QuestionHi- I have a 1965 Imperial and have had a great deal of trouble with the fuel
system. Three months ago my fuel pump gave out on the freeway. It was
very confusing as to that it was the fuel pump as I also had no spark.
Replacing the coil fixed this. Then, the car would still not start so I replaced
the fuel filter, and took out the mechanical fuel pump. This was bench tested
and proven blown. Replaced the fuel pump with a new one and the car would
still not start. Took the pump off and hooked a hose up to one end of the
pump and stuck it in a gas can while working the lever until it shot gas.
Reinstalled the pump. Gas still not getting to the carburator. Gave one last
shot at tightening the bolts down tight as possible out of sheer anger and car
started. Fast forward two months. Car will not start, same symptoms as
before. Replace very clogged fuel filter. No go. Take out pump and test.
Tests fine. Take out push-rod to find it sheered on opposite sides. Replace
this and reinstall working pump. Car does not start. Run a short hose from
fuel pump to gas can and try to start car. Car does not start. Use starting
fluid. Car sputters starts and dies. Replace gas can with small cup full of
starter fluid and lead the hose going to the fuel pump into it. Car starts. Fast
forward two months later. Car won't start. Very clogged fuel filter. Replace.
Check pump. Pump is bad. Replace pump. Use starting fluid trick. Does not
work. Very frusterated at this time and would like any advice you may have.
Thank you so much.
Varla
AnswerIt appears that the root cause of all this is a badly contaminated fuel tank. SO, step one is to pull the tank and get it professionally cleaned out and re-sealed. There are companies that do this for you - Tank ReNU is one of them.
Once you have a nice clean fuel tank, replace all the rubber hoses in the lines front and back, blow out the steel lines with solvent and compressed air, and replace the filter and pump again, and clean out the float bowl in the carburetor - put new needle valves and seats in the fuel inlets to the carburetor, and blow spray type carb cleaner through all the passages in the carburetor, including the idle passages (take the idle mixture screws out and stick the nozzle of the carb spray in there and give it a healthy squirt. Once you have done all that, your troubles should be over for good. The AFB carburetor and the 413 engine are two of the best designed, most bulletproof items in the automotive world (I know, I have them too) and your car was 100% reliable when it was new - it will be again.
Dick
