'78 K5 won't start.

[docgab]

Howdy all. I have a '78 K5 with all the typical fixings (350/350 etc). I had it hauled out to me after it had been sitting for a long while. I got it started and drove it a bit and then had to let it sit again for about a year. I recently tried to get it going again and can't get it to fire.

When I use starting fluid, it fires until it burns off. I pulled the hose off the carb and fuel was coming through. I then checked the carb itself and did not see fuel pumping into the carb. Can I clean the carb (edelbrock 1405) without taking the thing apart? Not really sure where to go from here. There is a reason I am a chiropractor and not a mechanic!

All help is much appreciated!

 

[chalet2506]

Prob just gummed up. I would think a can of carb cleaner would help. Could prob just take the air cleaner off and hose it down, then maybe pull the fuel line and use the plastic straw to get some well aimed high pressure shots into there.

How much gas is in the tank? If its not much, might be a good idea to add some fresh gas and a couple cans of seafoam.

 

[1BEATK5]

just go to the local parts store, get a kit. you can pretty much rebuild those on the truck. although its easier to take it off. there are no fancy parts in those. just pay attention how it comes apart. dont drop the linkage clip for the accelerator pump rod. otherwise, easy.

 

[docgab]

just go to the local parts store, get a kit. you can pretty much rebuild those on the truck. although its easier to take it off. there are no fancy parts in those. just pay attention how it comes apart. dont drop the linkage clip for the accelerator pump rod. otherwise, easy.

Easier than my old Rochester? I heard that one was easy and I managed to not get it back together correctly. I like the above and squirt it like mad with carb cleaner! lol

 

[Fordum]

Two other possibilities.

If you can get some help, pull the fuel line off again and put your finger over it while someone is cranking.
It should have about 10 pounds or better pressure on it.
If your fuel pump has sat up long enough, it might not be developing any pressure. Often they will pump under no load, but not when they have to force it past a stuck float valve.

Which brings me to the second idea. The float or float valve might just be stuck.
Try rapping on the top of the fuel bowl with a chunk of wood or something that will not damage it.
BFH not needed here.

Also, someone help me out here, does this model have the little screen in the inlet fitting of the carb?

If there is a brass fitting that the fuel line hooks to in the carb, try taking it out. A lot of them have a screen inside there that might be stopped up.

 

[chalet2506]

Which brings me to the second idea. The float or float valve might just be stuck.
Try rapping on the top of the fuel bowl with a chunk of wood or something that will not damage it.


.

Oh yea - beat on it. That would have been my next solution. You'd be surprised how much **** you can fix by whacking it with a hammer a couple times.

 

[Fordum]

Theres an old joke that dates back to WWII.
A general was riding by a couple of soldiers who were getting in a Jeep. One of them got in the drivers seat, and the other one reached under the Jeep with a rock.

While the first one hit the start button, the other one whanged the starter with the rock.

Incensed, the general lectured the soldiers on the importance of having equipment in good shape in case of combat.

He ordered them to take the Jeep to the motor pool immediately and get it fixed.

But, sir, one of them protested, we did. They gave us the rock!!

 

[meanboyjr]

FWIW, you can download the Performer Series carb owner's manual/tuning guide from the Edelbrock website.

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/carbs_acc/pdf/carb_owners_manual.pdf

This might give you a better idea about cleaning the thing while it's still on the truck.

HTH.

 

[trukker]

When you take it apart pay close attention to the fuel inlet, theres a small screen that will clog up.

 

[docgab]

Thanks everyone for the replies!