starting problems

PCSD

PCSD

New member
I have a 36 flathead in my 37 pickup and I am having a problem getting it started. It has 75 to 80 lbs of compression, very good vacuum, and has spark to all cylinders. If I pour gas down the carb it will run for the life of the fuel. I have had 4 different carbs on it and they all do the same thing. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
 
sounds like problem is no fuel in the carburetor float bowl.

If repeated attempts at this don't get it started, must be a fuel delivery problem. First thing I would check is the gasket on top of the fuel pump's sediment bowl. Any slight air leak on the suction side of the fuel pump, it will suck air before gasoline.

If it does start and run after a few attempts with gas poured in the carb, and car has been sitting in storage for a while, then that is probably considered normal. Carb will evaporate dry after a week or two. Takes a lot of slow 6-volt cranking to fill the carb with Ford's "just good enough" fuel pump.
 
With a new fuel pump on my 59A ,I had a tiny "weep" of gas. The outside of the glass bowl was wet. After diss-assembly and careful inspection I found the screen at the top of the bowl was thicker and prevented the gasket seating properly. I removed the screen and the leak stopped.
 
joel said:
I removed the screen and the leak stopped.
Click to expand...
But I think you need a screen in there. That is your only fuel filter. That screen catches sediment, which then falls to the bottom of the bowl.

Maybe the screen was between the gasket and glass bowl? The screen should go in first, then the gasket, then the glass bowl makes direct contact to compress the gasket.
 
PCSD. Welcome to the barn. A bit more info may help in solving your problem. Do you in fact have a "fuel bowel" on your fuel pump? Over the years, parts get changed and one of them is fuel pumps, that may or may not have the glass bowel. If you have the glass bowel, it is a good place to start troubleshooting, as mentioned by Jay and Joel. You can disconnect the pump to carb line, then, with the ignition off, put you thumb over the outlet of the pump and have someone hit the starter. You should feel a bit of pulsing pressure as the pump is cycled. If not, there is a problem with the pump diaphragm, valves or pushrod. If there is pressure then there must be air entering at the bowel or fuel line connections.
If you need the pump or carb serviced, contact Charlie NY. 716-662-9159
 

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I do have a glass bowl and a new inline filter I am going to pull the car apart again and go over it to make sure all the parts are clean and open, Thanks to all for the help
 
PCSD said:
I do have a glass bowl and a new inline filter I am going to pull the car apart again and go over it to make sure all the parts are clean and open, Thanks to all for the help
Click to expand...
ALSO make good and sure ALL your connections are good and tight, NOT Over tightened BUT good and tight. It doesn't sound like its the issue here BUT IF you are not sure your rubber fuel supply line from the firewall to the fuel pump is Ethanol rated??? OR IF you are using Ethanol gas, I would replace that and make sure diaphragm and other fuel pump parts are ALL ethanol rated products.
 
PCSD...You might want to add your location to your avatar. Help might be "just around the corner!" Welcome to the 'Barn!

Blessings,
Pat
 
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