Fuel Pump problem?

[SammyD]

Hey Y'all.

About a week ago, I was coming back to work from lunch in my '72 Sport, and the engine stalled. Started right back up, no problem, but as soon as I engaged the gas, it stalled again. It happened over and over, and I eventually had a buddy tow me back to the office complex.

I'm guessing here, but is this a fuel pump problem? Could it be something else entirely?

I love the tinkering, but in my month of ownership, I've had to replace the battery (first day), alternator (second week) and now this. To say I'm frustrated would be a drastic understatement. Way I figure it, since the engine runs so strong, once i replace EVERYTHING ELSE in the engine, it'll be a really awesome ride.

Cheers.

SammyD

 

[Muddbug]

Is it mechanical or electric? I had issues with my electric pump. After burning up two of them I finally got the correct wiring schematics and have never had another issue.

 

[SammyD]

Thanks for the quick response, Mudd. Honestly, I don't know. How would I figure that out?

 

[Bully Bob]

Sammyyyyyyyy...!!!!

Well., the pump (factory) will have a "weep-line" runn'n out the bottom of the pump.

You can see the "weep-hole" in the pump fr. the bottom look'n up..!! if it's not leaking., good chance the pump is still good..!!

What you're describing sounds like debris in the carbs main jet(s). i.e. if the eng. will idle., then the idle circuit is clear.

Hitting the throttle activates the Accel. pump & the main jets kick in. (IF the jets aren't plugged.) As SCODGE says, the accel. pump may have failed also....do the squirt test.

On a rare occasion, debris can catch in the fuel pump check-valve & drop pressure. You can "test" pump.... or pour-boy test by runn'n a hose to a bucket & see if it squirts enough fuel. (Ign. disconnected while cranking of course)

Look at your filter, (or cut the metal one in 1/2) & look-see what's going on in the fuel lines.

If you have an elect. pump....it will make a racket when you turn the key to "on".

 

[Scodge]

Install a fuel pressure gauge up by the carb. They cost about 20 bucks. Then you can see what the pump is doing pressure wise. I've had mechanical fuel pumps go out, and the problem is similar to what you describe. The pump can provide enough gas to idle, but what the RPM's go up, the engine seems to run out of gas, even though your tank is full. It could be crap in your carb, but that would have to get past the fuel filter. It could also be a clogged fuel filter, but that usually results in an engine that won't start. I'd also install one of those little glass filters between the gauge and the carb, so you can see what's going on in there. Between the pressure gauge and the glass filter, it should be pretty easy to figure out whats up. The easiest way to see if the carb is working OK is to pull off the air cleaner and push down on the throttle. If you see gas squirt into the carb, then the carb is probably working fine.