Guest Jet Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 my '67 Wildcat won't start and I've traced the problem to the fuel pump by using starter fluid. I'm now trying to figure out whether I have a clogged line leading to the pump or a malfunctioning pump. The pump has two lines leading to it, one is larger than the other - I'm not sure, but would the larger one be the return line? I removed the smaller tube from the pump and placed my finger over the tube on the pump, then had someone crank the ignition to test for pressure and I didn't feel any (though I'm not positive if I could with a mechanical fuel pump.) I'm a bit lost, where should I go from here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 67 Wildcat doesn't have a return line. You should have a line coming up the frame from the tank and another to the carburetor.Try replacing the fuel filter if it hasn't been replaced in living memory. This is the cheapest part to buy and easiest to replace. You can disconnect the fuel line at the carb, stick it in a 2 liter pop bottle and turn the key. There should be healthy squirts of fuel, say about a half cup of fuel in 3 or 4 squirts. Disconnect the coil so the engine can't fire up.Was the car running up until today or has it been off the road for a while? It can make a difference where to look.If you suspect a clogged fuel line you can disconnect it at the pump and blow through with compressed air.With the fuel lines disconnected you should be able to feel suction on the intake and pressure on the outlet if you turn the engine over. 2 to 5 pounds of pressure, not a lot but you should feel it if you cover it with your finger.If you have a vacuum/pressure gauge you can tell exactly how much pressure you have but not many people have them anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Bet a dollar to a doughnut that your pump is original or an old rebuild, and the ethanol in our new gas has attacked the diaphragm....and now it won't pump...If so the pump will need to be rebuilt with a newer diaphragm or replaced with a newer unit, either resistant to the 10% stuff... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jet Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Thanks for the help, I'll try out your suggestions. Yeah, it must be the pump because I think I would have felt at least some pressure from the intake valve.I honestly have two lines going from my tank to the pump. Here they are connecting to the tank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 Thanks for the help, I'll try out your suggestions. Yeah, it must be the pump because I think I would have felt at least some pressure from the intake valve.I honestly have two lines going from my tank to the pump. Here they are connecting to the tank[ATTACH=CONFIG]224958[/ATTACH]While I'm not a Buick expert, the same-year Oldsmobiles did use a return line on some applications. The return line is the smaller of the two (usually 1/4"). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted November 28, 2013 Share Posted November 28, 2013 In that case the big one is the fuel line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_padavano Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 I'll add that while the fuel pump may very well be the problem, check the rubber lines on the suction side for cracks. Since this is the suction side, any cracks will let the pump suck air, which will cause the same problems you've described. The hose from the tank sender to the hard line on the frame is the most likely candidate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ply33 Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 Bet a dollar to a doughnut that your pump is original or an old rebuild, and the ethanol in our new gas has attacked the diaphragm....and now it won't pump...If so the pump will need to be rebuilt with a newer diaphragm or replaced with a newer unit, either resistant to the 10% stuff...We really do need the "like" button working. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted November 29, 2013 Share Posted November 29, 2013 Dollar to a doughnut was quite an overlay when doughnuts cost a nickel. Now that they cost $1.10, not so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweet64rivi Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 www.pure-gas.org that list gas stations that sell non-ethanol pure gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryJ Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 If it's a bad diaphragm; check your crankcase to see if it hemorrhaged fuel into it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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