mikemc53 10 #1 Posted November 13, 2011 Hello - a newbie here. I have a 1974 B-100 that is now in a state of no-start, no-run. It has been hard starting in the past but I had let it sit for a few months and yesterday decided to get it set up for the winter (plow blade and chains). Can't get it to start - it'll fire with ether but quickly dies. I checked the fuel line and there was no gas in the filter - the gas from the tank comes at a slow rate, which I figured was OK since there was only gravity pulling it through. I cleaned the lines but still it is only a trickle at the filter (which is a little less than halfway between the tank and the fuel pump) and I want to be sure if that is how it should be. Does the line from the tank only pull hard when the pump is functioning or should it flow strongly even when things are shut down? If I need to take the tank off and clean everything I will but I'd like to know if the pump is what pulls the fuel from the tank or is it strictly gravity fed until it hits the pump? If it is strictly gravity fed then I need to make sure I have a stronger flow before I tear apart the pump. Thanks and all help is appreciated. By the way, I have been lurking for a long time - great site. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,333 #2 Posted November 13, 2011 :dunno: If your tank has a strainer in the bottom, it may be dirty, or the shut-off valve my be partially clogged. The gas should flow steadily and not have to be pulled by the pump. The gas should come out as if you were pouring it through a drinking straw. Over time, the fuel lines can collapse on the inside, restricting flow. Here is what I would do. If you can get the valve and strainer out, clean both. Replace the fuel lines and in-line fuel filter. Once you get a good steady flow of gas to the inlet of the pump, then test to see if the pump is working by cranking the engine with the spark plug wire off and grounded, and something on the other end of the output hose to catch the gas. You should get a good spurt of at least 6 inches or more with every rotation of the engine. You don't need a lot of volume or pressure, just enough to keep the carburetor bowl full. If you need to replace the pump, new ones are available for under $35.00. Good luck. Let us know what you find. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,546 #3 Posted November 13, 2011 mikemc53, I'm with Bob on everything he said. The one thing I would add is that it's sometimes difficult to get an initial flow of fuel out of the tank to the pump just by gravity alone. There's at least one recent thread here (or on RedSquare Jr?) with some tips for getting the flow started, if I can find it I'll post a link here. EDIT: Here's the link I was looking for: viewtopic.php?f=61&t=31670 Also make sure your fuel line is routed correctly, here's a couple of threads on that: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=18689 viewtopic.php?f=3&t=24527 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #4 Posted November 13, 2011 yes very good advise so far,one thing that ive had lately was an air lock,i had fuel to the pump but it wouldnt draw it,had to take off the pump,put the inlet with a small peice of hose on it and manually pump the lever,then i put it back on and good to go Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikemc53 10 #5 Posted November 16, 2011 Thanks guys. I've been out of town but hope to get a chance to look at it sometime tomorrow (Thursday). Been traveling alot with little time to play with things - hope I've got a few days coming up for that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikemc53 10 #6 Posted November 22, 2011 Well, I took off the fuel lines and the tank first. Cleaned everything real good and noticed that the screen in the tank seemed to be clogged some...slow flow. Cleaned the screen and tank, replaced the lines as they were dried out and had no elasticity and put 'er back together to try before messing with the pump. Fired right up and ran better than this past summer. Love it when something works. Thanks everyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,546 #7 Posted November 22, 2011 Love it when something works. Roger that. It's funny how this stuff works sometimes. Everything Bob and the rest of us suggested, and everything you did, was totally logical and bound to help your situation, but you never REALLY know if it all makes any sense until you crank her up for the first time and see what happens. I still think magic is involved in the process somehow. Congratulations on getting her running again! :dunno: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #8 Posted November 23, 2011 it amazes me how a small tuneup and some time and these motors run,and quite often near as good as new :dunno: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites