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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,612
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mechanical fuel pump - not working?
I have an old 1950s Clark forklift.
It's been almost bulletproof for years. Last year, the coil went out and I rebuilt the carburetor. I tried to start it a few days ago, and nothing. Starting fluid only seems to make it cough. So I disconnect the fuel line, bump the starter with a remote starter button, and there is no fuel flowing out of the fuel line at the carburetor float boal. Disassembling the fuel pump shows no signs of cracks in the diaphragm. In fact, the check valves seem to be pumping when I manually work the plunger. I would just bolt on a new fuel pump, but the dealer is closed today. So I have until Monday to tinker with it. And I can't figure out which type of fuel pump it is. I'm going to guess a Carter, but the Napa Auto guys would have a fit trying to cross reference a Continental 1950s truck fuel pump that may not be original. Do you guys have any tricks that you use to further test mechanical fuel pumps? |
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07-03-2015, 03:02 PM
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I'm with Bill
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Scottsville Va
Posts: 24,186
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It sounds like you have already done the only test there is, You can always do away with the mec. pump with a block off plate and use something like a Holly Red and go electric
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Electrical problems on a pick-up will do that to a guy- 1990C4S |
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07-03-2015, 03:07 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Valencia Pa.
Posts: 8,843
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Maybe spend a few minutes and make sure the fuel lines are open, and also have no cracks or rust holes. Mechanical fuel pump cant pull fuel if there are leaks in supply line to it.
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No left turn un stoned |
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07-03-2015, 04:09 PM
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Functionista
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: CO
Posts: 7,717
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Use air gun and rag as a seal to fuel filler neck and blow some air in the tank while someone tries to start vehicle.
Also easier to spot tiny leaks in supply line to pump using this method.
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Jeff 74 911, #3 I do not disbelieve in anything. I start from the premise that everything is true until proved false. Everything is possible. |
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07-03-2015, 04:29 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,612
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I did check the fuel lines for blockage with compressed air.
But never did try pressurizing the fuel tank. I'll try that. I think one of the check valves is bad. |
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07-03-2015, 06:48 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,612
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UPDATE:
I got her running. Pressurizing the fuel tank was messy, but it did help to gently unstick the check valves, which were the problem. I made sure all the hoses and pipes and stuff were clear, took the fuel filter out, and placed both inlet hose and outlet hose in a jar of gasoline. Nothing. Then tried the air pressure, and I could see bubbles start to spray out of the outlet hose. Kept cranking the fuel pump with the romote starter button. When the pump was primed, the check valves came open and a nice slug of gas started to chug out of the outlet hose. Started up and purred like a kitten. The motor is an old 1950s Continental truck engine. Fantastic torque. Burns gas like a jet motor though. |
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07-06-2015, 03:06 PM
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