Help! Truck won't stay running

[c10chevy69]

The truck was running fine last week but it started coughing and sputtering then died. I tried to start it a few times but nothing. Had it towed home and replaced the fuel pump but didn't help. The engine turns over and sounds like it wants to start but dies right away. It's a 350 with an Edelbrock 1405. It did backfire through the exhaust after the last try. Then I quit trying. Any suggestions?

[Solver]

I would dump some gas down the carb and see if it runs for a little while. If not then fuel is your problem. Maybe fuel filter in carb. If it runs for a little while once you dump the fuel then it has to be spark problem.

[cdowns]

points, plugs ,condensor,distributor cap,sparkplug wires, gas and fuel filters// set dwell, gap ,timing // it's called a tuneup then see where you're at // old vehicles need these items looked at on a frequent basis to stay in proper running condition

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by Solver

I would dump some gas down the carb and see if it runs for a little while. If not then fuel is your problem. Maybe fuel filter in carb. If it runs for a little while once you dump the fuel then it has to be spark problem.

I think you have that backwards.: If you spray fuel or started fluid down the carb and it runs momentarily that indicates a fuel delivery issue and the ignition is OK. If it won't fire with starter fluid or fuel sprayed in there, you likely have an ignition issue.

Could also be a vacuum leak in the carb or manifold. Check all fittings, ports, and lines to/from those.

[Longhorn Man]

Do you still have the old points ignition system?

[c10chevy69]

It's HEI. Thank you cdowns I am aware of a tuneup. I did one a few months and replaced the plug wires.

[cdowns]

with gas line disconnected from carb going into a container if you crank for 15seconds you should get a little over a cup of gas if not fuel supply prob either bad pump or clogged tank strainer

hei ??was a new wire run for power?? if not cause could be burned up module due to lo voltage another common prob with hei is bad module ground//take a plug out ground to engine and turnover and check for spark

[Solver]

Frizzle you are right . I just re read my post and do have it backwards. Just got home from work when I posted and was still alittle brain dead! Oh well !

[boogie67]

check your plugs they could be wet.TO much gas thats what happen to mine.
I changed the plugs cranked right up.

[kq4pc]

Hello all, tought i would put my 2 cents in.i had a truck ,started and ran good everytime i tryed it.i had a guy wanting to buy it,he came to look at the truck.would not hit a lick.i changed the iginition module in dist.started and ran great.might try that. Bobby

[blazerparts]

I just had to change a hei coil and module.

[cdowns]

another thing if you have a tachometer it could be the promlem /disconnect the tach lead from the dizz

[Steelawork'n]

Yeah, check the cap and rotor. I went to (if I remember right) a 12g wire for power...not direct though, it goes through the ignition switch. Vacuum leaks can also cause flame outs but not failure to fires.

[*Pi]

To offer an option
Sounds like it might be a slack timming chain that has jumped a tooth maybe.....

*Pi

[roughedup72]

Everybody seems to say the same thing so just be careful of the backfires, they tend to let your vehicle catch fire that way. You may want to check the power wire where it connects to your dizzy.It could have come loose. Good luck.

[jhow66]

Carb is flooding on you. Remove all plugs and see if they are wet. If wet crank engine over to clean out cylinders of raw gas. Install new plugs. Disconnect fuel line on tank side of pump. If it starts let it run until it uses all gas in carb. Reconnect fuel line. If there was a piece of dirt under one of your float needles the on rushing gas should wash it out (if you are lucky). If not luckly remove top of carb and clean needle seats.
(above advice carries no written warrenty)