Carb has no fuel after sitting for a day - leaks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hotrodf1 · 07-21-2009, 08:39 PM

I have a 66 with the 305 V-6 with a 2 barrell Stromberg carb I believe it is. WHen I let the truck sit overnight or for a couple days, it won't start. Took the air cleaner off and hit the throttle and no fuel from the acc. pump, so it seems the carb is out of fuel. Doesn't seem to help to keep cranking either. A little shot of starting fluid and off he goes

I will say the fuel level in the tank is probably 1/4 or lower, not sure if that would somehow have anything to do with it.

The carb is a rebuilt unit, installed less than 2 years ago judging by the receipts that came with the truck. There is some grungy stuff under the front of the carb, almost seems it could be leaking from there. Haven't spent a lot of time looking under there yet.

Could the fuel pump be allowing all the fuel to drain back to the tank and the fuel level in the tank helping to allow that?

Seems like I've heard some rumblings of people having trouble keeping the Strombergs sealed up. Is there some old hotrod secret trick I need to know about? Surely the flathead guys have it figured out from all those years of running them.

Any thoughts out there? It's pretty annoying to keep taking the air cleaner off and using starting fluid every day I drive this thing.

**Corts60** · 07-21-2009, 10:57 PM

Just drive it more!

But seriously, more than likely the fuel bowl is leaking down. It is not draining back through the line because the design of the needle and seat in the carb would not allow that. I would clean up the carb and keep a good look for an external leak. It should have a stronger smell than normal.

Most likely though, the bowl is draining into the engine internally. Quadrajets are famous for this problem because over the years the epoxy that seals the plugs in the bottom of the bowls erodes and allows fuel to leak by making it very hard to start in the mornings...Not too sure about the Stromberg WW's though.

let us know what you find!

MacAttack · 07-22-2009, 10:09 AM

I'd make sure it's not dribbling into your motor first. Check the oil for thinning.

Then I'd suspect the fuel pump.

vin63 · 07-22-2009, 12:46 PM

As was mentioned, check some of the plugs in the bowl.

More importantly, check your oil for fuel dilution.

hotrodf1 · 07-25-2009, 02:14 PM

Thanks all,
I'll give it a look.

07-21-2009, 08:39 PM	#1
hotrodf1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 18	Carb has no fuel after sitting for a day - leaks? I have a 66 with the 305 V-6 with a 2 barrell Stromberg carb I believe it is. WHen I let the truck sit overnight or for a couple days, it won't start. Took the air cleaner off and hit the throttle and no fuel from the acc. pump, so it seems the carb is out of fuel. Doesn't seem to help to keep cranking either. A little shot of starting fluid and off he goes I will say the fuel level in the tank is probably 1/4 or lower, not sure if that would somehow have anything to do with it. The carb is a rebuilt unit, installed less than 2 years ago judging by the receipts that came with the truck. There is some grungy stuff under the front of the carb, almost seems it could be leaking from there. Haven't spent a lot of time looking under there yet. Could the fuel pump be allowing all the fuel to drain back to the tank and the fuel level in the tank helping to allow that? Seems like I've heard some rumblings of people having trouble keeping the Strombergs sealed up. Is there some old hotrod secret trick I need to know about? Surely the flathead guys have it figured out from all those years of running them. Any thoughts out there? It's pretty annoying to keep taking the air cleaner off and using starting fluid every day I drive this thing.

07-21-2009, 10:57 PM	#2
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Carb has no fuel after sitting for a day - leaks? Just drive it more! But seriously, more than likely the fuel bowl is leaking down. It is not draining back through the line because the design of the needle and seat in the carb would not allow that. I would clean up the carb and keep a good look for an external leak. It should have a stronger smell than normal. Most likely though, the bowl is draining into the engine internally. Quadrajets are famous for this problem because over the years the epoxy that seals the plugs in the bottom of the bowls erodes and allows fuel to leak by making it very hard to start in the mornings...Not too sure about the Stromberg WW's though. let us know what you find! __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

07-22-2009, 10:09 AM	#3
MacAttack 283 Drama Queen Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Surf City, CA Posts: 2,435	Re: Carb has no fuel after sitting for a day - leaks? I'd make sure it's not dribbling into your motor first. Check the oil for thinning. Then I'd suspect the fuel pump. __________________ For about 12 years of my adult life I had a severe speech impediment. My ex-wife never let me get a word in edgewise.

07-22-2009, 12:46 PM	#4
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,262	Re: Carb has no fuel after sitting for a day - leaks? As was mentioned, check some of the plugs in the bowl. More importantly, check your oil for fuel dilution. __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes

07-25-2009, 02:14 PM	#5
hotrodf1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 18	Re: Carb has no fuel after sitting for a day - leaks? Thanks all, I'll give it a look.

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