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Dec 12, 2008 | 06:58 PM

BlueOval390

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Starting Issues

Ok I've got a '73 Ford F-100 with 390 and a Holley 4bbl and I had the carb rebuilt a few months back. Got the carb back and put it back on and turned the key and it fired right up. Idled high becuase it hadn't been tuned yet. Turned it off and came back to it a month later and nothing. It would not start. Is it possible that the fuel pump went out or bad fuel. I replaced both fuel filters a few days ago.

Dec 12, 2008 | 08:33 PM

Redmanbob

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From: Mddl A MexCans

Prime it and try it. May just need a kick start.

Dec 12, 2008 | 11:43 PM

BlueOval390

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Starting problems

Prime it? If you are referring to pouring gas down the carb before starting, did that it runs for a few seconds then shuts off again.

Dec 13, 2008 | 12:45 AM

Bear 45/70

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From: Union, Washington

Try tapping the needles on the carb float bowls with a plastic screw driver handle. You may have stuck floats.

Dec 13, 2008 | 10:25 PM

BlueOval390

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Starting issues

Good call Ill check it out tmmrw

Dec 15, 2008 | 09:24 PM

BlueOval390

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Starting Issues

Would having a stuck needle/floats keep my carb from getting fuel?

Dec 15, 2008 | 10:02 PM

Redmanbob

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From: Mddl A MexCans

If it runs when primed but wont stay running. Bears advice on the floats is good quick check. Might try confirming the pump is pumping, remove the line from the carb and put it in a bottle and crank the engine over. If none or a very little fuel makes it through, the pump may be bad or air getting into he line, or maybe it's drawing a vacuum pull the fuel cap and listen for pressure release.