[taylor21293]

So my buddy and I are tryin to start his 1972 Monte Carlo, 350 small block, edelbrock intake and carb, the usual. All his wires and hooked up for the sending unit, and all of his fuel lines are connected and in the right places from the tank up to the fuel pump, including the fuel filter and so forth. We've pumped the gas many times trying to get fuel into the filter, but nothing shows up. We've only been able to start it and keep it running by spraying starting fluid continuously into the carburetor. The tank has 4 gallons in it, which should be enough to get it started and keep it running. Any ideas?

 

[Greg.H]

Mechanical pump I assume. If you're trying to fill up the entire fuel line system, then it could take a while. Have you tried filling up the float bowls and then running the car? Is it possible that the mesh filter on the fuel sending unit is clogged? Hope this helps.

EDIT: I would also check for suction at the pump to make sure that its actually drawing fuel in. And also, the mechanical pump operates off of the camshaft, so only turning the engine over will cause it to operate.

 

[made2cut]

Pumping the gas peddle won't help get gas to the carb, that is the job of the fuel pump. Are you using the stock mechanical pump or an aftermarket electric?

A little history helps, was it running recently? Any changes made?

 

[taylor21293]

It's running a mechanical fuel pump

 

[taylor21293]

We haven't tried filling the float bowls yet, good advice haha! And thanks for the advice about the pump working off the camshaft. I can't believe I didn't think of that.

Mechanical pump I assume. If you're trying to fill up the entire fuel line system, then it could take a while. Have you tried filling up the float bowls and then running the car? Is it possible that the mesh filter on the fuel sending unit is clogged? Hope this helps.

EDIT: I would also check for suction at the pump to make sure that its actually drawing fuel in. And also, the mechanical pump operates off of the camshaft, so only turning the engine over will cause it to operate.

 

[70_Malibu]

Once the engine starts cranking, the fuel pump will be pumping. I wouldn't think you'd have to manually fill the float bowls.

 

[PA Camaro Guy]

Filling up the bowls makes things go more smoothly but isn't your problem here if you're excessively cranking it. That's enough to fill them regardless. Disconnect the fuel line, point it into an empty bottle and crank it and see if you're getting gas delivered. Mech fuel pumps go bad when they dry out. They're cheap to replace though.

 

[LevonH]

If you do the above, make sure you do not have the ignition hooked up or you are absolutely sure no fuel will spray on the engine.

Quit using the starting fluid. You are going to ruin a new engine. Get fuel in the bowls so it starts and get the idle up or we'll be reading a different thread.

 

[CharlieB53]

...............All his wires and hooked up for the sending unit, and all of his fuel lines are connected and in the right places from the tank up to the fuel pump, including the fuel filter .............

Sounds like you had the tank out, or at least had the pick-up out and the hoses removed.

Is it possible that you switched the supply and return hoses? Leaving the fuel pump to suck air?

If possible, blow back thru each line, have a partner listen at the fill cap (removed) listen for bubbling of the air coming out of what should have been the supply line.