Thanks everyone! I like the idea of running both pumps in line as stated.

Basically, I'm tired of having to pump the hell out of the throttle everytime we go out. Figure by putting an electric pump in line, will get fuel to the motor quicker for ease of starting.

I keep hearing that the electric pumps aren't reliable, yet all the newer motors are factory with electric fuel pumps... is it just the after market pumps that don't hold up???

Thanks again!!!!

Why would you have to pump the throttle, carb leaking down?

I have to pump the throttle on each motor about 10+ times to get them to fire over. I don't know squat about carbs and if they are leaking down or not. What causes them to leak down? If they are, is there a fix I can perform?

What kind of carb. I had the same problem with Edelbrock carb. Switched to a Barry Grant SEA DEMON and love it. No choke and it starts at the click of the key

Not sure of the carb, they are 1994 454 mags if that helps.

possibly not the carb, for stock applications there is an anti-siphon valve in the pick-up tube in the tank. it causes alot of issues like the one your having you may want to check it. it will allow the fuel to drain back to the tank if is not working. as far as electric, as stated, they are in fact reliable , thus mercury uses them on all their stuff. it is just to find the right one and not cheap either. additionally the install with propper ground's and excite triggered relays are just as important.

How do you get into the fuel tank to check an anti siphon valve? I have a cover in the floor over the fuel senders, other than that, I can't see any part of the fuel tanks. I have two tanks. Any way to test to see if it's working? Put another one in line between the tank and the fuel filter/separator? The problem is with both engines, neither is easy to start. Once started, they start without any issue the rest of the day.

You most likely have a Carter (Mfg. by Webber) carb. They are notorious for this problem. I tried everything and ended up with a Holley similar to the one they put on the 500hp's. I had 502 mags that did the very same thing and that cured it. Those are 800cfm so, that might be a little big for your 454.

Bob

Either the fuel pump or the carb has a internal leak. If you fix the leak, you'll fix the starting problem. Adding the electric pump will only crutch the problem.

Actually adding an electric pump most likely won't help your problem at all since the electric pump will need to be hooked up to an oil pressure switch it won't put out any pressure until you've got oil pressure. You most likely have a bad diaphragm in the fuel pump, or your carburetors are leaking down and need to be rebuilt. You may want to take the carbs off, have them cleaned install a kit in them and try it again.

Another thought would be cranking the engine over for a 20 seconds or so before pumping the throttle this will get fuel into the engine, and make sure you have oil everywhere. Now pump the throttle 2 or 3 times, and try her.