1981 Chevy Van SURGING

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.

5 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,395 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

JON KVERNMO

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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

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,395 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

JON KVERNMO

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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

JAMES W.