The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Fuel Pump

Hello,

Ran into what I suspect is going to be an issue with my 216. I noticed that the fuel bowl tends to drain out back into the tank after the vehicle is shut off. I am not sure this is supposed to happen? I know most newer cars keep the fuel pressure spiked past the fuel pump, (had there been a bowl it would be full). Anyway, yesterday the car ran for about a full minute and then just shut down. Appears as though the Carb used all the fuel remaning and the pump did not fill the bowl up adequately enough to keep it running. After teasing it finally I got it running, revved it up, and the bowl filled, but not entirely. Is this a weak fuel pump or normal for these cars? How do I test the fuel system?

Dan

could be a weak pump and you can do a pressure test, could be the float setting, but the bowl isn't supposed to be "full" [like a pressurized system], there's a proper level setting .... it doesn't "drain back to the tank", pretty normal for most of these old carbs to leak and evaporate the fuel out of the vented carb float chamber if they sit for even a couple days, it could be you're just not running the truck enough

Bill

By fuel bowl are you refering to a glass filter bowl or the fuel bowl in the carb? Sounds like you need to to test your fuel pump & blow out the lines. Look for a filter in the line from the tank to the pump. Sometimes a PO has installed a filter under the cab. I know I do. If the pump hasn't been replaced for a long time it's a good idea to put a new one on. Most of the gas we get now has ethanol in it & can damage old fuel components.