Fuel for first start?

[MaxVmo]

How much fuel should be in the tank for a first start? I have two gallons in there but maybe it's not enough? Pump runs, Sniper is operating and initial setup done. Everything has been set up for first start according to Blueprint and the Sniper manual. Today, we decided to try it and I noticed the fuel pump sounded like it kind of bogged down before it cut off, and no pressure at the regulator gauge after several tries. Motor turns over, good voltage, oil pressure. I thought I'd start with simple first. Thank you all!

[cv2065]

I'd say that's enough for a first start unless you plan on rolling it around the block a few times.

[rich grsc]

You will need 5 gal. it'll take almost a gallon to fill the lines. You do not want to run it out of fuel, or run it lean

[BUDFIVE]

Another consideration-it’s a good idea to use ethanol-free for first start and go-carting since it may sit in the tank and lines for a while after.

[MB750]

All good points up there. Most good jerry cans are 5 gal anyway.

Also, premium, until you get things tuned.

[bartock]

I did 3 but was barely enough so 5 for sure. Also with my coyote I had to purge the air from the main fuel line to the rail. I let the pump run and turned it off. the line still felt soft, so I put on safety goggles and pulled the line off a little. Air hissed out alot then fuel came out. ran the pump again and the line got rock hard.

[ProfessorB]

Ethanol free gas is a great suggestion for gas that will sit there for a while. In addition, you might want to add some Sta-Bil... for the same reason.

[AC Bill]

Check to make sure your fuel lines are not crossed. IE; feed and return line reversed somewhere along their route.

[MaxVmo]

Ok—so getting pressure to the Sniper because I loosened the line and got spray. The line coming out has zero. Thoughts?

[MaxVmo]

I’m actually thinking I have the inlet line on the wrong side (passenger side). Looking at page 12 of the sniper suggests I need to go in the driver side, return out passenger…

[MaxVmo]

Aaaand that was it. Fuel pressure great now.

[rich grsc]

I have never had an issue with ethanol fuel setting for 6 months

[Avalanche325]

I have never had an issue with ethanol fuel setting for 6 months

Same here. Never an issue. Gasoline is fine for 6 months.

[Nickjj]

MaxVmo curious as to your comment about the fuel lines from the regulator that you changed. Is it a Sniper 2 that you have because on page 5 the diagram for the fuel setup is shown below with the return going to the bottom of the regulator? Either side of the Holley fuel regulator can be used for a return from the Sniper. I have a very similar setup as you with a 347 SBF with the complete Holley Sniper2 fuel delivery.
Screenshot 2025-01-26 122028.png

[MaxVmo]

My issue wasn’t the regulator but the line going into the carb. I referenced the manual with that same illustration and swapped the line into the carb, got immediate results (and also felt pretty dumb LOL). So I have line in to the driver side, return to the regulator from the pax side, return to the tank from the bottom of the regulator. Fired right up on the first start.

[Nickjj]

I understand now as in my case the Sniper 2 only has two fuel inlets/outlets on one side (pas side) of the carburetor shown in the diagram I attached above. I believe the original sniper has three fuel inlet options (2 on front side and one on rear driver side) and one return outlet on the pas side since it has a pressure regulator built into the carb itself. This was one of the big changes with the Sniper 2 by requiring an external fuel regulator and a cast fuel crossover for the front and rear bowls.