400sbc trouble....help please

Just put 400 small block in 1970 monte carlo. Im trying to crank it and it will not get any fuel to the carb. The fuel pump is on the front of the motor and it will not get any. I have a gas jug sitting directly underneath the fuel pump with a line stuck down in it, and then other line up to the carb.

I took the fuel pump off and worked the little arm by hand and it pushed and pulled air...but when i turn the motor over, it feel nothing

Any ideas?

O and when i pour a little gas in the top of the carb huge flames come out the headers when trying to be cranked...

Is the fuel pump pushrod installed? There is a rod that's about 1/2" (12mm or so) diameter, about 6" or so long. This goes up into the block against a special lobe on the cam, and the other end mates with the pump rocker arm.

Yes, pushrod is installed. Any other ideas?

Try holding the gas can up higher so it gravity feeds. You'll know right away if it works. Be real careful to have someone hold it or put it somewhere safe so it can't tip over, have a fire extinguisher ready. This is best done outside. I've never liked to do it and use it only as a method of last resort.

The "dump fuel down the carb" method often produces flames since it is usually way too much fuel.

Detach the fuel line to the pump and blow compressed air back through the fuel line, use low pressure as you need very little, 10 psi should do it. Have someone listen at the tank with the gas cap off. This rules out any obstruction in the line. Spiders like to build nests in the most ungodly places if a car sits for too long.

Bob

I will try this.

Thanks

Hey fox, i'm just wondering what transmission are you guys using in the monte with this engine?

TH-400

Is there any priming to do on a mechanical fuel pump....i mean i know with diesel engines you do, but why wont my fuel pump pick up the fuel..is it cuz the line is vertical?

Well...i bought a new fuel pump. The other fuel pump was faulty in someway. Now the car will cough and cough but never start.....any ideas?

Did you remove the distributor in all of this? Are you sure it's "up" on number 1? The "cough" sounds like timing.

"Blow no.1". That is, remove the spark plug from no.1 cylinder. Disconnect the primary ignition current (the 12V wire at the "+" side of the coil). With your finger covering the hole where the plug was, "bump" the starter until compression pushes your finger off. Set the timing mark on the balancer to "0". Remove the distributor cap and look to see where the rotor is pointing. If it isn't at no. 1 wire, you'll need to change that. Also, assure the firing order is correct. 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, CLOCKWISE rotation of the distributor.

It's a place to start...

Jim

maybe its not the fuel pump, it could be the carb, maybe not tuned right and its not gettin enough fuel

Well I am 100% sure that the fuel pump was a problem. Because it wasnt getting any fuel at all, but now its getting plenty. Im going to check the timing, possibly 180 out of time like the other guy said.

Thanks for you guys help. I'll keep ya updated

Well I am 100% sure that the fuel pump was a problem. Because it wasnt getting any fuel at all, but now its getting plenty. Im going to check the timing, possibly 180 out of time like the other guy said.

Thanks for you guys help. I'll keep ya updated

You know how to do static timing right?