1982 GMC Sierra Truck will not start

VEGA99683

MEMBER
1982 GMC SIERRA
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I have a 1982 GMC Sierra pickup with a 305 5.0L V8 with automatic transmission. I've been having a fuel problem and have ran out of options.

The truck has dual tanks and i've recently replaced the battery, fuel pump, tuneup, plugs, cap and rotor, plug wires, fuel filter.

My most recent problem is after I replaced the fuel pump the truck started. I drove 5 miles and returned home with no problem. The truck sat for 2 hours and now its not getting fuel again. No fuel is getting into the carburetor. I haven't taken off the fuel line but assume that it certainly isn't getting fuel. Is there something else that might be affecting the fuel from getting into the carburetor? What things can I look at? This truck has been leaving me stranded lately. I would drive a few blocks and then it would just stall as if it was out of fuel. After replacing the fuel pump I made it about 5 miles but now it is not getting fuel again. Please help.

Thank you.

4 Replies

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

Make sure the fuel filter is installed correctly. Some fuel filters have directional flow, yours may be in backwards.
Is the fuel pump a mechanical fuel pump or an electric pump?
Is the carb 4 barrel or two barrel? What type of carb is it? Rochester--Edlebrock--Holley--ETC.
Make sure it is not getting fuel.

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Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 1:52 AM

VEGA99683

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I will check the fuel filter tonight but i'm fairly certain that it is in correctly. I had just driven 5 miles without problem but then went out to start it again. No fuel to carburetor. The fuel pump is a mechanical, carburetor is a rochester 4 barrell (stock) with 305 motor. It just really upsets me that i've been having this problem with lack of fuel. Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated. If you think of anything else, please let me know.

Quote="pear69"]Make sure the fuel filter is installed correctly. Some fuel filters have directional flow, yours may be in backwards.
Is the fuel pump a mechanical fuel pump or an electric pump?
Is the carb 4 barrel or two barrel? What type of carb is it? Rochester--Edlebrock--Holley--ETC.
Make sure it is not getting fuel.[/Quote]

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Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 11:05 AM

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

Take fuel line off at carb to be sure that there is no fuel coming into the carb. If there is no fuel then check the fuel pump installation. Make sure that there is fuel getting to the pump. If there is fuel at the pump then look and make sure that the pump shaft is riding on the cam lobe properly.
If there is fuel to the carb then check the floats in the carb, they may be sticking or the carb may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
A 26 year old engine with only 150000 miles is very low. This suggests that this engine sits around a lot. Fuel sitting in a carb tends to varnish up and clogg the jets, needle valves, and floats.

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Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 12:56 PM

MROCK08

MEMBER
1 POST

Hey I recently purchased a 82 sierra and loving it. Only problem was is that I was dealing with the same situation you were. I came to the conclusion that the cause of the problem was the fuel tank switch modual that is located on the frame. Even though I could hear it switch when I pressed the button in the cab, it wasn't fully engaging. I decided to remove the one tank and the fuel modual all together. I connected the line from the fuel assembly to the fuel rail with rubber fuel hose. After a few cranks it fired right up and ran terrific. I hope this helps.
MRock08

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Sunday, April 20th, 2008 AT 8:53 PM