Could be a plugged fuel line. I would take the fuel line off at the carb and stick it in a can, crank the engine and see if gas is getting up to the carb. If not you probably either have a plugged fuel filter or a bad pump.

 

Filter

Could I have stuck the filter in backwards?

Jim

 

No gas

The wife and I tested and nothing- no fuel at the carb when turning over...what is the best test for pump and line? This is a new problem for me...

Thanks,
Jim from Oswego

 

What kind of fuel filter are you using?

 

colapsed fuel line

Check the fule line. Is it an original line with the wire mesh around it? Years ago I had a simeler problem that about drove me crazy. When the engine would heat up it would heat the rubber fuel line and after driving a while the cold gas would cause rubber to colapess and shut off the gas from going into the fule pump. It took me a while and some sleepless nights to figure that one out.

Good Luck

Mike

 

Disconnect the fuel line at the carb, maybe put a hose extension on it and see if you can shoot some into a cup when cranking the motor. Might tell you if fuel is getting blocked inside the carb at least, and prove there is no blockage after the pump and the pump is working.

 

:tu

 

jchochole, If you are sure that the fuel pump is working properly, you need to systematically eliminate the issue, the fuel line could be plugged somewhere, you could flush it out with denatured alcohol. then I would check the fuel filter. If new make sure it is on right, then check the carburetor. make sure that the fuel line is not plugged, then check the jets to see if any obstruction exists, and also the floats could need replacing. These are just some easy trouble shooting steps. Also make sure there are no air leaks between the carburetor and the manifold. Just a few thoughts. Some one else might chime in here. Best of luck with your fuel aspiration issues. MERRY CHRISTMAS.:anim_25: :blowtiedb: :flag4:

 

jchochole,
Could the car be out of gas?

Billy

 

Billy has a great point, one of the most overlooked issues in classic cars. fuel level in tank and gas gauge accuracy. Start there.:blowtiedb::tu

 

Another tip to troubleshoot the fuel pump is to disconnect both lines from the pump.Hold a finger over the input fitting and crank the eng. and feel for suction.If no suction is evident,replace the fuel pump.If there is suction blow out the fuel line to the tank with low press.compressed air until bubbling is heard from the fuel filler neck.Also blow out the carb fuel line,both ends disconnected.Hope this helps.Good luck. Big Bob U.S.A.F.66'-70'

 

Fuel Issues

Thanks for all the tips. Yes, I have about 5 gallons in the car and I did turn the motor over but didn't get any fuel in a jar from the pump/line.

Next steps:
I'll disconnect the lines from and before pump and turn car over- I suspect this may be either the original or very old pump- fuel lines are original and this car hasn't been restored. The gas tank is original, although I drained it and the fuel was fairly clean. I am gonna add another filter to the line once I get her started- the only existing filter is that goofy copper porous block that is generic for 70's cars.

Thanks for the next steps- it may sound simple and routine to most of you guys but for a newbie like me- this is golden advice.

Thanks for all the support and help- I couldn't enjoy my car without you guys!

Jim from Oswego

 

Update

Alright- spent all day isolating issues. Car still won't stay running.

1. added new fuel pump
2. fuel line is clear and blows gas up to pump- with compressed air.
3. car runs if I dump gas into the carb manually- but only runs about 10-15 seconds- then dies.


I suspect my old 1-barrel carb needs professional help! I tried to rebuild it but I am unskilled in carburetion. Does anyone do simple rebuilds?

Thanks,
Jim

 

Alright- spent all day isolating issues. Car still won't stay running.

1. added new fuel pump
2. fuel line is clear and blows gas up to pump- with compressed air.
3. car runs if I dump gas into the carb manually- but only runs about 10-15 seconds- then dies.


I suspect my old 1-barrel carb needs professional help! I tried to rebuild it but I am unskilled in carburetion. Does anyone do simple rebuilds?

Thanks,
Jim

If you are getting gas through the line now , I would suspect a stuck float valve. Remove the carburetor, drain any gas out of it, and blow into the gas inlet. If you can't blow into it the float valve it needs to be freed up. (carb rebuild) A new carb pump wouldn't hurt.

 

Carb Issues

I bought a new carb rebuild kit and added a new accelerator pump, seat and needle valve. I pulled the carb apart today and got the needle valve working well...stuck it back onto the engine and no start???

Frustratedly- this little 1bbl is so basic yet it stumps me!

I can still pour gas into the carb and she runs- otherwise it never pops! Maybe I ought to admire failure and buy a rebuild carb and turn this in as a core? Does have some leakage at the base.

Any ideas?
Jim

 

I am sure you checked this but are you actually getting fuel to the carb? If you are, save yourself a little aggravation and get another carb from a good rebuilder. There are a couple in Hemmings that I have used over the years. I used to do my own rebuilds until I got one from a real pro. Never gave me a moments problem. My own rebuilds always did. There are things to save money on and things not to. I think this might be time to treat yourself!

 

Rebuild

I saw one on ebay and maybe this is my present to myself... thanks for the advice.

Jim

 

I think you should, you deserve it lol! I might give the eBay carb a second thought though. The Hemmings guys have been at it a good while and you are more apt to get better service from them if there are any unforeseen issues, and Hemmings knows exactly who their advertisers are. eBay, not so much. Just a thought.

 

Another thought, make sure you are getting the right carb, the 57 1bbl rochester is different than the 55-56

 

Why would you get a new carb if you haven't verified that you're getting fuel to it? As suggested, I would disconnect the line at the carb and see if you're getting fuel when you crank it. If you are, then there is something wrong with the carb. Did you check the float height? Is the needle and seat stuck? This isn't all that hard to fix...surely don't need a new carb, imo.

 

Carb

I was able to get fuel to the carb- in my earlier post I wrote that I can fill a bottle while cranking over the engine.

Thanks,
Jim

 

I was able to get fuel to the carb- in my earlier post I wrote that I can fill a bottle while cranking over the engine.

Thanks,
Jim

Sorry, I don't see where you said that. You said:

"Thanks for all the tips. Yes, I have about 5 gallons in the car and I did turn the motor over but didn't get any fuel in a jar from the pump/line.

I don't see where you said the pump was pumping gas after that. But if it is, at least you know where the problem is now. Good luck!

 

Update

No biggie- I was able to get the pump to spit gas into a jar, and also located a new hole in the gas-line under the passenger door so apparently when I slightly pressurized the gas tank it must have opened a rust hole, it was at a clip location, so better now than when driving.

While doing that I had to drain the gas tank and the fuel was clean and clear as well- so that's good. Now,once all of that was done I treaked the carb to be sure the needle valve wasn't sticking and the floats worked and after all of that and still cannot get any response to start the car.

So, I ended up buying a refurbed 1bbl Rochester carb and while I have that- I'll rip this one apart with my father-in-law (retired auto-shop teacher) and see what the deal is!

Thanks,
Jim from Oswego

 

I think that was the right move. With us 6 cyl guys the carb issue is a little differeint than the V8 folks. When our carbs leak gas, or overflow with a stuck needle, or some other fuel drippage problem, they do it right on top of the exhaust manifold. Not so much fun. Good luck in getting her running. Keep us posted.

 

Carb

Man I tell 'ya - what a frustrating issue! I have taken it apart and put back together about 10 times looking for every little passage way blockage, gasket blockage, ball settings, and every moveable part to check proper function- and everthing looks okay to my untrained eye. That's the issue...my untrained eye!

I have a fully restored one coming to sit on my exhaust manifold and no longer soak my gaskets and drip out of worn shaft holes...I guess I have a nice polished and pretty 1bbl to stick on a shelf until needed someday.

Ugh- my back is sore from leaning over the fender...beer time.

Happy Holidays!
Jim from Oswego

 

It will all work out. Hey, any chance you have a original dipstick in your car. Another member is having dip stick problems. My motor is out of the car and in the back of the garage. I will go dig it out if I need to but I was wondering if you might measure yours from the stop on the dipstick to the tip.