1980 C20 Died

[44SAA]

So I was on the highway admiring the scenery when all of a sudden I lost all power. Thankfully, I was in a safe spot and pulled over to the shoulder with no issues. Hooked up a jump pack- no start. Got a tow safely home. My alternator is OEM so I figured it gave up the ghost and drained the bat. Purchased a new alt, charged the bat and success. However, today while attempting to start no joy. Cleaned and checked all the grounds. Still have spark. I’m at a loss. When I turn the key interior lights and fan blows. It’s almost like I triggered a kill switch. I know this is vague and I’m barely handy with a wrench, but looking for some solicited advice.

Thanks 44-40

[44SAA]

So I just turned the key and it started. However, it idles very rough and is acting like it’s fuel starved. Unless I give it gas it dies.

Question- on 1980 fuel toggle switch is LH passenger side tank? Also, just noticed I have fuel coming out near the front of the carb

[Dead Parrot]

I have seen several Q-jets leak at the front casting plug on the fuel filter housing.

Another thing to check are the hoses from the tanks to the valve and from the valve to the frame as well as from the frame to the fuel pump. Old rotted hoses can let air in. Also an energetic mouse can chew holes in hoses.

Could be a plugged fuel filter.

Sounds like you have had two closely timed failures. If the battery cables are old, they could be mostly rotted on the inside even if they look good on the outside. Something to keep in mind if you keep having electrical issues.

[44SAA]

Exceptional ideas Parrot, thank you. I replaced the fuel filter. Gonna change the bat cables now thanks to your suggestion. I just cinched down the carb and the leak stopped- guess after 40yrs things jiggle loose. It now starts about half the time very easily.

[44SAA]

Okay I am convinced I am starved of fuel. What I’ve done~
1) replaced inlet carb filter and alternator. Also removed fuel line and and caught about 1 pint in 10 seconds- it was really gushing. Maybe pump only works intermittently...
2) confirmed I have good spark and fresh/tested bat
3) truck started and took for a spin
4) after 5 miles truck died
5) started instantly w ether and made it home
6) poured 1/2 cup of gas in bowl and starts instantly and runs for 10 seconds and dies


Any thoughts boys?

[old Rusty C10]

after it gets hot and dies you need to check to see if the fuel pump is pumping

[burnin oil]

if you suspect a fuel pump failure double check your oil. You can get gas in the oil if the diaphram gets a hole in it.

[44SAA]

Yeah so I yanked the carb off- needle was stuck...carb is OEM, time for a rebuild

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by 44SAA

Yeah so I yanked the carb off- needle was stuck...carb is OEM, time for a rebuild

Stuff just doesn't last anymore, does it?

[malc1080]

can someone help me out please? anyone own a 1979-1980 c20 suburban (cali
approved not federal) with factory 454 that still has the emission sticker diagram? I really need a picture of it to follow it and put the 454 back to original to pass smog in cali. thank you

[Bloodhound]

Originally Posted by malc1080

can someone help me out please? anyone own a 1979-1980 c20 suburban (cali
approved not federal) with factory 454 that still has the emission sticker diagram? I really need a picture of it to follow it and put the 454 back to original to pass smog in cali. thank you

Are you putting this request in every freaking thread man??

[malc1080]

Originally Posted by Bloodhound

Are you putting this request in every freaking thread man??

Yes because it’s just a numbers game. This page is not that active and I need to find the right person for such a small specific thing. My chances are slim and only thing to Increase those odds.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Bloodhound]

Originally Posted by malc1080

Yes because it’s just a numbers game. This page is not that active and I need to find the right person for such a small specific thing. My chances are slim and only thing to Increase those odds.
Posted via Mobile Device

Or you are going to annoy everyone that has to read this same question in all these threads, thus decreasing the chances of someone wanting to help you.

[Corts60]

Originally Posted by malc1080

Yes because it’s just a numbers game. This page is not that active and I need to find the right person for such a small specific thing. My chances are slim and only thing to Increase those odds.
Posted via Mobile Device

This is called thread hi-jacking dummy. It is not appropriate for you to clog up everyone's personal threads with your un-related questions just so you can play a "numbers game". Hopefully a moderator steps in and slaps your hand.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by Corts60

This is called thread hi-jacking dummy. It is not appropriate for you to clog up everyone's personal threads with your un-related questions just so you can play a "numbers game". Hopefully a moderator steps in and slaps your hand.

It has been dealt with.