inline fuel filter with check valve??

[tcm541]

Newbie here...hopefully I can get some tips...

My machine is a 1972 Suburban C10. It's a family car - Dad bought it new, and I kept it when he passed away. A lot of memories: Dad and I drove to Alaska in this truck; I learned to drive in this truck; I had my first accident in this truck; I had my first date in this truck. Needless to say, I'm keeping it for more than just its good looks <grin>!

The problem is that I don't drive it often. And when I do, I have to crank and crank and crank it to get fuel up to the carb. That's not good on the battery or the starter. (Even if its only a couple of days it is hard to start.)

So, being the avid web surfer I am, I ended up here, reading tips and fixes for this kind of problem. But there's no money in the budget for replacing the carb (sorry, Edelbrock Co.) or even replacing the 'plumbing'. The least expensive tip I've read so far is to get an inline fuel filter with an integral check valve. Sounds interesting! But I need assistance - brand? part number? Any suggestions?

Thanks, all!

[raycow]

I don't believe a check valve will help you. Here is why:

1. If you are losing fuel from the carb (which it sounds like you are), a check valve won't stop that.
2. A stock mechanical fuel pump already has two check valves in it. It couldn't pump if it didn't.

My suggestion: Install an electric fuel pump and use it to fill the carb before you crank the engine.

Ray

[cdowns]

yeah check valve would solve nothing// i'd do a complete tune up and adjustment of all ignitioin and fuel system b4 blindly throwing parts at it// a very over looked item is the in carb fuel filter in quadrajet carbs, as well as petrified air filters causeing air starvation to engine,cleaning setting gaps on both points and plugs
next time your going for a longer ride put a can of seafoam cleaner in your gastank,and keep in mind freash gas works alot better than older stale gas

[msgross]

Why not just put a new mechanical fuel pump on it? Cost $20 and will take you about an hour to do...

[tcm541]

Thanks guys - I'll check some of those tips. One thing I don't have to do is the points - that was all replaced with an HEI distributor last year. Runs great after I get it started

[raycow]

Please humor me on this. The next time you need to start the engine, pour a spoonful or two of gas down the carb throat before you crank it. Be sure to put the air filter back on. If it fires up faster now, then you know your problem is an empty carb.

Ray

[silverstreak]

Originally Posted by raycow

I don't believe a check valve will help you. Here is why:

1. If you are losing fuel from the carb (which it sounds like you are), a check valve won't stop that.
2. A stock mechanical fuel pump already has two check valves in it. It couldn't pump if it didn't.

My suggestion: Install an electric fuel pump and use it to fill the carb before you crank the engine.

Ray

An electric pump solved the same problem on my 63 as well. I just turn the ignition switch to "on" for about a half a minute to refill the carb before I crank it over. Just get a decent quality one, my first one only lasted 200 miles.