The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop need new gas tank?

Two times in the past month, my '50 3100 has stalled for no reason; wouldn't start, had to tow it home. First time, took off the carburetor, took compressed air to it and it started. Second time, that didn't work, but took compressed air down fuel line toward tank, and that did work. My question, can fuel pumps get clogged? I've got a two year old pump, it's always worked fine; I haven't heard about them getting clogged before.

P.S. I have an inline filter between carburetor and pump. I've had the truck for ten years; I'm guessing it's the original tank...do you recommend I eat the cost and get a new one at this point? I just don't want to do that and find that it doesn't fix the problem... Thanks.

I don't mess with old tanks. I have quite a few old GMC's I buy reproductions for $119 and another $40 to ship them to Texas. It is very difficult to get all the lead and rust residue out. There is either an elbow or a petcock right under the tank. That is usually where the trash collects. There is a drain at that point where you can usually drain the trash out, but I don't like the idea of getting under a pickup and have stale gas running down my arm. That Is why replace the tank and it takes an about an hour to do.

Thanks. Have you ever heard of a fuel pump getting clogged? Might be common; I just haven't heard of it. Thanks again.

Unscrew the fuel line at the fuel pump on the side of the tank. If fuel runs out, your line is ok. If not, it's stopped up. If your line is ok, fuel pumps do go bad. Its very seldom they get clogged up. Usually a little trash gets caught under a check valve and they don't pump.

I had a fuel pump from the early 1960's in mine with a metal lid. Took the lid off and found enough iron ore to fill a shot glass and forget about the carburetor, it was trashed. I don't know how the thing ran at all, but it did and now I know why I was always so nervous driving it. I put an entirely new fuel system in (tank to carburetor) and now she starts and runs like she did in 1951! Replace it all I say! Good luck, Wada.

Thanks, guys. I think I'll do that but keep the carb and fuel pump.