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Why is my carburetor not getting any fuel?

Tiny
MARCELLJ
  • MEMBER
  • 1973 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
  • 140,000 MILES
I have 73 monte carlo with a 350 engine and 4 barrel carb. The engine suddenly stopped running while driving on the freeway. The engine just stopped running(it didn't overheat or nothing).

I'm getting spark.

The manual choke 4 barrel is not getting any fuel though. I've done the following related to fuel:
1. Pulled the choke- no fuel
2. Pulled the fuel line connected to carb, bumped the engine, still no fuel. Replaced the fuel filter.
3. Bought a new fuel pump and installed it. Tried to start, but it still didn't start.
4. Sprayed carb cleaner- still won't start.
5. Removed the fuel line connected to the fuel pump, bumped the engine, and fuel came out of the fuel pump.
6. I disconnected the fuel line(carb to fuel pump), blew it out, reconnected it, and it still won't start.

The battery is brand new. I beginning to think the fuel tank("sock") is plugged.

The car has about a 1/4 tank of gas in it as well.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 6:56 PM

44 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
It sounds like the sock on the fuel pick up could be clogged or you have a fuel line that has a small crack allowing air to get inside. Use compressed air to blow the sock off and replace the lines you should be fine.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
MARCELLJ
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  • 14 POSTS
Where is the "fuel line going to the fuel pick up". Please explain.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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That would be the that feeds the fuel pump.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:07 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
3. Bought a new fuel pump and installed it. Tried to start, but it still didn't start.
4. Sprayed carb cleaner- still won't start

Are you getting spark if so the engine should combust for a few secs till it rans out-
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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So fuel comes out of the nipple on the fuel pump that goes up to the carb?But if the hose is connected to the fuel pump that goes to the carb the end of the hose that goes onto the carb doesnt get any fuel while cranking?
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
If your spraying it and its got good spark and doesnt start. You will need to check the engine timing.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
MARCELLJ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I didn't mean to flag the second response(I'm sorry).

So the fuel line going to the fuel pick up would be the rubber hose line connected to the fuel pump? If that's the one you're referencing, I haven't disconnected and checked that one.
But the metal line connected to the fuel pump and goes the carburetor has been removed, blown out, and reconnected.

Yes it's getting spark, when I sprayed the carb cleaner the engine did combust a few seconds, then it just continued to turn(because I held the ignition in the start position).
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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My sister had a 1972 chevelle with a 350 engine it died suddenly and wouldnt restart. Found out the timming chain sprocket had worn a way enough to jump cam timming so it would not start at all. So lets get this fuel issue figured out if its getting gas or not?Also a bad sign that it did start on carb spray and you said it had spark?
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:28 PM
Tiny
MARCELLJ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I flagged a question again I'm sorry.

When I disconnected the the fuel line on the carb, and bumped the engine, there was no fuel. I reconnected it.

Then I disconnected the fuel line on the fuel pump, and bumped the engine, still there was no sign of fuel.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
MARCELLJ
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  • 14 POSTS
No it didn't start on carb spray either. It made a sound like it wanted to but didn't.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
MARCELLJ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I'm at work right now, and discussing my car issue with you guys.

I don't mean to flag your responses. I'm just multi-tasking right now.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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It sounds like the supply line to the fuel pump isnt supplying fuel to the fuel pump or most likely the cam shaft isnt moving to make the fuel pump pump. That would also explain it not starting on carb spray.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Do a compression test on the engine to rule out the cam not moving.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Sat9 you up to something keep it going-maybe the camshaft or the FP push rod
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
MARCELLJ
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I got you. Is there possibly another fuel filter(besides the one in the carb)on my car?
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Recheck the fuel pump if its installed correctly
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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On that car there is sock on the fuel pick up and a inlet fuel fuel filter screwed into the carb. Unless someone add one somewhere then I cant really think of any other one to check. Sounds like a cam issue though the fuel isnt pumping and it wont start on carb spray even. Check to see if the fuel supply line to the carb is plugged. But even if that was the case it would explain the engine not starting on carb spray with good spark. Auto zone rents compression testers for free with deposit. Its a quick test and will tell you if there is a issue with compression and possibly the cam not moving the fuel pump to pump fuel.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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If that fuel pump rod had fallen down when installing I dont think the fuel pump would have mounted up.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Who knows maybe the PR is not there-lol well maybe the camshaft broke into half or the lobe the drives the rod is way beyound repair-
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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I would start with the compression test to rule that out.
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Monday, January 16th, 2012 AT 8:27 PM

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