1981 Chevy Van SURGING

Tiny
JON KVERNMO
  • MEMBER
  • 1981 CHEVROLET VAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
Engine surges. We have replaced the fuel pump, inspected the fuel tank and removed the "sock" at the fuel intake in the tank, thinking it may have been clogged enough to restrict fuel flow.

It ran good for a short time, but has recently gotten worse.
Friday, November 14th, 2008 AT 6:15 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
Pull and plug the vacuum line going to the fuel pressure regulator and try it. Make sure you have vacuum at the line before you plug it. If this makes a difference, change the regulator.
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Friday, November 14th, 2008 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
JON KVERNMO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
OK, we'll give that a shot. Can you tell me where the FPR is? Then I am assuming that once we locate the FPR and unplug the vacuum line, we should start the engine to see if there is vacuum on the line. If so, then we plug the line and take the vehicle for a test drive.
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Saturday, November 15th, 2008 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
I have to stand humble and corrected here. Your van has a quadrajet on it, not throttle body. Have you checked the fuel filter on the carb? It is located in the housing where the fuel line attaches. You need two wrenches. One to hold the filter housing, 1", and one to crack the fuel line loose 5/8". Otherwise the filter housing comes loose first and you twist off the fuel line.
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Saturday, November 15th, 2008 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
JON KVERNMO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
We did what you suggested, found the filter and changed it. While there, we found the fuel line had a kink in it where it bends just before attaching to the carb. We cut the line because the filter assembly was not coming out, and we figured a short length of hose could be substituted at the bend. My son has been driving the van for several days now, and it appears the problem is fixed. Thank you.
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
I love it when a good plan comes together. Take care.
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Friday, November 28th, 2008 AT 11:37 AM

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