The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop GM 235 Fuel Pump

I have a 1951 Chevy Truck with a 235 engine (58-62)? Maybe a dumb question, but I can't determine where the fuel pump is. The engine will turn over but I'm not getting fuel.

Any answers, thoughts, etc, greatly appreciated.

Lower rt. front of the block. However may be an electrical pump somewhere instead. Just follow the fuel line from the carb. Problem could also be a clogged fuel line or filter too.

There is a shut off valve at the bottom of the tank (or should be). If someone put the truck into storage they may have closed the valve. Has the truck been sitting long?

It was put up running. Sat in an enclosed garage for about 10-15 years. I did find the fuel pump. I also found the cut off valve and opened it up. I'm just assuming the fuel pump may be clogged. Can it be cleaned or will I more than likely need to order a new one?
Lastly, how do you clean out fuel lines if they are clogged?

A fuel pump that has been sitting for 10 years is quite likely no good. I would try feeding the pump from a tube and gas can. If it doesn't pump fuel, you know that it is bad.

magnmike there are a couple of things to do. This is just my way of doing it others may have some other suggestions. I would first (close shut off valve) then disconect the flexible line (rubber) directly after the shut off valve. Then open the vavle and see if fuel come out, it may not. IF it does then drain everything that you can. Check with the local fire department on how to dispose of the old gas. The fuel in the tank may have varnished and more then likely is no good. Ok next I would disconect the fuel line at the inlet side of the pump. If you have a compressor run some air thru the line to make sure it is clear. Then disconet the line on the outlet side of the fuel pump and also at the carb. Then blow out this line. NOTE> make sure if you are using compressed air that no one is standing at the other end of the line and just use a little air, just enough to know it is clear.

OK so let say the fuel won't drain out of the tank. You will need to remove the tank and have it cleaned. Some radiator shops will do this. Next make sure you shut off vavle works and will let fuel flow. Then I would recoment replacing the orginal rubber flex line after the valve with a couple of section of Rubber hose and a clear Fuel filter. This would be a PRE filter. Next make sure the steel lines are in good shape. OK now we haven't talked about the fuel pump. My suggestions is to replace it. It might be good and it might work for awhile but when the fuel pump goes bad there is a good chance it will dump fuel right into your oil (not good / very bad). You should be able to buy a replacement at a good parts store for around $25 buck maybe less. Now reconnect the lines from the tank to the pump and the line at the outlet of the pump but don't reconnect at the carb. Fill the take will fresh gas. Then with a bottle over the carb end of the line crank the engine. This should prime the line as long as you remembered to open the shut off valve. Once you have fuel in the lines and some in the bottle reconnect at the carb. Make sure you have some spark and go.

If the fuel lines are clogged you can try a couple of things. You can try to blow them out. You can try to clean them with chemicals or you could try running a small wire through them to "break up" the blockage. Or you could just replace them.

By the way Welcome to the 'Bolt!

Good Luck and let me know if you need any further help.