1973 fuel pump

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Mar 25, 2008 | 12:40 PM

FLA73 Vette

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6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2008

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1973 fuel pump

Hello. I'm a new 1973 shark owner and have a question concerning a recent problem I had this weekend. I was driving the car when all of a sudden it just died. The engine would turn over (350 SB), but acted like it ran out of gas (yes, I checked the tank). I pulled the air cleaner and noticed that no fuel was "spurting" in the Holley when my wife was cranking the ignition. I recently upgraded the distributor with the Pertronix kit, added a new coil and battery. My question is, did the fuel pump fail? I have had a strong gas odor when it was in the garage, however, I thought it might be the carb.

Any suggestions to check 1st before replacing the fuel pump? I checked the fuel filter and very little fuel was present in the filter. All suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Mar 25, 2008 | 01:29 PM

Melwill68

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 135

Likes: 5

From: New Braunfels TX

The simple test would be to disconnect the fuel line fitting at the carb. Crank the engine and see if anything comes out of the line. Be carefull of the fuel spilling out.

Mar 25, 2008 | 02:43 PM

FLA73 Vette

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6th Gear

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Thanks! I really appreciate it. I'll do it this evening.

Mar 25, 2008 | 02:49 PM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 37,637

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From: Crossville TN

Could be a stuck float or needle valve in the carb (closing off the fuel supply).

Mar 25, 2008 | 03:01 PM

pbcanney

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 1,924

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if the fuel filter was near dry it's not the carb.

sounds more like tired pump (my wag)

or, maybe the previous owner added a filter between the pump and the tank

Mar 25, 2008 | 03:14 PM

FLA73 Vette

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6th Gear

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I'll pull the line going in the carb 1st and check for fuel. I've been looking everywhere for any additional filters, line-leaks from the tank, etc. I didn't see a thing.

You gotta love the classics!

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