Fuel System: How to fill up the float bowls in carter 4 barrel

[BassMan]

Hello All---Hope you are well. I will be starting my rebuilt 289 engine in the near future (engine has never been started) I've been told I should add some gasoline to the carb float bowls to get the engine to start as fast as possible. What's the best way to do this? I have the original mechanical fuel pump installed. The engine is on a test stand and I will be pumping fuel out of a gas can. The car is a 1957 Hawk 289 engine with a Carter 4 barrel carburetor. As always , thanks. Best Regards-----BassMan

[christophe]

Hello Mike. I see nothing wrong with your setup as I like to get some oil pressure before actually starting the engine. If you really want to have the fuel bowls filled, just feed them by gravity via the carb inlet port, then reconnect the fuel line.

[jg61hawk]

I'm no expert on anything but here's some ideas: To simply prime the carb put a LITTLE gas...like half a shot glass right down the choke openings or if you want to be real careful just loosen the wing nut on the air cleaner housing and let it run down the threaded rod. This method leaves the top on the air cleaner in case of a backfire...no flames and no dirt getting sucked in.
On another note or two...if it's the first time starting I assume you have everything inside oiled up... if not I would recommend turning the oil pump with a drill attachment to build oil pressure...OK assuming it's oiled up...use a good oil with zinc already in it...most like Valvoline VR1 20-50 Racing Oil. My last comment is on new engines you don't want them just sitting at idle while you are amazed it's finally running. A fast idle and vary the speeds is important...others will chime in...if Jack Vines doesn't respond reach out to him or some other real experts that build engines...I just break them.

[bezhawk]

A turkey baster with a small tip is good to have, and I fill the float bowls through the brass vents just above the venturis.

[Warren Webb]

I use plastic bottles from when my wife dyes her hair. Wash them out real good & then prime carbs by way of the brass tube in the air horn. No mess.

[StudeRich]

Be careful there Warren, Joy may be reading this !

[Silver Hawk 59]

Yeah, rinse 'em out real good B/4 using 'em to fill the carb with fuel... don't worry about after... she'll never know...

[BassMan]

Thanks to all !---BassMan

[gordr]

Put the gas can on a stool or tall table so that it is above the carburetor, get a good siphon hose, and start a siphon going to the fuel pump. If you use transparent hose, you can suck on it by mouth and stop when the slug of fuel gets near the end. Pinch the hose off, and transfer (while pinched) to the fuel pump inlet. You should now have gravity feed to the fuel pump, and won't have to crank and crank to get the pump starting to draw fuel. A few seconds cranking should allow the pump to move enough fuel to the carb for the engine to run.

[Hugh]

Once you get the engine running, the Stude guidance is run at approx 2000 rpm for 20 minutes. NO up and down, NO load, just free running, THEN shut down and check over for any small things, such as some fluid leaks or what have you. Setting ign timing SHOULD be set close enough at start to do this. Second run, THEN adjust anything your heart desires.
The important thing is running at the constant rpm first.