No fuel after long winter nap

[Allen I.]

I think the pump is dead. No fuel to bowls or carb. Reading up on mechanical vs electric fuel pump and wondering about the pros and cons.

6 volt, 218, B-2-C

Really wants to start. Pour gas in the carb and she runs a moment and then kaput.

Opinions? Parts? I'll take em.

[norrism1]

Check the fuel filter if you have one. Could have sucked up some debris after sitting all winter.

[Allen I.]

The filter is in a clear bubble. No gunk and dry.

[Aaron]

I had this problem and it turned out that the fuel pump would not pump until I got fuel into it and soaked the diaphram down, then she started to pump just fine.

[Reg Evans]

The filter is in a clear bubble. No gunk and dry.

Well, if the filters are clear you are either out of gas or the pump is not doing it's job.

You might try blowing air into the fuel line just before the fuel pump to see if the line and pick up tube are clear. Have someone listen at the tank for air bubbles.

Here's a fuel problem I diagnosed by simply walking along the highway.

I just discovered something strange with my 38 Dodge coupe. I have run out of gas 3 times since I've owned it. The gauge doesn't work so I keep track of the mileage and fill up after about 100 miles. Three times now I thought I'd travel maybe 150 miles cause the tank holds 16 gallons and I should be getting at least 15 mpg's.

Well.....The last time I ran out of gas was in my brothers driveway after only traveling about 120 miles. I thought it must be a bad fuel pump so I installed a new one. Still no fuel to the carb so I bummed 4 gallons from him and it started up after priming the carb. I then drove right to the gas station. It only took 4 more gallons meaning it's only running on the top 8 gallons at about 15 mpg's. I guess a previous owner did something strange to the pick up tube.

I really dislike un-planned hikes.

[Young Ed]

Reg you might take a looksee through the sending unit hole if you can see it easily on a 38. In my 48 I had a similar problem because the old float was hanging around in the tank and when it got low it would get sucked into the pickup.

[MBF]

Reg-I thought I was the only one that did that type of on the move bookkeeping! Until I get the guage from my '36 back, and a sending unit for the 52 1ton that is the method I'm using to track fuel. Also carry a spare gallon in each just in case my bookkeeping is off! Mike

[Reg Evans]

It's a very good thing we're not into vintage aircraft eh ?

[bach4660]

I had this problem and it turned out that the fuel pump would not pump until I got fuel into it and soaked the diaphram down, then she started to pump just fine.

You can manually fill up the float, or you can give your truck a blow job. while you crank the starter have someone blow air into the tank, a little pressure will start the gas moving basically priming the pump.