first64riv Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 Hello. We've been between houses so the Riviera has been dormant for a couple of month. Well, today I went to start her up and she would not fire. I pulled the fuel line from the filter and cranked but no fuel. The last time it took a while to prime was after I changed the carburetor and the fuel lines. This seems to be taking longer but it's been so long I forget. Could the fuel pump have died while sitting? I drove the car to its current location so I know it has ran recently. Thank you Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
demon452 Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 Could be a possiably. Have to pull the inlet from the tank to fuel pump.See if you feel any suction from the fuel pump. If not there's your problem. If you do may have to trace your rubber lines see if any are broke even on top of the tank connecting to your fuel line. Could be sucking air. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
first64riv Posted February 17, 2019 Author Share Posted February 17, 2019 Thanks for the reply. I pulled the dipstick and it smelled like fuel. I'll check for vacuum in a bit. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 Did you buy a new or rebuilt pump. An "NOS" pump might not have ethanol proof gaskets and the ethanol is eating through them. Try rebuilding your pump with some new gaskets made from ethanol proof material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted February 17, 2019 Share Posted February 17, 2019 If I know I am starting a long term dry fuel system I like to disconnect the fuel line at the carb and use a hand vacuum pump to draw fuel through the line from the tank to prime everything. If you draw fuel into a bleed bottle you can look for rust and contamination as well as smell stale gas. I do it mostly to avoid cranking the starter more than necessary for priming. But it will keep you from flexing a dry diaphragm, too. Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
first64riv Posted February 17, 2019 Author Share Posted February 17, 2019 3 hours ago, RivNut said: Did you buy a new or rebuilt pump. An "NOS" pump might not have ethanol proof gaskets and the ethanol is eating through them. Try rebuilding your pump with some new gaskets made from ethanol proof material. This seems to be the factory fuel pump. I can see AC stamped on it on both sides. It is not rebuildable as far as I can tell. I am dreading buying an aftermarket one based on the failures observed with newer ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
first64riv Posted February 17, 2019 Author Share Posted February 17, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, 60FlatTop said: If I know I am starting a long term dry fuel system I like to disconnect the fuel line at the carb and use a hand vacuum pump to draw fuel through the line from the tank to prime everything. If you draw fuel into a bleed bottle you can look for rust and contamination as well as smell stale gas. I do it mostly to avoid cranking the starter more than necessary for priming. But it will keep you from flexing a dry diaphragm, too. Bernie I pulled the rubber line, before the pump, attached to the steel line. Gas poured out the steel line. This makes me pretty sure the pump has failed. Edited February 17, 2019 by first64riv (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lrlforfun Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 OK Riviera People: The gas tanks are starting to fail in droves. Corrosion that clogs the fuel pump and carb....allowing tons of fuel in the crankcase. I'm seeing it a lot! Mitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 Gas tanks are not ethanol proof with ethanol being corrosive and hydroscopic. Water and rust! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
first64riv Posted February 19, 2019 Author Share Posted February 19, 2019 I've got a new fuel pump on the way. I'll see if that fixes it. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
first64riv Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 My fuel pump came in today. I installed it and changed the oil. The car fired right up. So the answer to my question is yes...the fuel pump could go bad after sitting for two months. I'll be happy to answer any questions regarding the install. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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