How do I figure out where my fuel problem is?
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
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How do I figure out where my fuel problem is?
About the truck: 1974 F-250, 390, 2bbl.
The truck has been sitting for 5 years. It ran well prior to that. I did some basic stuff to it and was able to get it to run for about 10 seconds at a time by pouring gas into the carb, so I know my problem is fuel rather than spark. I checked the fuel line and filter and they both were bone dry. How can I tell if the problem is the fuel pump or something with the gas tank? Getting to the fuel pump will be hard because of the factory air compressor. I am a complete novice with cars so I'm not sure whet my next move is. I'm rebuilding the carb, but don't know what to do when I put it back on. Any advice is appreciated. BTW, here's some pictures of Flo.
The truck has been sitting for 5 years. It ran well prior to that. I did some basic stuff to it and was able to get it to run for about 10 seconds at a time by pouring gas into the carb, so I know my problem is fuel rather than spark. I checked the fuel line and filter and they both were bone dry. How can I tell if the problem is the fuel pump or something with the gas tank? Getting to the fuel pump will be hard because of the factory air compressor. I am a complete novice with cars so I'm not sure whet my next move is. I'm rebuilding the carb, but don't know what to do when I put it back on. Any advice is appreciated. BTW, here's some pictures of Flo.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
The fuel pump is easy to get to; it's pretty far away from the AC compressor. Get to it from underneath. If it has been sitting, most likely there's a breach in one of the rubber fuel hoses along the fuel line. There's a metal line from the tank to the pump; a rubber hose connects one end to the pump, another one connects the other end to the tank, and sometimes there is a short length of hose in the middle. The last two are often overlooked, and often cracked. If air gets in your fuel line, the pump can't siphon. The problem could also be the fuel pump itself. Check the oil to see if it smells like gasoline. That truck should clean up nice. Welcome to FTE!
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
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The fuel pump is easy to get to; it's pretty far away from the AC compressor. Get to it from underneath. If it has been sitting, most likely there's a breach in one of the rubber fuel hoses along the fuel line. There's a metal line from the tank to the pump; a rubber hose connects one end to the pump, another one connects the other end to the tank, and sometimes there is a short length of hose in the middle. The last two are often overlooked, and often cracked. If air gets in your fuel line, the pump can't siphon. The problem could also be the fuel pump itself. Check the oil to see if it smells like gasoline. That truck should clean up nice. Welcome to FTE!
I know I can reach the fuel pump from underneath. The problem is I underestimated the size of the truck and only bought a 2 ton jack. I don't know if I can get it high enough to get to the fuel pump. I think I'm going to end up getting a 6 ton jack. I didn't realize how high the truck is.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
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From: Louisville,Ky.
It sits high enough that you shouldn't need a jack, just crawl up under it.
Make sure the oil doesn't smell like gas. Often the pump diaphragm busts and pumps fuel into the engine as well. Another thing to check is the tank to frame rubber hose. they can dry rot and allow air to be sucked into the line. I would definitely start with the pump after sitting 5 yrs.
Make sure the oil doesn't smell like gas. Often the pump diaphragm busts and pumps fuel into the engine as well. Another thing to check is the tank to frame rubber hose. they can dry rot and allow air to be sucked into the line. I would definitely start with the pump after sitting 5 yrs.
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