Banging my head against the wall! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

studeclunker · 04-18-2018, 07:43 PM

Started a thread on the engine and drivetrain forum:

I have an old crate-350 in a '66 Camper special C-20. When I start up any kind of hill it is starving out and just about stalls out. I can back it up the hill (like a tin-lizzie) and the truck runs smoothly. Going forward (uphill) though is just not possible.

It has an electric fuel pump, works well, as far as I can tell.

Thought maybe the electric wasn't putting out sufficient volume, so I put a new mechanical Fuel pump back in and still have the same issue. Tried it with the electric running and with the electric by-passed. It still does the same.

Pulled the sender/intake module from the tank and all appears to be fine. The brass fuel screen cylinder is in beautiful condition. Amazing considering its age. So there's nothing blocking the fuel supply. Would water in the tank do this? That is to say, run fine till I attempt a hill?

Found out why my fuel gauge isn't working. The ground was broken. Fixed that when I put it back together. I'll replace it with a new wire later.

So I'm stumped. Any ideas of what else to look for?

This is frustrating. Sometimes one can get an old vehicle that dawdles along with no issues. you know, the fun ones to own. Other times one finds the vehicle that never stops with the problems. Looks like this truck might be the latter. Then again, maybe once all the 'issues' get worked out the old fellow will move into the former category and be a good reliable truck.

350TacoZilla · 04-18-2018, 08:10 PM

Sounds almost like carb float problem, I used to hate holley carbs offroad due to problems like that though it was due to carb flooding not starvation in my case.

jchav62 · 04-19-2018, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 350TacoZilla

Sounds almost like carb float problem, I used to hate holley carbs offroad due to problems like that though it was due to carb flooding not starvation in my case.

I agree 100%. Adjust the float(s).

Mullda · 04-19-2018, 01:23 PM

Totally agree.

oem4me · 04-19-2018, 01:51 PM

I think there is a saying that goes something like "50% of carb problems are ignition". Try looking for a loose connection or partially severed wire that gravity might have an effect on. A tiny bit of movement in the wrong direction may create a short or break a tentative connection causing ignition trouble. Since you are currently stumped, it's worth investigating.

04-18-2018, 07:43 PM	#1
studeclunker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fawn Lodge, Ca. Posts: 308	Banging my head against the wall! Started a thread on the engine and drivetrain forum: I have an old crate-350 in a '66 Camper special C-20. When I start up any kind of hill it is starving out and just about stalls out. I can back it up the hill (like a tin-lizzie) and the truck runs smoothly. Going forward (uphill) though is just not possible. It has an electric fuel pump, works well, as far as I can tell. Thought maybe the electric wasn't putting out sufficient volume, so I put a new mechanical Fuel pump back in and still have the same issue. Tried it with the electric running and with the electric by-passed. It still does the same. Pulled the sender/intake module from the tank and all appears to be fine. The brass fuel screen cylinder is in beautiful condition. Amazing considering its age. So there's nothing blocking the fuel supply. Would water in the tank do this? That is to say, run fine till I attempt a hill? Found out why my fuel gauge isn't working. The ground was broken. Fixed that when I put it back together. I'll replace it with a new wire later. So I'm stumped. Any ideas of what else to look for? This is frustrating. Sometimes one can get an old vehicle that dawdles along with no issues. you know, the fun ones to own. Other times one finds the vehicle that never stops with the problems. Looks like this truck might be the latter. Then again, maybe once all the 'issues' get worked out the old fellow will move into the former category and be a good reliable truck.

04-18-2018, 08:10 PM	#2
350TacoZilla Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hancock Md Posts: 421	Re: Banging my head against the wall! Sounds almost like carb float problem, I used to hate holley carbs offroad due to problems like that though it was due to carb flooding not starvation in my case.

04-19-2018, 01:23 PM	#4
Mullda Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Knoxville Posts: 11	Re: Banging my head against the wall! Totally agree.

04-19-2018, 01:51 PM	#5
oem4me Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Burbank CA Posts: 3,055	Re: Banging my head against the wall! I think there is a saying that goes something like "50% of carb problems are ignition". Try looking for a loose connection or partially severed wire that gravity might have an effect on. A tiny bit of movement in the wrong direction may create a short or break a tentative connection causing ignition trouble. Since you are currently stumped, it's worth investigating.



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