78 c15 5.7l starting problems

[Ben_Greenberg]

Hey everybody,
I wish my first post on this forum wasn't under these circumstances, but my wife and I bought a new to us 78 c15 with the 350ci 5.7 and we did all the usual tune-up items, new fluids, air filter, PCv, plugs and wires, and checked all the hoses.

We also took it to our favorite classic car mechanic to get the timing dialed in and the carb tuned up. At that time we were also having trouble with idle droop when in gear and getting the truck started in general. Turned out we had a fuel leak in the line from the tank to the pump.

We got the truck back and it started right up. Got it home and let it sit overnight. Now it won't start up again. It will crank and crank but will not fire up

Any thoughts?
I haven't replaced the distributor cap/rotor or the fuel pump which is the last few ideas I have left. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks everybody! Looking forward to years of future trucking after getting this little hiccup resolved.

[Chisholmcody]

When it's a cold start are you pumping the gas twice before your turning the key?

[Ben_Greenberg]

I am pumping the gas a few times before turning the key for a cold start and still nothing.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i'm thinking don't pump it so much---only once may be all you need.  What carburetor is it?

[Ben_Greenberg]

Its 4bbl i believe.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Right, but which 4bbl?  Can you provide a pic?

[Ben_Greenberg]

As soon as im home ill be sure to take one.

[Ben_Greenberg]

There are a few pictures of the carb. I was able to get the truck fired up, but it took letting it crank and pumping the gas pedal at least 4-5 times.

[Captkaos]

Sounds like you have fuel delivery problems.  when you open the throttle is it spraying fuel?

[Ben_Greenberg]

When the truck is running? I haven't checked. I was wondering if the fuel pump is on its way out. It looks old if not original. Gasket is definitely old.

[Captkaos]

After is has been sitting?

[Ben_Greenberg]

After it has been sitting and I pull the throttle back nothing appears to be spraying. Having said this, after pulling the throttle back a few times to check for fuel spray my wife started the truck up first try with one good pump before turning the key. Not entirely sure what that means, but this thing is incredibly inconsistent.

[Ben_Greenberg]

Captkaos, 
Should I see fuel spray when I pull back the throttle on the carb when the truck is off? Im afraid I dont know much about carbs, any help is appreciated!

[Chisholmcody]

Yes

[Ben_Greenberg]

Shoot, so should I be ready to replace the fuel pump and filter? And pushrod for good measure? Or could the culprit be elsewhere?