Both my 'fun' cars suffer from fuel drain down/carbs drying out unless they're run frequently. They both have engine driven mechanical pumps and will start eventually after much cranking, but all too often I run out of battery before they start. The obvious thing to do would be to convert to electric pumps, but what's the opinion on using one of those bulb primers as fitted to outboard motor tanks?
I guess it would need to be fitted between the pump and the carb so it could pull fuel through the pump.
Would it work?
Is it safe to have one 'under the bonnet'?

Some diesels have them under the bonnet, so as long as they are petrol-safe, those are suitable for the temperatures, etc. I don't know where you'd find whether they were petrol safe or not.

You could fit a solenoid valve in the line. They are used in LPG conversions Lotus used one on the 1970s Elite.

Alternative fit a manual shut off cock.

Older small displacement aircraft and snowmobiles used them, metal housing with pull push pump, much better construction and can be dashboard mounted.

Works like old mechanical Lucas windshield washer pump.

Look for a vent hole on the carb. I had a similar problem with Stromberg carbs and mechanical fuel pump on a Vauxhall 2.3 engine. I was able to refill the carb's reservoir through a vent hole on the side of the carb using the small WD40 pipe on a plastic bottle. Although a electric pump may be the way forward.

many cars with mechanical pumps had a hand priming leaver on them
else a squirt of eazystart ;-)

long-term though, electric pump is probably the way to go.

how about a non-return valve?

Thanks for replies. I've already fitted a NRV to the Locost but it made no difference, so I'm going to fit one of these and see how it goes

Fuel Pump Line Hand Primer Bulb All Fuels 8mm for Car Boat Marine Outboard 152mm

Use quick start spray. [Ether]
I just started my engine after setting 3 months. Took about 10 to 15 sec. running on starter fluid before the system had enough fuel to keep the motor running. Dave W

Even cheaper and more useful use a squirt of brake cleaner , just half a second is enough to get an engine to fire, works on petrol or Diesel engines and isn't as harsh as Easistart.

Well it's fitted. Took 10 pumps to fill the carbs and it started straight away. Just need it to stop raining so I can get it good and hot and see how it fares.