No fuel = no start = bad fuel pump?

[KILLSHOTB]

I have a Chevy 350 with a quadrajet carb, no computer and a mechanical fuel pump. Yesterday, my car just stalled on the road. I couldn't get it started. I looked in the carb and pushed the accelerator lever. No gas was squirting in.
I got spark and compression. It starts when fuel is poured in the carb.
I haven't replaced the fuel pump yet and suspect this is the problem.

questions:
Do you guys think this is the problem?

Anything I should know about changing the fuel pump?

I assume it is rather easy with 2 bolts and 2 tube fittings. I'll change the fuel filter too.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[pontiacgp]

Before I'd change the pump I would have a good look at the whole fuel line to make sure it isn't broken from corrosion

 

[Bonnewagon]

What pontiacgp said. Also yank the filter that is located at the front of the carb. I've seen them get so clogged, no gas gets through. Use a proper 5/8" flare wrench on the fuel line nut and a 1" open end on the filter nut. Then while you are there, add a length of fuel hose to the steel fuel line and place the end in a coffee can or something, then have a helper crank the motor while you watch to see if fuel comes out. That is a correct fuel pump test. Be careful and don't be smoking while doing this.

 

[lilbowtie]

Mike
If you get to changing the pump you are correct - two bolts, two fuel lines. The only difficulty you may have re-installing the new pump is keeping the
fuel pump push rod up in it's bore while you install the pump. There is a threaded bolt hole in the front of the engine that goes through to the push rod
bore. You can use a long bolt and run it in till it contacts the push rod and holds it up in the bore while you install the pump. Don't forget to remove the
bolt and plug it with a small bolt.

 

[thepcsurgeon]

I've used a small diameter wire hanger to hold up the rod until I get the lever in position. The small diameter allowed me to nearly install it completely before I pull it out.

 

[pontiacgp]

I use a big glob of vaseline to hold it in place

 

[KILLSHOTB]

I pulled the fuel line at the fuel filter and turned the key over while pumping the accelerator. I filled up a container in a few seconds. Fuel pump works fine. So it must be in the carb. A sticking float? Clogged jets. My next move is to spray it down with carb cleaner, run some Sea foam through it and see how that does.
What else would you try?
Thanks for all your help.
Mike

 

[Bonnewagon]

Did you remove the filter and check it? If it's OK then it's time to open her up and service it. The float needle could be jammed shut. Lucky for you it's a regular Q-jet, not a CCC. Easy peasy

 

[KILLSHOTB]

Well I changed the fuel filter and determined that gas is definitely getting to the carb. Looked like a rebuild for the q-jet. I didn't see any fuel squirting in either of the nozzles on the top front corners of the carb. I then sprayed carb cleaner and cleaned it up good then got it running. Maybe a sticky float? Either case, I plan on rebuilding it this winter. I will buy the rebuild kit and float.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Bonnewagon]

Sounds like a plan. It could even be a bad accelerator pump. One of the best skills you can learn is how to rebuild a Q-jet. They can be intimidating at first until you actually open one and investigate. Be sure to get one of the good books like Doug Roe and Cliff Ruggles's excellent works. They explain it all in layman's terms.