Got everything set one my 383. Went to finally hear her today and she would start then die. More gas in the carb, start and die. Repeat ad nauseum. So I check the tank, got gas. Check the line to the pump, got gas. Try to start it with the fuel line off the carb, no gas. Thought it might have been a bad pump so I got another and same result. I'm going to install an electric one on Tuesday and that should fix things. Someone told me that the cam might not have the right lobe for a mechanical pump? Can someone explain this to me? For you guys with T&L motors, what kind of pumps are you running? I would think that they would specifically tell me that I need an electric one. I'll have to call on MOnday and see what they say. Any experts have any ideas?
-CR

 

Take the mech pump off.
Hold the bottom of the pump pushrod up with a small scredriver while you turn the motor over.
That should tell you if the cam has the pump lobe.

 

What cam do you have?

 

Good idea noonie. I'll have to try that on Tuesday. The cars locked up in the shop on base until then. Here's the cam sheet. All I know is it's a comp cams hyd. roller cam.
-CR

 

The lack-of-lobe on the cam is the first thing to confirm, but here's some other things to check:
1. I went thru 2 "new" aftermarket fuel pumps, but only after carefully inspecting the old pump did I realize the arm was not quite the same, even though the catalog at the parts store said it was the correct pump. I bought an actual AC Delco and the engine fired right up.
2. Old rubber hoses can carry fuel, but still have cracks to the point that they will not allow suction to develop in the fuel system.
3. Old fuel tanks have an unbelievable amount of crap in them. Make sure your tank is o.k. I've had good luck with the multi-step tank sealers, or just replace.
4. Once the lobe is confirmed to be there for the fuel pump be sure that the fuel pump push rod is oriented correctly. I'm guessing you already know about how there is an open bolt hole in the front of the engine that you temporarily install a longer bolt that will hold the rod in the correct position until the fuesl pump is installed.
5. Probably get flack for this position, but even though you are going to install an electric pump, get the mechanical working and leave it installed. I agree at higher RPM's the mechanical will be an "open gate" and will not contribute much to fuel flow. However, it will act as a regulator at lower rpm's and on the street, will keep excessive fuel pressure from building...don't want to wash out the new rings on that new 383. Granted, you are probably going to install a regulator when you install the electric, but these have been known to fail, or not be set correctly on inital start-up.

 

Comp Cam site says thats a marine cam, Hmmm. But the pic has a fuel pump lobe on it, but it might be a generic pic
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Category_Code=

 

That cam is for a 87-98 motor according to my catalog. These were fuel injected motors and may not have a lobe for the mech pump. I'm not sure but this is a possiblity.

 

Well I took the fuel pump(Holley 110GPM mechanical) back to the speed shop I got it from today. They pointed something out that might have gotten me in trouble.

When I installed the pump I took the pump apart and rotated the bottom piece so that I could get the nozzles in a good position for the hoses. When I did that I unscrewed the center section and then undid the two allen bolts on the inside. I then turned that bottom most piece 180 degrees. In the process I also inadverently rotated a gasket 180 degrees that then covered up some valves. So we put things back to the was it was when I bought it. I'll try that pump again tomorrow. Hopefully I can find a better route for the fuel line to it doesn't bind on me like it was before. I'll also be sure to check for the lobe.

Comp cams was closed by the time I got home so I'll have to call tomorrow and ask about the lobe. I'll also have to call T&L seeing as they should be back from vacation tomorrow. Thanks for the help guys!
-CR

 

 

Did the exact thing when I rotated my pump. Push plunger on pump before installing to be sure it pumping.