Hard to start, no fuel?

[acelondon]

My 318 2bbl, auto is being a pain.

I rebuilt my carb, and the car runs like a scalded cat, but its really tough to get it started.
It's like all the fuel is running back to the tank and my poor stock fuel pump has to pull it all the way back up to the carb.
Is thats a stupid thing like a bad seal, or do i need a new fuel pump? id love a new electric one....but they cost more then my car did. lol

[mikepmcs]

do you have a little gauge handy to check fuel pressure or can you borrow one off a friend's car to test it out?

v/r
Mike

[acelondon]

Nope, and im rather broke. But i could spring for a gauge i think.

[firefighter3931]

Does this happen after the car sits for a few days ?


Ron

[acelondon]

It happens almost every time. It was every time this week, but today i drove it everywhere, so i started it about 7 times, and it was random. Sometimes it would do it after sitting for 10 min, then 30 it would start fine, and then it sat for 3hrs, and started fine. it sat for 5 min at the drugstore, and i was almost ready to call a tow!(it finally started, after 8 tries and lots of pedal pumping)

[firefighter3931]

It happens almost every time. It was every time this week, but today i drove it everywhere, so i started it about 7 times, and it was random. Sometimes it would do it after sitting for 10 min, then 30 it would start fine, and then it sat for 3hrs, and started fine. it sat for 5 min at the drugstore, and i was almost ready to call a tow!(it finally started, after 8 tries and lots of pedal pumping)

Check the float level in your carb....it could be sticking low or have a hole in it whic will empty out the bowl when the engine is shut off.

Also have a look at the wiring, especially around the bulkhead connecter.


Ron

[4aThrill]

Is your neutral safety switch hooked up? When I got my car the guy before me rigged it so it bypassed the neutral safety switch she would start up with problems and then it wouldn't happed at the gas station, parking lots, at stop lights and so on. 

[acelondon]

it always cranks, but its hard to start, and takes more cranking then is used to.

Today it started fine, idled perfect, but stalled twice in the drive way, and wouldn't make it up the hill, so i parked it and took my Saturn to class.

I'm getting sick of this crap. 

I wonder what my bomb is worth.

[4aThrill]

what year is the 318? has it ever been rebuilt? ever replaced the fuel push rod? before you touched the carb it this ever occur? if not you may wanna go back through the carb again. 

[acelondon]

i believe its matching number 1974 and this car has been a problem since i got it. It wants to sleep, and i need to get to work. I am beginning to regret this thing. And yea, the lifters are clicking again. Anybody got a GOOD engine laying around?

[4aThrill]

what are you looking for another 318 or something bigger 360? more power 

[acelondon]

Whatever i can afford. Which isnt much  bigger is better

[Highway by the Sea]

i believe its matching number 1974 and this car has been a problem since i got it. It wants to sleep, and i need to get to work. I am beginning to regret this thing. And yea, the lifters are clicking again. Anybody got a GOOD engine laying around?

I have a 1972 400 big block motor that came from a 1972 Dodge Charger limited edition for sale.  It has good heads and everything.