Bad fuel pump?

[smbundy13]

I just installed a new gas tank in my jeep and am wondering if I have a bad fuel pump... I tried to "prime" the fuel system by unplugging the distributor and cranking the engine over. I removed the old fuel filter and connected a hose to it and ran to a gas can. It never ran fuel into the can.

So, I just went ahead and connected the new fuel filter and connected the coil to the dist. Tried to start it and nothing. It doesn't even have the gas smell like it's flooded.

So, I am wondering if my fuel pump is bad. I think I am going to tomorrow and get a clear filter to go before the pump so I can see the fuel moving (maybe) but will pick up a pump if I can find one at a local parts store.

I put 5 gallons of gas in the tank. Do I need to put 5 more in there?

Anything else I should look at?

Thanks.

 

[mtnwhlr]

You have enough gas in the tank the way I have all ways got it running is put some gas down the carb. It will start and run until it burns that gas and then you may need to do it again. If you don't have gas at the carb after that then you have a problem with the pump or the line to the pump.

 

[Belizean]

You have enough gas in the tank the way I have all ways got it running is put some gas down the carb. It will start and run until it burns that gas and then you may need to do it again. If you don't have gas at the carb after that then you have a problem with the pump or the line to the pump.

Agree

 

[Torxhead]

If what was suggested does not work, you could pull the fuel line into the pump and suck fuel up to it. This makes the work easier for the pump. Also consider just how old the fuel line is. It can have developed cracks which makes it hard to pump the gas.

 

[smbundy13]

If what was suggested does not work, you could pull the fuel line into the pump and suck fuel up to it. This makes the work easier for the pump. Also consider just how old the fuel line is. It can have developed cracks which makes it hard to pump the gas.

Yeah I will yalls advice. I didn't see any drips at all so I was hoping the lines are fine.

 

[R717]

If what was suggested does not work, you could pull the fuel line into the pump and suck fuel up to it. This makes the work easier for the pump. Also consider just how old the fuel line is. It can have developed cracks which makes it hard to pump the gas.

Yup, also check all the fittings are tight. If you have a vacuum leak between the tank and pump, the pump will suck air through the leak.

 

[Torxhead]

Yeah I will yalls advice. I didn't see any drips at all so I was hoping the lines are fine.

Cracks in fuel and vacuum lines will not always show an obvious leak. Even a close visual can be hard to find.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Leave the gas tank cap off for now.
LG

 

[smbundy13]

Leave the gas tank cap off for now.
LG

Ok will try that. Will be a couple days before I can try anything. Got the food poisoning last night. Been a struggle today.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Heal fast
LG

 

[smbundy13]

talked to the previous owner and he said the pump was working fine when he parked the jeep 4-5 yrs ago. so, I think I need to try to siphon gas down the line to the pump. I am planning on picking up some clear fuel line to use to siphon so that I dont accidentally get a mouth fuel of gas..

any other way to pull the gas down the lines? I have a hand transfer pump but am not sure that will work.

any advice?

thanks.

 

[Belizean]

You shouldn't have to do that. All vehicles start life with no fuel in th line. It gets pulled to the carburetor if things are working right. Wondering if you have some real bad gas or just sucking air

 

[Torxhead]

talked to the previous owner and he said the pump was working fine when he parked the jeep 4-5 yrs ago. so, I think I need to try to siphon gas down the line to the pump. I am planning on picking up some clear fuel line to use to siphon so that I dont accidentally get a mouth fuel of gas..

any other way to pull the gas down the lines? I have a hand transfer pump but am not sure that will work.

any advice?

thanks.

I use a transfer pump that I got from Auto Zone, probably similar to the one you have. For draining/siphoning gas from the tank and getting gas to flow to the pump. On a properly vented fuel tank the gas should be able to siphon itself to the pump.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Set a full can of FRESH fuel on a ladder/table equal in height of the front fender. Set this on the PS fender.
Take a length of 5/16 clear tubing from inside the bottom of this can, to the inlet of the fuel pump.
Have somedangbody turn the ign key and let the engine crank(make sure battery has FULL charge on it)look for fuel being pulled to the pump.

LG

 

[smbundy13]

ok, but how does that help with the pump not drawing it all the way down an empty line from the fuel tank?

I will try that to make sure the fuel pump is good...

thanks.

Edit: could the fact it sat for several years cause the fuel pump to gum up and be less effective?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

It 'removes' the gas tank as an issue, and will prove the fuel pump works or doesn't.
LG

 

[smbundy13]

It 'removes' the gas tank as an issue, and will prove the fuel pump works or doesn't.
LG

Gotcha. Good point.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Edit: could the fact it sat for several years cause the fuel pump to gum up and be less effective?

Yes my '84 had sat for many years and I had to replace the fuel pump and it gummed the valves up so bad it bent a bunch of the push rods. Bad gas can screw up a lot of stuff.

 

[smbundy13]

Yes my '84 had sat for many years and I had to replace the fuel pump and it gummed the valves up so bad it bent a bunch of the push rods. Bad gas can screw up a lot of stuff.

Hmm. Well we will see what happens. If the engine blows I will have to figure something else out.

 

[smbundy13]

Good news! The fuel pump works and the engine fired right off once I poured a little fuel down the carb. Didn't sound great but what do you expect from an engine that has sat for almost 5 years! I now know I need to at least rebuild the carb. It's leaking a little




Looks like it's leaking where the carb splits. Which makes sense the gaskets are worn out.

I have a video of the jeep running but am not sure how to post it here. I tried uploading to Photobucket but doesn't look like that worked.

It sounds a little rough but I think it will smooth out once it burns through the crud.