C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

73 fuel issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 17, 2016 | 09:24 PM
  #1  
target30's Avatar
target30
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Nashua NH
Default 73 fuel issues

Ok, you guys help me find out why my poor car bled oil on my foot, now moving on!
How can I test the fuel pump?
Car ran fine before parked for winter. Spring, nothing. Replaced coil, got spark, put fuel in carb, started and ran for 5 seconds. Then died. She dumped oil on my foot....you guys helped with bad oil pressure gauge tube. Clamped it for time being (I know, dangerous, but just testing ) . Now when it fires up, air sucking sound under dash that fluctuates with gas pedal pressing. Not getting fuel to carb. Fuel line dripped in front of rear wheel well before parked for winter. All I can really say at this point. Frustrated with all the problems now, after it sat undriven for 7 years. Damn thing fired right up and drove. Now one winter and she hates me!
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2016 | 03:03 AM
  #2  
RJ1AZ's Avatar
RJ1AZ
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 136
From: PHOENIX, AZ Yes, it's true. You are a good woman. Then again, you may be the Antichrist.
Default

Originally Posted by target30
Ok, you guys help me find out why my poor car bled oil on my foot, now moving on!
How can I test the fuel pump?
Car ran fine before parked for winter. Spring, nothing. Replaced coil, got spark, put fuel in carb, started and ran for 5 seconds. Then died. She dumped oil on my foot....you guys helped with bad oil pressure gauge tube. Clamped it for time being (I know, dangerous, but just testing ) . Now when it fires up, air sucking sound under dash that fluctuates with gas pedal pressing. Not getting fuel to carb. Fuel line dripped in front of rear wheel well before parked for winter. All I can really say at this point. Frustrated with all the problems now, after it sat undriven for 7 years. Damn thing fired right up and drove. Now one winter and she hates me!
"Air sucking sound under dash" sounds like a broken vacuum line. I haven't gotten around to working on anything in the dash yet on my 75, but the headlight system has a vacuum line that goes to the headlight switch. I would find the vacuum line that comes off the carburetor and trace where it goes into the firewall. Block that one off and see if your sound disappears.

If your fuel line dripped back near your rear wheel well, you have a fuel leak (aka fire hazard) and that needs fixed before anything else. There will be rubber lines connecting the fuel tank to the metal fuel lines that run along the frame. They probably need to be replaced. The ones on my 75 were leaking slightly, but they still managed to flow enough fuel to let the car run. The fuel system was the first thing I went through on my car.

A 43 year old car needs LOTS of love and attention. Good luck.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2016 | 07:07 AM
  #3  
midigike's Avatar
midigike
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 174
From: Deerfield Illinois
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Default

Rj1az

Target is correct about a vacuum hose most likely leaking behind dash. It is a real pain to work behind there. Be patient, walk away if you get frustrated and take lots of pictures.
To test the fuel pump you can remove the fuel hose that feeds the carb and place it in a bottle and see how much gas it pumps into while cranking over the engine. Most likely after sitting for 7 years and used last year the diaphram in the pump is probably shot. Summit has a nice pump made by carter for 25 bucks, plus an hour of your time and it's done. Check all the fuel filters and the fuel pick up in the tank. Also if your fuel line is leaking it is shot all the way. Crap is definitely restricting fuel flow. The steel line is on top of the frame. The only way now without removing the whole body would be to run a quality rubber fuel line from tank to fuel pump.
Just stay with it you will get it!

Last edited by midigike; Aug 21, 2016 at 09:41 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2016 | 07:14 AM
  #4  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Is there gas in the tank?
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2016 | 07:32 AM
  #5  
Alan 71's Avatar
Alan 71
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 120 Days
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Default

Hi T,
There is a fuel supply line and return line both at the connection of the steel lines running along the frame rail at the tank and at the fuel pump.
You should check these for leaks.
Regards,
Alan

Lower line (larger) is the supply to the tank; upper line (smaller) is the return line.


Connection of fuel supply line at sending unit in tank.


Connections from steel lines to fuel pump; one large supply hose and one small return hose.


Bottom of fuel pump.


Fuel pump connections.
Supply from tank, return to tank, steel supply line to carburetor.

Last edited by Alan 71; Aug 18, 2016 at 07:43 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 03:32 PM
  #6  
target30's Avatar
target30
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Nashua NH
Default

Ok, did a little fiddling. First off, alan, my god that car is beautiful! And this pics help alot. Rj1az, if the vac line coming off the carb is bad, would that hamper fuel from coming in, or does the fuel pump do all the work? Midigike, I did pull the main line off the fuel pump, before it enters, and managed to suck fuel through, so it gets there, but nothing on the other side of fuel pump. Where it enters carb. Guessing pump died, but an hour to change it? I can barely get to it! I pulled the ac pump off, and manged to get my hands down in, but couldn't seem to get to it from under, unless I'm missing something. I'll read up on changing it, must be missing something.
I will be changing the fuel lines regardless, just want to be able to move it around in the driveway at this point. I had my wide help me push it out of the garage because there isn't much room in there to work on it, but it is slightly uphill back in! Haha! Not sure my 4 wheeler can push her back inside. 4 months left until winter! Start the countdown!
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2016 | 07:39 PM
  #7  
midigike's Avatar
midigike
Drifting
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 174
From: Deerfield Illinois
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Default

Originally Posted by target30
Ok, did a little fiddling. First off, alan, my god that car is beautiful! And this pics help alot. Rj1az, if the vac line coming off the carb is bad, would that hamper fuel from coming in, or does the fuel pump do all the work? Midigike, I did pull the main line off the fuel pump, before it enters, and managed to suck fuel through, so it gets there, but nothing on the other side of fuel pump. Where it enters carb. Guessing pump died, but an hour to change it? I can barely get to it! I pulled the ac pump off, and manged to get my hands down in, but couldn't seem to get to it from under, unless I'm missing something. I'll read up on changing it, must be missing something.
I will be changing the fuel lines regardless, just want to be able to move it around in the driveway at this point. I had my wide help me push it out of the garage because there isn't much room in there to work on it, but it is slightly uphill back in! Haha! Not sure my 4 wheeler can push her back inside. 4 months left until winter! Start the countdown!
Really an hour, no really

Aquire said new pump. Inspect to make sure right pump. Clean pump mount side with brake cleaner or acetone to remove oil. Glue gasket to pump with a thin coat of RTV.

Clamp fuel send line with Vise Grips. Remove fuel lines. Gas will come rushing out. Keep fuel line up high as possible to prevent fuel from draining out. Remove two bolts holding on pump. You do not have to remove pump plate on block- lower bolts- unless leaking oil and want to reseal.

Now clean pump mount area on block. Let dry. Aquire used up hacksaw blade. Bend blade at one end at 45 degrees about 5 inches up. This will help you push the pump pushrod against the cam while you set the tongue of the pump in the hole so to speak

Now take some RTV and place some on the other side of the pump gasket and some grease on pump lever. Use hacksaw blade to push up rod and then slide pump in making sure it is seated. Install bolts and tighten.

Reattach fuel lines, check for leaks and go for a test ride. Hour and a beer
I believe Chevy book time is 3/4 hour

Yes it is tight. And YES you can do it!

Last edited by midigike; Aug 21, 2016 at 09:45 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2017 | 08:54 PM
  #8  
target30's Avatar
target30
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Nashua NH
Default

Ok, long time since posting, life got in the way. Midigike, I did It! In just over 3 hours...i had to move the a.c. compressor, use a flexy bit, but I got the mess off, then new one back on.
so here's where I'm at. I spliced a rubber fuel line into t hge back where it was rotted. I know it's not right, and it is temporary for mkoving it around the driveway. The old fuel pump had a right angle adapter on it and a home bent line up to the carb. I got a new line, bent it up pretty good, got it in, no right angle because it was fused to the old pump, and screwed it in. It wouldn't seat all the way, the nut(screw?) Part of the line fits and goes all t h e way in, but the pipe itself is a bit loose. I put some gas in thed carb, cranked it, it ran for a second then stopped. I looked at the new pump, and it is leaking(I pretty much figured it would) at the line I bent(from pump to carb). So I'm getting gas there, but not up. Aside from just buying the prebent new part, why woulfntvthe old one seat in? The bolt screw is all the way in.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 22, 2017 | 03:56 PM
  #9  
target30's Avatar
target30
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Nashua NH
Default

ok, so, after some searching, i need the 90degree bend. i thought it wasnt oem and the PO did something weird. i ordered the right pump to carb line and will have it after vacation. hopefully that solves it. now to finish up the other little stuff and get her on the road! paint will wait for another day, just want to be on the road again!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 73 fuel issues





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:35 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-1
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE