Updates...
Okay, I took off the pump and was pleasantly surprised at the condition of my 56-year-old pump cam lobe:
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa397/fourbrads/57%20chevy/DSC04215_zps64784297.jpghttp://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa397/fourbrads/57%20chevy/DSC04220_zpsacec81d0.jpgNevertheless, there was a barely visible shiny spot on the pump arm where the cam engaged, and on only one of the three stamped pieces of steel that make up the fuel pump action arm.
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa397/fourbrads/57%20chevy/DSC04216_zps827ed5a1.jpgSo, could still easily be the culprit. I carefully dried the pump and welded a blob on the arm, as Red suggested:
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa397/fourbrads/57%20chevy/DSC04221_zps6b7e9461.jpgWell, welded on too much and after a test fit, ground back most of it. When installed though, I could tell positively that the pump was engaged.
I spent the rest of the day finishing the pump-to-carb fuel line bends. Since I don't have a flare tool, I have been trying the "pre-fab" length lines and making sculpture out of the metal to make it fit the truck. Trip to Napa, and back into the fabrication.
Long story short, I have the line bent now, but have not dried it in. I will do this tomorrow and provide another update and, hopefully, test drive.
If this doesn't work, I will look at the ignition system.
More to come...
Jim
