.

[Sweet_Johnny]

I think their on the side of the engine block actually. Anyway, how likely do you think it could be the fuel pump, like I said, everything else is in check, its got 140k miles and is 43 years old.

Haha, ya caught me slipping. I read the link that was provided after wondering if the Century used the same 3.8L engine as Chevy, and once I had block mounted pumps on the mind I responded to your message in agreement. I'm not always the brightest bulb.

Change the pump, they're cheap. Just buy one from a reputable company such as Carter.

 

[ELCAM]

Remove the air cleaner, plug any hoses that went to the air cleaner. Take a picture of the top of the carb when cold. Start the engine let it warm for two minutes and take a picture of the top of the carb. Warm to normal operating temperature and take a picture of the top of the carb.

Might help us diagnose things from afar.

 

[Pc3]

simple 1st did you replace fuel filter? if clogged will slowly seep just enough to get some fuel in bowl but dosnt flow enough to maintain engine runing.
timing just doesnt jump out of the blue your getting spark, it does start even though briefly, so lets C you have spark! FOR Sure you have air its all around us.......... kink of leaves out fuel starvation in MYHO

 

[slowbuick]

Remove the air cleaner, plug any hoses that went to the air cleaner. Take a picture of the top of the carb when cold. Start the engine let it warm for two minutes and take a picture of the top of the carb. Warm to normal operating temperature and take a picture of the top of the carb.

Might help us diagnose things from afar.

Been busy past few weeks. I will send that picture soon. I tryed starting it the other day, did the same thing with the carb held open. Sprayed some starter fluid and it still didnt start and actully backfired a little through the carb. Somehow when I closed the choke it fired right up but died when I tryed to drive it and I couldnt get it started again.

 

[MrSony]

Changed the fuel filter, carb was professionally cleaned and tuned, new fuel lines, spark plugs work fine (tested them against the block) and are only a year old. Only thing I could think of is the fuel pump, if it was broken though, I don't think it would be able to idle at all (which it is able to).

I've killed two fuel pumps on my buick 350, they can use the same pump as a 3.8, the 3.8 arm is just a bit longer. It would idle but under any throttle at all it would starve and die.

 

[MrSony]

How many miles did you have when it failed the first time? Did you have trouble starting it or just driving?

Probably no more than 10,000. cheap *ss chinese pump. it would hard start, take forever to pull fuel, and would run the bowl dry.

 

[78Delta88]

I should be out at the yard Friday. I'll grab a 2bbl, build it and send it to you. There are several 231 of that vintage out here.

 

[69hurstolds]

I removed the gas line from the carb and put it in a mason jar. I then cranked the engine and plenty of fuel shot in it. Does this mean my fuel pump is fine?

Fuel pump is fine. Maybe too fine. It may be pumping TOO much fuel to the carb. Many of the aftermarket pumps exceed 8 psi. You really only need 5-7 psi, really. Not saying that's an issue, just a possibility.