that I can start/run my engine. The only thing I'm questionable about is that I didn't order a fuel tank or pickup with the car. I guess my question is can I suck gas out of a regular plastic race jug with a 7psi Holley electric fuel pump...or do you think that the little pump can't make enough head pressure?

Tongue Pirate · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 04:28 PM

I'm not a mathmentician but I do know that 7psi at the pump outlet will not be 7psi at the Carburetor. Longer the run, larger the line are decreasing factors. good to go with a 14psi pump & a regulator with a guage!

BB427 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 04:29 PM

It will work, however use a long hose and keep the jug outside and away from the car. Some horror stories start out just this way.

blykins · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 04:35 PM

I planned on mounting the pump on the frame rail where I would mount it permanently, and just let it suck out of a jug. So in that position, it should be far from any hazards...but I'll keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

RallySnake · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 04:52 PM

Blykins,

I have done exactly that. However, I did position the plastic gas jug above the pump so that the siphon action would help the pump. After the cam was broken in, I actually strapped the tank on and did my go-cart drive that way. Put a rag in the opening so fuel will not slosh out. Wear flame retardent clothing!

Paul

blykins · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 04:57 PM

Great...I'm glad to know that it will work. I had the engine tuned and dyno'd after I built it....but that's been about 2 months ago...and I'm dying to hear the thing run again. I can't wait!

750hp · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 06:49 PM

"Do not try this at home"..... BUT, we started my motor in the go-kart stage by simply tying a 1 gallon tin to the roof and gravity feeding the carb. No fuel pump at all. The feed line was braided hose, and it was offset from the chassis by about 6 feet, so no chance of a backfire setting the place alight. We had no plans on driving it like that, or even giving it a big rev. We simply wanted to ensure that there was fire in the holes. Worked perfectly, and took all of 5 minutes to rig up.