Fuel pump problem?

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Apr 4, 2008 | 02:54 PM

johnwhoss

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From: Orlando FL

Fuel pump problem?

My '77 started cutting out and stalling and now it won't start. I checked the fuel filter first and it's wet and clean. I suspected the fuel system and sent an email to Lars discribing the symptoms. He said it sounded like a fuel delivery problem and not necessarily a carb problem. So I pulled the fuel line at the carb inlet and diverted it into a glass container. I had my wife turn the key for 30 seconds while I collected the fuel in the container. The Chilton guide says I should have gotten a pint of fuel in the container after 30 seconds but I only got a half a pint. Does this sound like a good test of fuel delivery? Like I said the fuel filter was clean and the gas in the container that I collected was clear with no particles. Would this point to the fuel pump? Is there some other easy test that I can do to further isolate the problem?

Apr 4, 2008 | 03:04 PM

marshrat99

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From: Dayton Oh

I'd have to do some research to know if 1 pt vs 1/2 pt is acceptable. If it is not then it has to be either the pump or fuel sock in the tank. If it were me and don't have other info to go on, I'd replace the pump as a 1st step since it is a relatively simple job. Next would be the sock.

Maybe you will get more info on the correct flow rate for your existing pump. Anyways, here's a bump

Apr 4, 2008 | 03:41 PM

Jud Chapin

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From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

Why don't you pick up a fuel pressure rester. There cheap and can also be used as a vacuum tester.

Apr 4, 2008 | 05:55 PM

wildchris

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From: New Bedford MA

My 78 L82

I just had a similar problem mine would idle for a while then just stall. Then after a while it would not start at all. I am no expert so I went with the chilton manuel troubleshooting and figured it was either the fuel pump or the HEI ignition coil. I went to Auto Zone and replaced the coil, cap, rotor, module, and capacitor for 60 bucks. I don't know which solved the problem but it worked. The cap didn't look to healthy. Hope I helped, again I am no expert just a do it yourselfer.

Good Luck

Apr 4, 2008 | 07:55 PM

Binnie77

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From: Halifax, NS, Canada

I would pour a bit of gas down the carb to see if the engine will start. If not then I would say you have an ignition problem.

Apr 7, 2008 | 04:14 PM

johnwhoss

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From: Orlando FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binnie77

I would pour a bit of gas down the carb to see if the engine will start. If not then I would say you have an ignition problem.

Thanks for the suggestion. When I pour a little gas into the carb it starts up immediately and idles just fine. Then if I put it in gear and touch the throttle the car will stall.

Both the Chevrolet Service Manual for '77 and the Chilton guide both say that 1 pint of fuel should be delivered in 30 seconds when turning the engine while diverting the fuel line into a container. I'm hoping it's the fuel pump, I'd hate it if the problem was in the fuel tank.

Apr 7, 2008 | 04:24 PM

USALT1

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From: FREDERICKSBURG VA

I had a problem similar to this on my '66 GTO, the problem was rubber hose from the fuel pickup had a crack in it, & it was sucking air, because it was above the tank it didn't leak.