Fuel Starvation issue (1 Viewer)

[fdirar]

I researched this on here but those fuel starvation things are sometimes pretty unique. It’s an FJ60 with a Chevy 350 swap. It has an Edelbrock 1406. Ran fine when I purchased it, I’m not a 100% sure but I want to say it started to do the same when I first purchased it but I ended up filling the tank full then it ran fine. Now it’s not a full tank so it shuts down as soon as I start it. Again NOT A 100% sure if I did that then it will fix it (did not want to fill it up again in case I needed to drop the fuel tank and getting rid of fuel in NY state is a pain in the ass in my county at least)

Things I’ve done so far

1-Replace Fuel filter twice

2-blown the return line and feed line with air and saw bubbles in the tank

3-installed a fuel pressure regulator that reads about 3-4psi whenever the key is on (4 when the engine is on and I’m revving it to keep it alive) and mostly 3 if they key is just on

3-drained some more fuel from the tank

4-replaced an Edelbrock red pump with Carter electric pump

5- it was initially a return less system to the Edelbrock carb but when I bought the fuel pressure regulator there was a spot for a rerun line so I ended up hooking it up to the return metal line (Hope this makes it a return system now?)

My next step is maybe rebuild the carb? But I’ve never owned a carb car before so this will be my first rodeo. I’ll have to watch a YouTube video or 2 before I attempt this. Is there any ideas on what it could be? Or anything im forgetting? Anybody familiar with the Edelbrock carb and maybe can guide me on which parts of it I should troubleshoot instead of rebuilding the whole thing? Thank you all

 

[Skreddy]

Pretty sure a 1406 carb wants about 5 psi, no more than 6.

Verify if you’re getting a squirt from the accelerator pump. If you are, you’re probably getting fuel. With it not running, you can take the air cleaner off and look down the throat of the carb. Actuate the throttle by hand and you should see 2 little streams of fuel as you do.

You can also put the fuel line to the carb into a can and turn the key on; it should pump fuel out and you’ll know your pump, etc is good to that point. Then, the carb has an inlet needle for the floats the could be stuck, restricting flow into the carb.


Was it running fine otherwise? Do you know your timing, if you have vacuum leaks, how old your cap, rotor, plugs and wires are? Shouldn’t need to get rid of gas if you fill it up, just drain it into a bucket and pour it back in when you’re ready.

 

[fdirar]

Ok so verified if I’m getting a squirt. Took the top of the cab off and it was some ethanol base (see photo). I cleaned it up and put it back together and it still had the same falling on its face problem so I said let me try to mess with the two tunning screws on the front and it worked. Idled maybe at 1000 but it ran without shutting off which my plan today was to use my vacuum gauge while it’s on and fine tune it. Ran it today a few times with no luck. Stalled again and again even after messing with the screws a few turns but no luck

I ordered a rebuild kit for the carb and trying that next. I’m hoping that would maybe help. Any other thoughts? Pressure on the regulator shows 5-6PSI now based on whatever mood it’s on and maybe environmental conditions? I’m not an expert on carb engines by any means haha

 

[cps432]

I bet that carb has all kinds of gunk in it you’ll find as you dig deeper.

Maybe I missed it but did you check the fuel pump?

 

[bhsdriller]

If that's what the bowl looks like that same stuff is in all the jets and passages. Needs a full rebuild/cleaning

 

[fdirar]

I bet that carb has all kinds of gunk in it you’ll find as you dig deeper.

Maybe I missed it but did you check the fuel pump?

I tried to blow as much lines as I can. Obviously I don’t have too much experience with carbs or running a carb and looking up online there are 10 things you can adjust on the carb so it is overwhelming and I’m not sure if I’m making it better or worse

Yes I had an edlebrock electric pump but I swapped it for a CARTER fuel pump and still have the same issue. My fuel pressure regulator reads 6psi now so the pump seem to be working and if I disconnect the fuel line to the carb and turn the key, fuel comes out. I tried to also turn press on the accelerator pump and it sprays gas in the carb. But being my first carb truck. It’s not my strongest suit. Any other ideas? I appreciate your input

 

[Skreddy]

Do the carb rebuild, make sure of timing, verify condition of spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Also check all the vacuum ports and lines for cracks and leaks.

If you have a vacuum gauge and timing light, adjust with those. If you don’t, even inexpensive harbor freight ones are worth the small investment. Try to find the edelbrock setup guide and start there (I can link it if you need). It may take several adjustments of setting timing and idle speed, etc.

Another item to check is if the electric choke is adjusted right; they can be out of adjustment leaving it choked all the time. I’m going to guess this is not your issue though.