So this truck was running. Was driving it around no problems. 20 feet from my drive it cuts and dies. I figured I ran the gas tank dry. My gauge wasn't working and I knew I was close. No prob I keep an 5 gallon in the bed just in case. Dump it in. Nothing. Truck wont start.

Well today I pulled all line. Blew them out. Filter is fine. Everything is clear. I disconnect the rubber line to the stainless line and attach a gallon of gas right next to the pump. Next I undo the screw and nut just about the float bowl as my brain thinks this is a Air release valve so I can get a prime back in the fuel line and get the filter clear of air. Filter fills pump is pumping and OH NO

Gas is shooting straight up out the secondary? What Do I do. I had turned what I thought was the air release all the way back in. Next I pulled the carb off and opened the bowl as I was thinking the float got jammed.Nope moving freely.

Where do I start.. I need to get this truck running soon. I am down a vehicle as is.

This is the Holley Carb. Its a 2 Barrel.

https://imgur.com/a/a2d3c


What would cause this. the truck was running great. I didnt even notice the engine stopped til I pulled in the drive.

 

Hi Scott,The deal you were turning is the adjustment for the float level. Rather then try to explain how to do the adjustment, I'm horrible at typing, I would suggest going to Holley's web page where you can watch a video on the adjustment. They have a great "how to" section on the site. Good luck and keep at it... you'll get it.

 

It's always kind of a hair shirt deal, watchin' gas spray all over the engine ain't it?

I agree on downloading the manuals and maybe watching a few vids online. They'll have you up to speed in no time. It probably could use a rebuild. Look at it this way, it got you home to your driveway (or prevented you from leaving..) and then failed. Pretty considerate ifn ya ask me, which you didn't.

 

Well she ain't spewing gas. But still wont start. back to teh drawing board

 

Yep, in situations like that lacking any outside direction I always backed up way farther than necessary so to speak, and tried to cover all the bases. Pull the carb and clean it up, inspect, adjust, float adjust, reassemble, re-install etc. Speak nice words to it if necessary. Maybe think about a new fuel pump if it's more than 10 or 15 years old? Use shop air and blow out the lines again. Make sure no old rubber fuel hose is lurking anywhere, use new clamps. Set float height at idle. It'll all be good after that.

 

Seems to me like you have only focused on fuel, but you need more than fuel to run. Are you getting spark?

 

Yeah, you say it just cut out...was it real sudden? Most fuel related engine kills will be a drawn-out, sputtering ordeal- not a sudden death.

 

It was so sudden I didnt even notice it cut off.

So I was trying to start it. I put new plugs in. Cap, Distro, and WIres are fairly new.

this is my starter Solenoid. What the hell butchered all the wiring. This blue wire Is turning black....
https://imgur.com/f6d7LOU

 

Just letting you know I am praying I found my culprit...

Distro Drive Gear is missing 1/3 of its teeth.

 

Yikes. Crane cam? Bronze gear??

 

English? what am i looking for in the engine?
.

 

Distributor drive gears can be made of different materials, but the idea is that they are a little softer than the camshaft material. Also consider whether high output oil pump installed.

 

Far as I know this engine is bone stock at 75k. The carb and intake and headers are aftermarket but the rest is stock.

For now I bought the Dorman Replacement from Autozone. Ill get a better one later.

I need this truck running asap so the 13 dollar fee is worth it. Should I upgrade the oil pump?

 

Well no, just trying to figure why the distributor gear is lunched. Maybe check with a drill to see if it turns free and pumps? Usually the roll pin breaks afaik. Whatever happened ain't necessarily good.

 

My '77 has a Crane cam with probably 60,xxx miles plus on it on oem distributor gear.