[mike76]

Hi! Can I run my engine w/ my carter mechanical pump installed for a given period of time while having the fuel lines disconnected ? I want to try an electric job for a while but may return to the mechanical. Wondering if running it w/o fuel will damage anything( like the diaphragm, etc). Thanks ,Mike

[lust4speed]

I don't think it would be a good idea. Normally the fuel pump arm doesn't travel its full range of motion. As long as the carb is full and the needle valve is closed, the diaphragm stays at the end of its travel and hardly moves. Running dry, the diaphragm would have to travel the full cycle every push. I would also suspect that the gasoline both cools and lubricates the diaphragm, and it could dry out and rupture prematurely.

[rick840]

Why not run through the carter. I've been doing it for years with no bad side effects. You only have to turn the electric on when you need it that way.

Rick

[mechanickeith]

Yes you can. Put a piece of fuel line on the pump inlet & spray a bunch of wd40 into the line, then put the other end of the line on the outlet of the pump. This keeps out dirt & the wd40 prevents the seals & bellows from drying out.