Gas Tank to Carb - fuel not coming through

[smorrismi]

Here's the history: I had to restore the gas tank because it was filled with rust. Got the gas tank in (it leaked the first time so I'm an "expert" at installing now LOL), hooked everything up, new sending unit, blew lines out both ways (gas tank "in" to fuel filter "out") to be sure it was indeed open and not corroded anywhere throughout the line. Came out gummy but ok. Plus I didn't want anything debris going into my carb...even with the filter on. Here's where the trouble starts. I took off the distributor, no need for spark and gas, removed the line from carb and put a plastic bottle over the fuel line and tried turning over the engine until I got gas in the bottle. I've gotten nothing. I've been turning the engine over until I have to recharge the battery... had to do this about 3 times now. Then I took off the line to the filter and rigged another line into the bottle from there. Still nothing.

My real question is, do I need to prime the pump or something? Pour gas down the opposite way to create some vacuum? Any suggestions would help. :confused

 

[bmotojoe]

If you remove the fuel line hose at the pump are you getting suction at the pump when cranking motor?
Brian

 

[minifridge1138]

Yeah, check for suction at the fuel pump.
If you have suction at the pump, check for a clogged fuel line (can you blow air through with an air compressor?).
If the pump has suction, and the lines are not clogged, then check the sending unit.

 

[Artsvette73]

You said you had fuel coming out the line "gummy" well am guessing the fuel has loosened it up and created a blockage. If you disconnect the line for the tank to pump fuel should be comming out. It will take awhile for this gummed up fuel line to clear up.That fue that turned is nasty. So stock up on fuel filters.

 

[JohnZ]

Here's the history: I had to restore the gas tank because it was filled with rust.

What did you do to "restore" the rusty fuel tank?

 

[smorrismi]

What did you do to "restore" the rusty fuel tank?

I had a place do it for me with POR products. Cost $125 but worked great.

 

[72VETTE454]

A quick and dirty way to eliminate the plugged fuel line possibility is to buy a section of rubber 3/8 fuel hose and temporarily connect the sending unit to the pump. See what happens.

 

[smorrismi]

Yeah, check for suction at the fuel pump.
If you have suction at the pump, check for a clogged fuel line (can you blow air through with an air compressor?).
If the pump has suction, and the lines are not clogged, then check the sending unit.

Crazy question, but how can I check the pump for suction?

 

[JohnZ]

I suspect that whatever they used to "restore" the inside of the tank has clogged the "sock" filter on the inlet of the sending unit. Replacing the tank would be a better plan - if it's rusted once, it'll rust again; no point in taking chances with a 40-year-old fuel tank.

 

[72VETTE454]

One way to check for suction would be to fill a small container with gas, maybe a glass jar. Then run a hose from the inlet of the pump into the container. Just set the container on the ground directly below the pump. Crank the engine, it should run.

 

[jims427400]

Just replace the tank. But I did save the original.. My .02 cents.. Good luck
BTW.. I save everything that comes off my cars..

 

[smorrismi]

Just replace the tank. But I did save the original.. My .02 cents.. Good luck
BTW.. I save everything that comes off my cars..

Thanks, tanks actually in good working order now. The place I had it done does it and guarantees the work. The gas is still very clean and the sock is brand new without any debris on it still. I'll give the "jar test" a shot and go from there. Anybody in the detroit area can call a place called four seasons radiator on 14 mile road. Good people for gas tank fixing.

 

[smorrismi]

Ok... I put a jar of gas with a hose from the fuel pump (in) into the jar of gas. Turned the engine over and no gas is being pulled out of the jar at all. Had another plastic bottle on the other end of the fuel pump just so gas wouldn't go all over if it did work.

New fuel pump I take it???

 

[minifridge1138]

My Opinion: New Fuel Pump.
I would also replace any old fuel hoses as well. No sense running clean gas through a dirty hose into a new pump.

I would also use an air compressor to clean out the metal fuel lines.

If you're going to use a mechanical pump you may want to search the forum for tips, they can be tricky to install.

Good Luck!

 

[vette427]

Sorry for the delayed reply, BUT: If you've had the fuel pump off, be SURE the pump arm is below the push rod. It will go in incorrectly and if you miss the rod with the pump arm, there is no action and no fuel. You can imagine how I know this...

Good Luck...joe