Last night I got the '72 Delta 88 (455) out for the first time in two weeks. On my way out the engine sputtered a couple of times but I made it to my destination. Most noticeably there was a sudden loss of power while driving up a moderate incline. I foolishly chalked it up to it being temperamental after not being driven in a while.

After sitting for 30 minutes it starts up just fine but shuts off after about a minute idle and now it won't start back up. I had to get it towed home late last night. It turns over just fine but makes no effort to run.

I don't think the engine is flooded because I couldn't smell any gas. When I flooded it a couple months ago I could smell gas and it made attempts to run.

I'm wondering if the fuel filter is clogged and/or the fuel pump went out? I'm reasonably certain it has gas. The gas gauge isn't particularly accurate but I track the mileage close and it should have about 8 gallons left unless the mileage has gotten much worse recently or someone siphoned the gas.

Regardless, I'll put some gas in it before I mess with it again.

Thanks,

Tyler

 

An engine needs 3 things to run, air, fuel, and properly timed spark. Air is generally a given.

It could be lack of fuel - Look down into the carb and operate the throttle by hand and see if you have 2 strong sprays of fuel.

Then see if you have a strong spark at the plugs. If not check voltage at the coil+ terminal with points or a points replacement ignition, or Batt terminal with an Hei.

 

other Eic too quick for me........

You might try pouring a small amount of gas down the carb. If it starts momentarily, then you can check for a clogged filter, a bad fuel pump, or the pickup in the tank. If it doesn't start, then you most likely have some issue in the ignition. Let us know what you find.

 

COIL or other ignition issue is my guess. Maybe fuel pump. Clogged fuel filter will bypass as a safety measure and engine will still run.

 

Original timing chain?

 

I poured some gas in the carb and it ran for a few seconds. I bought a new fuel filter and will replace it this weekend.

The new fuel filter doesn't look like it has a bypass. Only one end is open and it looks to me like fuel wicks through the filter. Also, it's the smallest filter I've ever seen.

Someone asked about the timing chain and it seems to be original.

Thanks for the suggestions. Hopefully the fuel filter resolves it.

 

It is held against the inlet by a fairly weak spring - if the filter clogs up, is is pushed forward against the spring by the fuel pump pressure, allowing fuel to flow out past it.

- Eric

 

Interesting to know, thanks.

Tyler

 

But your problem is probably something else, anyway.

If the running-when-gas-poured-into-carb / Not-running-when-gas-not-poured-into-carb condition holds true, I'm betting on a deteriorated fuel pickup sock, with debris in the gas tank, or maybe a very bad hose between the tank and the steel line.

- Eric

 

Or Fuel Pump.

 

Even if it's less likely to be the cause I thought the fuel filter is cheap and easy enough it'd be a good place to start. From there I should be able to tell if fuel is getting from the fuel pump to the carb.

 

While you have the fuel line disconnected put it into a bucket and have someone crank over the engine. You'll know if its the fuel pump that way. No need to keep guessing.

 

make sure you pull the coil wire first before cranking. I like a glass jar, that way you can inspect for water too.

 

I replaced the fuel filter, which definitely needed to be replaced, but as suggested that didn't fix the problem. No gas comes out of the fuel line from the fuel pump to the carb when I leave it disconnected on the carb end.

It looks like the fuel pump needs to be replaced? Any advice on that procedure?

Tyler

 

Remove hose(s), unscrew flare nut, unscrew one nut and one bolt, remove fuel pump.

Installation is the reverse, be sure that the lever bears properly on the actuating cam.
Put some sealant on the gasket.

- Eric

 

Sounds easy enough, though how do I tell the lever lines up properly with the cam?

Tyler

 

Aim high as your putting it in. The top of the pump will be hard to pull against the block when you get it in. Its actually pretty hard to not put it in right.

 

The top of the pump will be hard to pull against the block when you get it in.
=====================
Rotating the engine to a position that places minimal force on the fuel pump makes it a bit easier.

 

Fuel pump replaced and still no luck. I didn't have time this morning to jack the car up and really look at the fuel lines but from a quick glance they looked ok.

Is there a way to try and siphon fuel out of the fuel line as a test if it's blocked or the pickup is bad? Does the bigger diameter line provide fuel to the fuel pump and the smaller diameter line a return line?

Dropping the fuel tank is out of my comfort zone and if that's required, I'll have to get a friend to help or get it towed to a shop. However, I'd like to know more before doing so.

Tyler

 

SO, back to the fuel lines...

The big one is the supply, the little one is the return.

You can alway just put a long length of hose on one line and see if you can suck up a head of gas for the pump.
If the line is clogged, you'll hit a wall and it'll be really hard to pull anything out.
If the line has a hole in it, you'll just keep sucking air.

- Eric

 

As Eric predicted the problem was the pickup tube. A friend and I replaced the fuel sender last night. The inside of the fuel tank was much cleaner than I expected. An added bonus is the fuel gauge seems more accurate now.

Many thanks for all of the help.

Tyler

 

You're welcome.

Glad you go it fixed!

- Eric

 

Well done glad your back in the saddle.