78 c15 5.7l starting problems

[VileZambonie]

If you are pumping the throttle you won't see any fuel spray. After you've discharged what's in there you won't get any more fuel until you replenish it. Nevertheless back up:

When it won't start, give it a shot of starting fluid. If it fires up you know the problem is fuel related. If not check for spark.

[Ben_Greenberg]

Spark should be good unless the distributor is shot. The plugs and wires are brand new. I will try some starting fluid.

[Ben_Greenberg]

Alrighty! So I tried the starting fluid and it fired right up. Didn't stay started ie. Wouldnt idle, but after doing it again and pumping the gas the truck fired right up. Am I looking at fuel pump issues?

As always, any and all help is appreciated.  You guys are awesome!

[Ben_Greenberg]

Its time to try the fuel pump. After todays little project of replacing that and belts we will see how the truck runs. Fingers crossed!

[Stewart G Griffin]

The other thing i don't like to see is that there is a rubber line running from fuel pump to carb.  Probably not real safe.

[Ben_Greenberg]

Alright! So far so good! After installing the new pump, pushing the throttle down a few times to prime it all up and the truck fired right up! I will keep things updated. Thanks everybody!

[Ben_Greenberg]

Well... the problems continue. Hesistant start, once started if I shift into reverse or drive too soon after starting stalls out and dies. Any thoughts? At this point I have replaced the fuel pump, plugs and wires, fuel filter, belts (not really associated) and had my regular mechanic time it by ear as the marker is gone and the harmonic balancer... doesnt appear to have any marks on it.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Choke.

[Ben_Greenberg]

I will take a look this evening. Thanks Stewart!

[78BIG-TEN]

Yep sounds like it needs more choke

[Ben_Greenberg]

Yep sounds like it needs more choke

does that mean that the choke needs to be closed tighter when first starting? Or do I need it to be more open when starting?

[78BIG-TEN]

closed,open throttle 1 time when cold and choke should set closed with some spring tension on it.then adjust daspot\choke opener to maintain idle till it warms up

[Ben_Greenberg]

So, the plot thickens. Now the engine wont crank and there is a quick ticking noise when I turn the key. Starter? Any ideas?

[VileZambonie]

Make sure the battery is fully charged, check your connections at the battery and ensure the ground cable is securely fastened to the engine block.

[Ben_Greenberg]

I will definitely do that! The battery should be good, but connections are worth checking.