Did my accelerator pump die?

[gmebey]

First of all I have a 1969 C20 pickup with a SB350, mechanical fuel pump and Edelbrock 1902 carb.

I need a second opinion on my diagnoses.

About a week ago the mechanical fuel pump started leaking, so I replaced it with a basic $20 one from O’reilly’s. All went well; I started the engine and let it idle for 10-15 minutes while cleaning up and then decided to take the truck out for a test drive.

When I pressed on the accelerator the engine died. This has never happened before. I restarted and tried it again, but this time slowly pressing the accelerator. It took a bit of doing but the engine reved up and I was on my way. So I drove the truck around the block, but really had no power. Every time I tried to punch it the engine fell flat……my first thought was the accelerator pump died.

When I got home I turned off the engine and looked down in the carb while actuating the throttle linkage. There was no jet of fuel until the last 50% of the throttle travel.

So I am right that my accelerator pump died or should I be considering something else?

[michael bustamante]

sounds like you got a faulty fuel pump

[sneakysnake]

Do you have a filter between pump and carb? may have put trash in line from shot old pump.

[michael bustamante]

or a filter between tank and pump? the filter might be causing the pump to work too hard

[gmebey]

I purchased the truck as a project and haven't had time to address all the 45 years of band aids. So needless to say I don't have the luxury of doing everything at once and forced to do things as I have time and money. Time being the bigger issue no since I need to get the truck running so I can use it to move some landscaping scraps.

Next on the list was to pull the engine and re-gasket and maybe rebuild it, and re-bushing the rear control arms.

When I was replacing the fuel pump I noticed there wasn't a up stream filter, so at this point all I have is the small filter in the carb. I also noticed the steel fuel from the pump to carb is in rather poor condition...looks like it was shaped using a hammer.

My plan is to add a fuel filter before the pump (frame mounted) and replace the small one in the carb. But that is dependent on time.

So I may have a bad fuel pump. What is a good way to test it? Flow or pressure?

[gmebey]

Amendment to last post.

Were is the factory up-stream fuel filter in a 69 C20? Or is there one?

[michael bustamante]

its kinda a bad idea to place a filter before the pump as its alot easier to "push" fuel rather than "pull" or suck it.
put a filter after the pump and ive heard not a glass one as they can explode from residual heat

[cdowns]

fuel filter is inside the carb by the inlet of the tubing

[Coley]

I agree with the guys in leaving out the 'upstream filter'....not needed. Stick with a metal inline filter between the pump and/or the carb and the internal cartridge filter at the carb fitting.
That said, also test your fuel pump to make sure its functioning and pumping properly. Disconnect the fuel line at the carb and put the end of the line into a fuel tank then get someone to turn the truck over and watch for good fuel flow.
This will give you some info on the condition of the new fuel pump.
Get some info on these items...then we can move on how to do some easy, quick stuff on the carb to check its operation.
all Good
Coley

[gmebey]

Solved! The small filter in the carb was clogged, so I replacec it. And added a 2nd filter just before the carb.

Thanks for all the help