Fuel Pump Issues

[edwards1687]

I just got finished up with the Duraspark conversion to went to give it a crank, it's trying to turn over but won't start. First thing I did is crack the line to the carb and to my surprise no fuel is getting to the carb. I just put a new fuel pump on, dropped and cleaned the tank and put a new sending unit in there. My initial thought was plugged line or faulty pump. So I took the rubber hose off the sending that goes the tank and stuck it in a bottle full of gas and it wasn't pumping anything out. I removed the fuel pump and cranked the motor and the pushrod is moving in and out properly. I also did have some fuel in the fuel pump when I took it off. I called Airtex techincial support and they said either a bad pump or the pushrod could be worn and if slightly off it won't pump properly. Have any you guys ever had this problem? It seems that you can't really mess up installing it and it's hard to believe that the push rod is worn? I think I may just pick up a new pump and pushrod and give it a go. I just wanna get this thing running.

 

[shane96ranger]

I am no fan of Airtex pumps. Is it warrantied? If not, I would suggest getting a Carter.

Posting whilst sitting upon the throne.

 

[RonD]

I have had to prime mechanical fuel pumps before.

Remove fuel line from carb, fill line with fuel, I used a larger rubber hose that fit over the line and funnel.
Put line back on carb but not tight, turn over engine, without spark, watch for fuel and air coming out, put towel under it
Once most of the air is replaced by fuel, tighten it up and try to start engine.

I guess a fuel pump push rod could wear out but I would think you would notice that on one end.
Defective pump would be more likely, new doesn't mean "it works" anymore, new now mean "never tested", lol, sad but true.

 

[edwards1687]

I have had to prime mechanical fuel pumps before.

Remove fuel line from carb, fill line with fuel, I used a larger rubber hose that fit over the line and funnel.
Put line back on carb but not tight, turn over engine, without spark, watch for fuel and air coming out, put towel under it
Once most of the air is replaced by fuel, tighten it up and try to start engine.

I guess a fuel pump push rod could wear out but I would think you would notice that on one end.
Defective pump would be more likely, new doesn't mean "it works" anymore, new now mean "never tested", lol, sad but true.

Thanks for the tip I will have to give that a shot

I ended up picking up a new fuel pump pushrod, for the price I figured it was worth changing while I was in there. Rockauto is sending me a new fuel pump no questions asked. I should have everything back together by mid week.

 

[martin]

Mechanical pumps can be a bear to prime. If you have access to a vacuum pump you can suck the fuel through to get some fuel into the pump. If you fill the carb with fuel it will allow the motor to run for a little while which will also help. Jacking up the ass end might also help.