I posted this on the truck site also - Thanks
OK, I just put in a new tank, line, filter, and Dennis Carpenter fuel pump. But it won't pump. Truck runs fine when I fill up the float bowl, then dies off due to lack of gas. I tried the pump on the bench and it seemed OK. When I pulled the pump housing there was no gasket, so I made one. By adding the gasket, did I possibly decrease the range of the rod movement? My dad said that back in the day, they used to add a piece of leather to the cup on the pump that holds the rod to increase the action.

Yup - filled the bowl
Yup - gasket seems to be sealing
Yup - valve at tank was replaced (actualy no valve now)
Yup - it did pump OK before so I don't think the cam is worn
Thanks

 

Take the pump apart and check the two valves inside. The inlet opens and the discharge closes as the gas is sucked in. Over the past couple years I have had a couple people who have found them to have been installed wrong. You can do a bench test by actuating the lever by hand to make the pump operate. I found a pump at our local auto parts for $18.00 but it was for a 52 223 overhead and wouldn't fit my 226 Flathead 6. I pulled it apart and used the guts to repair my pump and in the process put the valves in wrong. I had to tear it down again to figure out what was wrong. I had reinstalled the valves wrong myself, I put them in the same direction. That was 3 years ago and it's run without anymore problems. If you need a breakdown drawing let me know I have it on my home computer and can send it to you tonight just send me a PM

Hope this helps
Rod 51F1

 

The pushrod could be worn down enough to cause you some problems.(assuming your motor has one)