The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop electric fuel pump in 54 chevy 3100

This vacuum gauge and fuel pump tester was a common and necessary (and inexpensive) tool that most back-yard mechanics had in their toolbox.

http://www.automotivetoolsonline.co...el-Pump-Tester-Mityvac-5511_p_12358.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ct...&zmas=12&zmac=112&zmap=93547

I also doubt that vapor lock is the problem if lines are standard diameter and standard location (on a 216/235/261). Nonetheless, using a vapor-lock home remedy is not difficult or expensive.

Without knowing the pressure from your fuel pump, it is premature to consider a fuel-pressure adjuster.

The gauge/tester above is cheap and available at most parts stores. It can be used for a variety of diagnostics. And, it can be used to set the timing (not optimum - timing light is better) and the carburetor (better with a tachometer) on these engines.

Adjust the carburetor.

http://www.earlycuda.org/tech/vacuum2.htm

http://www.gregsengine.com/vacuum.htm

http://www.tuningmadeeasy.com/tuning/vacuum-gauge-the-wonder-tool/

Fuel pressure test is at the bottom of this page.

How to make a fuel pressure gauge.