Truck no start

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Jan 21, 2026 | 01:57 PM

Judemcgough

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1st Gear

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Truck no start

I just recently did a head gasket for my 81 F250 with the 300 inline six and now it won't start. it docent seem to be getting fuel, any ideas on how to fix it?

Jan 21, 2026 | 02:28 PM

Olds64

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Joined: Jun 2017

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From: Edmond, OK

Is it a mechanical fuel pump? If so, you can remove the fuel OUT from the fuel pump and put it in an empty coffee can or bottle. Cranking the engine should shoot a stream of fuel into the coffee can or bottle.

Jan 21, 2026 | 04:59 PM

Denzil B

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Joined: Dec 2024

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From: Texas, near Houston

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judemcgough

I just recently did a head gasket for my 81 F250 with the 300 inline six and now it won't start. it docent seem to be getting fuel, any ideas on how to fix it?

well we really kinda need more info than that to help. No start? Does it crank and not start? Or not crank? does it have fuel? and spark? Is your timing right? What more can you tell us?

Jan 21, 2026 | 07:48 PM

FuzzFace2

FTE Legend

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 30,917

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From: Angier, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denzil B

well we really kinda need more info than that to help. No start? Does it crank and not start? Or not crank? does it have fuel? and spark? Is your timing right? What more can you tell us?

I would also go with this and "kind of be no fuel" is it or not?
If oyu put a little fuel done the carb and try and start it will it run off that fuel or even try to run off it?
If it does try and run off that little bit of fuel down the carb we can check a few more things.

When was the last time truck ran?
How much fuel is in the tank and can you trust the gauge?
If you are sure the tank has fuel in it I would start at replacing all rubber fuel line. You truck should have 5/16". 3/8" did not let fuel be pulled from the tank even with 2 clamps on hoses.
If still no fuel being pulled remove the hose going into the fuel pump, add a long hose that will reach a small gas can and see if it will pull fuel from it.
If it can pull fuel from a gas can you have a bad pump but make sure you use 5/16" hose as I could not get fuel from a can using 3/8" hose with 2 clamps.
Dave ----