OK, This problem is driving me nuts, every time I think I have it figured out, nope I'm walking to the gas station again!
OK Here goes, 1951 3/4 ton Chevy, almost totally stock and unrestored, Daily driver.
I can be truckin along just fine, sput, sput, runs outa gas. When I re fill it, she only takes about 5 gallons and she is full. In other words I only have 4-5 gallons of useful fuel in my tank, until she runs out.
I know the gas tank is full as I have taken the sending unit out and there is fuel right to the top.
I tried replacing the fuel pump, still same problem. Previous owner had rigged a copper fuel line, with rubber lines at each end, I replaced both rubber lines, still when the fuel in tank gets below a certain level, my engine dies.
This all started when I ran out of gas one day, I didn't think I was out of gas, so I pulled the fuel line, that is when I discovered 2 things, no gas in tank, and the shut off valve under the tank was shot. Went to Napa, got a plug for the end where the shut of valve used to come out, and bought a new on/off valve that screwed into the fitting that screws into the tank.
OK Now it gets a little stranger, when I run out of gas, if I just pour a gallon, from my gas can, in the tank, forget it, she wan't start. If I pour in 2 gallons, she will start and maybe run for a block before dying again, (no gas). If I put in 3 gallons, she starts fine, I can get home, and to the station the next day to add 2 more gallons, then she's full.
This is driving me nuts, I've thought about replacing the whole valve assembly that screws into the bottom of the tank, but have not found a source.
A soon as it gets warm enough, I plan to replace the fuel line with a proper steel one, but I Don't see how that is causing this problem.
Any ideas?
Frank
Walking way to much in Spokane
