Fuel Problem

[Ron R.]

Just recently, it appears my carb is not getting any gas.
I removed the fuel line from the carb and turned over the engine a few times to see if any gas would flow out of the fuel line, but without any luck, I next checked the fuel line filter which was ok, then removed the gas line from the gas tank to see if gas was flowing, which it was. Now I'm in the process of replacing the fuel pump. Upon inspecting the old pump, the lever did have some resistance, which tells me the pump may have been ok, which discounted what I thought believing the diaphragm was ruptured. So what else can I check next? Also, is their an easy way to move the push rod in place to install the new pump, I can push it up about 1 inch.

Thanks,

[Bill I.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Ron, there a dozen way with the rod, from packing the cavity with grease, a used hack saw blade holding it up, string, etc.
The best way is to remove the bolt in the front of the engine, its the one even with the pump. Replace that bolt with a longer one screwed in just to contact the rod, don't overtightened.
Remove and replace pump, Remove bolt and reinstall old one with sealant on it. Done. Bill.

[Ron R.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Excellent tip Bill, I just need to find the right size bolt, I tried 5/16 by 18 with no luck. I'll buy different sizes and take back the ones I don't need.

Thanks again!

[Bill I.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Ron, take the one in the front with you, no harm if engine is not running. Save a return trip. Bill

[John H.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Excellent tip Bill, I just need to find the right size bolt, I tried 5/16 by 18 with no luck. I'll buy different sizes and take back the ones I don't need.

Thanks again!

Ron -

The short bolt you remove will be a 3/8"-16 x 1/2"; a 3/8"-16 x 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" will work fine for you. Be sure to remove the temporary bolt and replace it with the original short bolt before you start the engine.

[Ron R.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Bill the original bolt was missing, but I'll use John's bolt sizes he mentioned to use.

[Bill I.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Ron, now the mystery deepens, no bolt, no oil coming out? If so, sounds like bolt may be sheared off in hole.
If so, see my original post, I prefer the string method. You can secure both ends on the engine with the rod in its highest point after you remove the pump. Then install new one almost tight at block, remove string and tighten pump.
This method eliminates another pair of hands to hold hacksaw blade. Bill

[Ron R.]

Re: Fuel Problem

No oil coming out from bolt hole, I can insert a small screwdriver thru hole and move the push rod, could it be that since my engine is a 283(nom)
that it's designed slightly different than the 327 engines in this area?
Just a thought.

Thanks,

[William C.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Nope, the use of the threaded hole is in every Flint block I've seen, not positive about the tonawanda/buffalo engines

[Stuart F.]

Re: Fuel Problem

That bolt hole was originally for the passenger V8 applications 55 - 57 when they had 4 point engine mounting (before side mounts and tranny tail shaft mount - 3 point). Many later V8 engine applications with the 3 point mount and no power or smog equipment bolted there had NO bolt in the hole - just open. The amount of oil seeping down the push rod is just enough to oil it and the pump arm it contacts, but apparently not enough to do more than a slight weep out the hole. My 87 Caprice had it open and I used it a lot with the special bolt w/spring in end that I have for that purpose. My Caprice 305 continued to break fuel pump springs due to a porosity crack in the valley which allowed coolant to mix with the oil. That made a greasey sludge in the pump cavity and under the oil cap only, and the coolant attacked the springs and broke them. Took a while to figure out the problem as I was using Mobil 1 oil and the engine otherwise ran fine until it turned a cam bearing starving the rockers. GM gave me a new 350 replacement short block - fair trade.

Stu Fox

[Ron R.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Mystery solved, the block I have is an early 283......
Any suggestions regarding fuel to the carb, checked filter, flow of gas from tank, now changing fuel pump, which may be the culprit, or maybe not. So whats left to check?

Ideas appreciated.

[Ron R.]

Re: Fuel Problem

Ron, there a dozen way with the rod, from packing the cavity with grease, a used hack saw blade holding it up, string, etc.
The best way is to remove the bolt in the front of the engine, its the one even with the pump. Replace that bolt with a longer one screwed in just to contact the rod, don't overtightened.
Remove and replace pump, Remove bolt and reinstall old one with sealant on it. Done. Bill.

Bill,
I took the bolt approach you mentioned and it worked perfectly, this saved me a lot of time and headaches, so thanks for the valueable advice!

Ron,