The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1959 235 engine start/idle issue

So over the weekend I pulled the gas tank out of the car so that I could bedliner the back area where the tank sits. Car started and drove before I pulled the tank for the work. Sat for about a week, while the work was done. Replaced the tank, now I can't seem to get the car to start. Filled the bowl of the carb with gas and the starter will turn the motor but can never start and get to idle. Actually seems like it will idle (though not well) if I keep the starter depressed but as soon as I release it the engine immediately dies. Any ideas? Any help greatly appreciated.

Not knowing what sort of vehicle we are dealing with, here are a couple theories:

Theory 1: Debris clogging path from tank to pump. Something got jarred loose when you pulled tank.

Test/ Remedy: Disconnect line at inlet side of fuel pump. Connect a section of hose there and place in a gas can. Try to start/run vehicle. If it runs properly, problem is upstream. Proceed to finding/ blowing out clog.

Theory 2: Something changed in the way the tank was venting when you removed and reinstalled.

Test/ Remedy: Remove gas cap and try to start.

Good info, I will trouble shoot this weekend.

A third theory is that something got jarred loose and you have a clog downstream of the pump, or even in the carb itself. Same test as #1 but if symptoms persist, look for trouble between pump and carb. You could also fill the bowl of carb and look to make sure you get a squirt when pulling the throttle lever up.

Before you go chase any of these rabbits, might be best to make sure you have spark. It’s easy to assume a fuel problem and get tunnel vision. It’s also easy to forget something silly like turning on the ignition. I “know a guy” who has done things like that.

Don't mean to beat someone up for bringing their car into this truck shop, but there are some significant differences in design between cars and trucks, particularly with the starting circuits.
This thread should be moved to the Greasy Spoon where there are no rules except for common decency.

Sounds like a fuel suction issue to me. Check all of the hoses and clamps that you just disturbed removing the tank.

You still haven't said what kind of car it is. On a Truck Forum.

You are just too literal - maybe the car is a truck?

Bodie, It is helpful to ID your vehicle in each new thread.

1959 Chevy Apache, just assumed that since this is a truck forum we are talking about trucks here.,

OK, thanks, a truck engine.

You got us mixed-up a little with the first line in this thread:

"So over the weekend I pulled the gas tank out of the car . . . "

1959 235 car & truck engines had slight differences.

He's like my wife, she calls everything rolling down the road a car. LOL

I see what your saying Tc, sorry for the confusion

Just an update, turns out it didn't have anything to do with the gas tank. Instead a lead from my ignition to the instrument cluster came loose and wasn't allowing the truck to be started, re-attached and she started right up!