Fuel Problem

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   I have a 1977 Ranchero with 351 W, was my dad's.  It has been sitting a while.  Was running great when I parked it.  I am trying to get it ready to give to my Nephew---I don't need another project and want to get it running for him.  I could keep it running by adding gas to the carburetor when priming it the other day.  I just never could get it to run by itself...I don't know if fuel pump is operational or not or if I have some other issue I am not thinking about.  I pulled the fuel filter (the one located on the carb) and it was dry as a bone.  This tells me that the fuel was not making it from the tank to the carb.  Should I start with fuel line or fuel pump.  Any ideas would be appreciated.

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
dannys73 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 16-October-2008 Location: Arkansas Status: Offline Points: 37	Post Options Post Reply Quote dannys73 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Fuel Problem Posted: 01-February-2009 at 9:20AM
	I have a 1977 Ranchero with 351 W, was my dad's. It has been sitting a while. Was running great when I parked it. I am trying to get it ready to give to my Nephew---I don't need another project and want to get it running for him. I could keep it running by adding gas to the carburetor when priming it the other day. I just never could get it to run by itself...I don't know if fuel pump is operational or not or if I have some other issue I am not thinking about. I pulled the fuel filter (the one located on the carb) and it was dry as a bone. This tells me that the fuel was not making it from the tank to the carb. Should I start with fuel line or fuel pump. Any ideas would be appreciated.
	1973 GTS Q Code Cobrajet w/ 4 Speed

haw_y_n_merc Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 17-April-2007 Location: Hawaii Status: Offline Points: 186	Post Options Post Reply Quote haw_y_n_merc Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01-February-2009 at 1:50PM
	Sounds like fuel pump, but here is what I would do. Make sure there is gas in the tank, add 5 gallons of fresh gas to dilute old gas. Disconnect fuel line at the pump, the line from the frame to pump, using a hand vacuum pump, hook it to the fuel line and get fuel to come from the tank to the vacuum pump. Once you know gas is coming up to the pump, re install the line to the pump. Disconnect the line from the inlet of carb filter, crank the engine, and after a few revolutions of the motor, you should see gas coming through. Crank the engine 6-8 times with no gas, and it probably is the pump. Before starting all this, make sure the line from the frame to the pump is not cracked, broken or kinked. A cracked line here and the pump will only suck air, no gas. Hope this helps. Andy

dannys73 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 16-October-2008 Location: Arkansas Status: Offline Points: 37	Post Options Post Reply Quote dannys73 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01-February-2009 at 2:17PM
	Thanks Andy. I will be working on it again on 2/14 so I will definitely try that. I have been out of the "mechanic saddle" for a while and needed a refresher. If it turns out that fuel line is blocked would it be best to replace or clean out? Danny
	1973 GTS Q Code Cobrajet w/ 4 Speed

haw_y_n_merc Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 17-April-2007 Location: Hawaii Status: Offline Points: 186	Post Options Post Reply Quote haw_y_n_merc Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02-February-2009 at 3:54PM
	I would definitely try cleaning a clogged line, disconnect both ends, send some cleaning fluids in and use compressed air to blow it clean....hope everything works out. Andy Love them ranchero's!

dannys73 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Member Joined: 16-October-2008 Location: Arkansas Status: Offline Points: 37	Post Options Post Reply Quote dannys73 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14-February-2009 at 12:43PM
	Thanks Andy. It took exactly 15 minutes to get her cranked and running. Starts at the bump of the switch now like it use to. Guess I didn't have enough gas for the fuel pump to pull. Had a little trash in fuel lines too. Used a cheap suction device from O'reillys to pull gas at carburetor fuel line from tank as well as addition of 5 gallons of gas. Helped out the fuel pump. Have a good one.
	1973 GTS Q Code Cobrajet w/ 4 Speed