fuel delivery issues ain't getting none

[DanMcG]

My 85 k10 with a 350 holley carb is not getting fuel.
Usually after sitting for a week or more it takes a lot of cranking to get it to start. yesterday after not starting all winter it was no different, except this time with way to much cranking I got nothing. I pulled the fuel line at the carb and cranked it....no fuel coming out. Yes the tank has fuel.
Before I go and change the fuel pump (mechanical) does anyone have any suggestions for pinpoint the issue.
I'm figuring its either the pump or a cracked line between the tank and the pump. or a long shot, the filter is so clogged it not letting fuel to pass, which I'll check shortly when the temps get above freezing.

And yes it will fire with starter fluid.

any thoughts?

 

[Big Chip]

I’d start with the fuel pump. I had an ‘86 that just ate through fuel pumps and it was a daily driver. I’d do 2 a year usually. On my Chevelle when it gets hard to start with a lot of cranking I’ve learned to change the pump and I’m right back to easy starts again.

 

[Charlie]

I installed new pump and It would intermittently bog down. It was store brand from O'reilly's. Finally got tired of it and returned for warranty and ordered an AC Delco. Cost was more but no more bogging down issues. So far I do believe that was problem. May not be your issue but I have no issues anymore. Just a FYI.

 

[DanMcG]

While on the subject, how the heck does the carb bowl go dry doesn't leak, siphon back somehow?

 

[Snoots]

Before you go throwing money at a fuel pump, disconnect it from the carb and crank it.
If you get fuel out, change out the carb filter. If it's been sitting a long while the jets may be varnished...carb rebuild necessary.

 

[Big Chip]

While on the subject, how the heck does the carb bowl go dry doesn't leak, siphon back somehow?

I’ve heard that it can evaporate if the float level is too low. That’s just hearsay though, I have no experience with it.

 

[DanMcG]

Before you go throwing money at a fuel pump, disconnect it from the carb and crank it.
If you get fuel out, change out the carb filter. If it's been sitting a long while the jets may be varnished...carb rebuild necessary.

Thanks Snoots, I just separated the line before the filter and I get nothing after cranking.

 

[Snoots]

When you disconnect the pump, make sure that you're getting fuel from the tank.
I just went thru a bunch of @$#%! because I didn't check that flow. The sock filter in the tank was the problem.

 

[DanMcG]

When you disconnect the pump, make sure that you're getting fuel from the tank.

I got a fuel pump coming and in the mean time I wanted to see if the issue was before the pump, but I haven't figured a way to to pull a vacuum on it. I think the shop vac might be a little much.

 

[Backfoot100]

Disconnect the fuel tank inlet to the pump and hook up a makeshift line into a gas can.
Then cannot to see if it pumps. That'll tell you if its the pump or the tank.

 

[Backfoot100]

God Damn autocorrect.
Should be "Then crank it to see if it pumps".

 

[DanMcG]

ok, if I was to blow low pressure air from the post pump line back to the tank could that clear the sock filter to see if it was the issue?
this stay at home stuff is got me thinking to much

 

[Snoots]

You could blow the sock off that way. Better to blow into the tank.

 

[DanMcG]

thank you Sir.

 

[Ricko1966]

My last go around chasing a fuel delivery problem.I changed the pump worked mmm for awhile .More problems put on another pump no difference.Took off the pump pulled the plate pushed on the fp push rod while cranking a with remote switch,pump lobe on cam was wearing off.Changed to electric pump e8012 airtex I think, mmm barely ok.8019 airtex problem solved.