Setting up an electric fuel transfer pump

Do you have a new electric fuel transfer pump? It’s important to set it up correctly for it to perform at its best. Setting up a new pump is part of the process of setting up a new Western Global fuel storage tank. It’s usually straightforward, but there are a few things you need to be aware of before starting. Read on to find out more. 

Using an electric fuel transfer pump for the first time

Every electric pump works in the same way. So, if you have a 12-volt, 110-volt or 240-volt pump, you can follow our instructions to get it up and running. All Western Global’s electric pumps are self-priming, so getting it started should be straightforward (if your pump isn’t self-primed, see our ‘How to prime a pump’ article). Here are some tips to make things as easy as possible. 

1. Ensure the tank is full

Before getting started, make sure the tank is at least 80% full, although we’d recommend you fill it to 95%. This means the fuel level sits just above the pump which helps the pump prime itself much more efficiently. 

2. Turn the fuel on

Move the ball valve to the forward position to ensure the fuel is turned on. For 240-volt and 110-volt pumps, plug it into a main power source. For 12-volt and 24-volt pumps, connect the crocodile clips to the battery. 

It’s important to get the polarity right, so make sure to match the colours on the clips with the colours on the battery. Connect the negative first, which is always black, and then the second clip, which is usually red.

3. Avoid spills as fuel starts to move

Open the 2″ Fill Point on the tank and put the fuel nozzle straight into the tank into the open position. This means any air in the pump can go through the nozzle as soon as fuel starts going through, and fuel is captured in the tank to avoid making a mess.

4. Turn on the pump

Every pump will have a button, but be aware that sometimes it can be hidden at the bottom. Press this to turn on the pump and keep it running for 30 seconds. If the pump hasn’t primed, turn off the pump, let it cool for 2 minutes and try again. 

The process sometimes takes some time for the air to go through the non-return valve. When this happens you’ll hear the nozzle splutter – let it go until it runs smoothly and then you can turn off the pump and switch off the nozzle.

If it’s still difficult to get it primed, you may have an airlock inside the nozzle. Disconnect the nozzle and put the hose straight into the tank. Once the fuel goes through, reconnect the hose and everything should work as planned.

Let’s go to work

Our fuel transfer pumps are designed to work at a moment’s notice – part of the rugged go-anywhere ethos behind our fuel tanks. Browse our range of fuel storage tanks and our Pump Service Pack, which contains all the accessories needed to ensure your pump performs at its peak.