1977 Chevy C10 known as SharkBite

[knomadd]

Hey Korwin, did you get this sorted out?

[77ChevySharkBite]

I sure didn't, it's still sitting in my driveway not running.

[knomadd]

OK. So for fuel, I assume it ran when you parked it, so it should still work. If the truck has been sitting for a couple of weeks without running, the fuel has likely evaporated from the carb and needs to be refilled... meaning you'll need to crank it for a little while and pump the gas until it starts. Or, crank it and hold the pedal to the floor, like you would do if the carb was flooded. Only crank it for about 15 seconds and stop for about 5 so you don't kill the battery in one shot. If you still don't have fuel, check your filter (cheapest thing to replace) and try again. If that doesn't work, you'll probably need to replace the pump.

As for spark, if you pull a plug wire and hold it (with a pair of rubber handled pliers) within an inch of the block and have someone crank the engine, you should see spark, if not then the dizzy isn't getting power. So, check your fuse block to make sure you didn't blow a fuse. Then check your wires to make sure (1) they are correct, and (2) they are connected firmly to the terminals. If those check out, pull your cap and check your rotor to see if it's still in good shape. If not, replace both the cap and rotor. If that doesn't work, I'd replace your coil and try again. If you STILL don't have spark, the ignition module will likely be your problem.

[knomadd]

Oh, you may need to try the crank cycle for a minute or two before you get fuel in the carb. Have someone watch the carb for fuel while you're cranking (not too close in case it back-fires) We wouldn't want anyone to lose any eyebrows

[77ChevySharkBite]

If I can out the fuel filter aside from it being brand new what's the advantages to it? Would it help suction? I did indeed try to crank for a good 10 seconds suggesting what you did and nothing happened. I'm honestly thinking it's fuel related.

Reason I say that is I've let it sit for 2 weeks before just gave it some time and it cranked up eventually.

I'll double check all my fuses though because like you said never know it could be a simple fuse.

[knomadd]

To help you understand how the fuel system works, I'll explain a little for you... I'm a Civil Engineer, so there are all kinds of terms I can use to relate this, but I'll try to keep it to the car guy lingo.

The level of fuel in your gas tank (above the pump) applies pressure (called head pressure) to the pump. Think of it like holding a large bucket of water with one arm above your head. It's heavy, right? Your gas tank is like that. Fuel has weight, so it is forced out of the tank by the weight through the fuel line to the pump. Your pump applies more pressure to lift the fuel to the carb. So the system is run on pressure.

If your filter is clogged with dirt, rust, whatever, it can't push the fuel through it. Even if your filter is new, it can clog if you have junk in your tank.

so, forget the filter for now... how long did you try to crank the engine before you gave up?

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by knomadd

To help you understand how the fuel system works, I'll explain a little for you... I'm a Civil Engineer, so there are all kinds of terms I can use to relate this, but I'll try to keep it to the car guy lingo.

The level of fuel in your gas tank (above the pump) applies pressure (called head pressure) to the pump. Think of it like holding a large bucket of water with one arm above your head. It's heavy, right? Your gas tank is like that. Fuel has weight, so it is forced out of the tank by the weight through the fuel line to the pump. Your pump applies more pressure to lift the fuel to the carb. So the system is run on pressure.

If your filter is clogged with dirt, rust, whatever, it can't push the fuel through it. Even if your filter is new, it can clog if you have junk in your tank.

so, forget the filter for now... how long did you try to crank the engine before you gave up?

Got it I understand it for the most part

I was roughly cranking it for about 10seconds and would give it 5 second breaks and I did that 3 times and then gave up.

[knomadd]

Originally Posted by 77ChevySharkBite

Got it I understand it for the most part

I was roughly cranking it for about 10seconds and would give it 5 second breaks and I did that 3 times and then gave up.

That's probably not long enough to get the fuel to your carb. I've let my GTO sit for a week and had to crank it for about 30 seconds before I got fuel. When I let it sit for a few weeks, It takes considerably longer. I think the longest it took was about 2 minutes of crank and wait, crank and wait, crank and wait....

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

Do you see the fan turning when you do this?

Your fuel tanks/pumps have to suck the fuel ~up~ out of the tank, since the tank outlet is on the top. Any wee air leaks in the lines between the tank and pump will reduce the available suction from the pump to the fuel in the tank. Any restriction (in-tank "sock," after-pump filter, or in-carb filter) will reduce flow.

Do you know that you have spark or not?

(I'm not a civil engineer, but I do teach high school Auto Mechanics for a living.)

* I wish I had all your chrome trim for my '77. Ain't got none of it on mine.

Yes my fan is indeed turning that was one of the first things I checked.

When I did a spark test initially I didn't see anything happening but I read from another member that I need to hold it closer to the block and have a friend turn the key to see if I'm getting spark, because when I did the spark test so that I could see plug wire, I had it held on the brake booster resvoir just under the bar to keep it from moving.

Thanks for the compliment on the chrome, it's really worth the money I think. I'm not a huge fan of chrome but on classics I think it looks good if there's a little chrome to compliment the motor.

Originally Posted by knomadd

That's probably not long enough to get the fuel to your carb. I've let my GTO sit for a week and had to crank it for about 30 seconds before I got fuel. When I let it sit for a few weeks, It takes considerably longer. I think the longest it took was about 2 minutes of crank and wait, crank and wait, crank and wait....

Oh wow maybe that's what I need to do then.


I will also add that when I stop trying to crank the truck up, and turn the key in the off position and then try to crank it sounds like it wants to crank but then it just spins.

[knomadd]

I should clarify that if you have an in-tank fuel pump (I'm sure you don't) those types of pumps operate on suction for the inlet, but pressure for outlet.

[SkinnyG]

I put a crease in a small tin can to help funnel the fuel into the float bowl vent.

You could just dump it down the barrels, but filling the float is the best.

If you use a water bottle or pop bottle, be sure you don't leave it around where little kids could drink it.

[Sodell]

Korwin, You can hold your finger over the spout and just pour a little in the carb. It will fire right away if fuel is the only problem. Sorry I did not explain myself about the spark plug ground....

[77ChevySharkBite]

Hey guys thank y'all for all the tips and advice on starting issue. I haven't been able to get messing with my truck. My dad is in the hospital so just like everyone knows family is first but I will be getting to work back on it as soon as I can but I want/need to make sure my dad is okay first.

I do hope everyone had a great and wonderful Christmas!

[knomadd]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope your dad gets better soon.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Thanks Duane!

Good news is my dad is going to be coming home tomorrow.

Also found out my issue, my fuel gauge reads wrong its reading 1/4 tank and well my fuel tank is pretty well empty can't even hear a slosh of fuel in it. So when my dad finally gets home going to run up to the gas station up the corner and put some gas and give it a go

[77ChevySharkBite]

So put 2 gallons of gas in the truck and well as we all know it cranked up good after about 10 seconds.

So I got a few cheap side projects to do now. Fuel hose so old it leaks just a little which is a simple fix, but I do have a question since my fuel gauge is reading incorrectly is that a sending unit issue, or actually guage issue?

[SkinnyG]

Originally Posted by 77ChevySharkBite

So put 2 gallons of gas in the truck and well as we all know it cranked up good after about 10 seconds.

Does this mean it now runs? Your terminology still confuses me. To be clear:

"Cranking" = The internal engine assembly is rotating via the starter, not via the combustion process

"Starting" = The process of rotating the internal engine assembly via the starter to begin the combustion process, resulting in the engine running on its own.

"Running" = The internal engine assembly is rotating via the combustion process, not via the starter.

The terminology becomes important when troubleshooting, ie: "Cranks but does not start" or "Starts but does not stay running."

I'm hoping I can congratulate you on a running engine?

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by knomadd

It's likely the sending unit. I can't rule out the gauge or wiring 100%, but I'd bet it's the sending unit. The float is probably hanging too low. Hopefully its an easy fix by bending the arm a little to pull the float up some.

The gauge is usually good up until it just stops working. The wiring could cause some wrong readings if it's old and brittle, not allowing the full signal to get to the gauge, but probably wouldn't be so bad that it would be off by a 1/4 tank.

Thanks for the advice Duane I appreciate it!

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

Does this mean it now runs? Your terminology still confuses me. To be clear:

"Cranking" = The internal engine assembly is rotating via the starter, not via the combustion process

"Starting" = The process of rotating the internal engine assembly via the starter to begin the combustion process, resulting in the engine running on its own.

"Running" = The internal engine assembly is rotating via the combustion process, not via the starter.

The terminology becomes important when troubleshooting, ie: "Cranks but does not start" or "Starts but does not stay running."

I'm hoping I can congratulate you on a running engine?

My motor is starting and running. What happened is that the truck was just cranking that's all, but once I put the fuel it just cranked for about 10secs and then it started, and is now running. Does that make enough sense using your terminology?

Yes you can congratulate me on a running engine. Thank you for clearing up the terminology because now I can use it accordingly and help explain issues more. Thank you so much!

[knomadd]

It's likely the sending unit. I can't rule out the gauge or wiring 100%, but I'd bet it's the sending unit. The float is probably hanging too low. Hopefully its an easy fix by bending the arm a little to pull the float up some.

The gauge is usually good up until it just stops working. The wiring could cause some wrong readings if it's old and brittle, not allowing the full signal to get to the gauge, but probably wouldn't be so bad that it would be off by a 1/4 tank.

[SkinnyG]

Congratulations on a running engine!

Skinny "helpful-but-anal-retentive-vocabulary-guy" G

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

Congratulations on a running engine!

Skinny "helpful-but-anal-retentive-vocabulary-guy" G

Thanks man!

Hey I rather know the right terminology and be able to have better help than everyone in a loop and have plenty of different answers, so thank you for the knowledge you've given me!

[Sodell]

Korwin, did you ever figure out how to test the spark at the plug? It's good to know for the future. They do have some spark light tester's but I always brake mine, as they sit in the tool box for years before I try them again. LOL.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Originally Posted by Sodell

Korwin, did you ever figure out how to test the spark at the plug? It's good to know for the future. They do have some spark light tester's but I always brake mine, as they sit in the tool box for years before I try them again. LOL.

No I never tested it, but I know at least I have knowledge of how to do so.

[77ChevySharkBite]

Small question let the truck run for a couple minutes today and one time when I revved it actual fuel was spit out does that mean its running rich?

[knomadd]

Where did the fuel come from (assuming carb, but what part) and where did it squirt (inside the carb, out to the fire wall???)