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Replace the hard metal fuel line or just add gas?
https://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=53168		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Reed [ Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:32 am ]
Post subject:  Replace the hard metal fuel line or just add gas?
I recently replaced the rusted out gas tank on my brother's 74 Duster. I am trying to start it now for the first time in two years and I am having no luck. I am not getting fuel flow to the carb from the tank. I installed a brand new tank that was totally empty. I put in about two gallons of gas but I am not getting any flow to the carb. I already replaced the fuel pump but it still isn't pumping. I also replaced the old fuel sending unit with a used but functioning and clean one and all rubber fuel lines have been replaced with new 30R9 fuel injection rated hose.

Questions:

(1) Is two gallons enough to put in an empty tank to at least get the engine started, or does the sending unit need more gas than that to be fully covered and suck up fuel?

(2) Should I be concerned about rust clogging the hard metal fuel line between the pump and the tank?

Thanks for the input.
Author:  olafla [ Tue Aug 27, 2013 1:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
Reed, my suggestions:
A) Try using a hand operated vacuum pump to see if the lines are open.
B) Feed the fuel pump from a small can or bottle, to check if it is in working order.

Your question 2): Yes.
You will find that stainless brake and fuel lines actually do rust, often from the inside, and the amount og crud that builds inside over the years will surprise you. If you have access to pressurized air, try giving it a short blast or two.

My thought: new tank - new line - new hose. New copper/nickel lines are soft enough to form by hand, and will probably outlive both you and your car!

Wouldn't a fuel sending unit that leave 2 gallons in the tank be a constant source of irritation? 8)

Olaf
Author:  Reed [ Tue Aug 27, 2013 2:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the suggestions. However, I received a tip from Slant SixDan via e-mail. I followed his tip and now the car is running fine, not perfect, but fine. A 20 second shot of carb cleaner down the vent tube of the carb followed by a single pump of the throttle and a turn of the key and the engine roared to life. I didn't even have to add any more gas to the tank.

Hooray. Now I think the car will be making a journey over to a body shop to finish off the interminable body work I have no real interest in doing.
Author:  wjajr [ Tue Aug 27, 2013 5:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Having removed and installed my Holley 390 carburetor about a million times for tuning, I just fill the fuel bowl with a clear plastic (mustard / catsup) type squeeze bottle via the vent hole. Engine fires right up, and before the bowl run runs dry, fuel pump is delivering its bounty due to higher rpm than starter can generate.

I’m not a fan of starting fluid; too volatile.
Author:  Reed [ Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Dan gave similar advice. That is why I used carb cleaner. Alas, the Holley 1945 carb does not have a fuel bowl sight plug like the Holley four barrel carbs do. A squeeze bottle would not help. However, a spray can with a plastic straw down the bowl vent tube works beautifully.
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