1970 Plymouth Duster

[thunderscrash]

I have a 1970 Plymouth Duster and I'm having trouble getting it started. I thought it might have been the fuel pump but I pulled it out and it didnt seem to have anything wrong.

[KManiac]

Which engine? Which tranny? Stock or modified? What specifically (and in detail) does it do when you turn the key?

[thunderscrash]

Thanks for your response. Its a 225 3.7 liter slant 6 manual 3 speed stock. When I turn the key the car sputters but just wont turn over.

[KManiac]

For the engine to run it needs two things, fuel and spark.

Now that you have pulled the fuel pump and proved that it functions out of the car, disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and see if fuel actually pumps out when you crank it. If no fuel pumps out, check for bad rubber hoses on the suction side of the fuel system, or a fuel pump actuating rod that has shortened itself from wear.

Next, check for spark. Hook up a timing light to each cylinder and see if its producing spark. If not, check to see that the distributor is rotating when you crank the engine. The slant six distributor uses a plastic drive gear that is prone to breakage. Also check the points for proper gap and dwell angle.

Start here and let us know what you find.

[thunderscrash]

Well we know it has something to do with the gas. Like I said the fuel pump seems to be fine but it appears that fuel is not getting to the pump. Is there a pump in the tank that could possibly be messed up or anything like that?

Thanks for taking the time to help.

[KManiac]

If you think there is a problem getting fuel to the pump, try this: Remove the rubber suction line from the tank feed to the fuel pump. The install a new suction line and run the other end into a can of gasoline. Then prime the carburetor with fuel and start the car. If the engine runs sucking gas from a gas can, then you know the problem is in the fuel lines from the tank or you have some type of blockage in the tank.

There are no fuel pumps in the tank.

Try this and let me know what happens.

[thunderscrash]

Thanks for your help it ended up being the fuel pump I guess there was a little hole in it.