New Solex - New problem

Just installed new Solex for 1958 CJ/5. What a great improvement and thanks to all the threads for advice. VROOM - started right up and near perefect Idle. Unfortunatley my battery died this weekend, left something on again, and I had to also fiddle with a nagging solenoid connection, charged Batt, and all set to go again. BUT, Cranked away and no start, found the in-line gas filter empty! ....after repeated attempts at starting, choking, pumping gas, there is no gas upto carb and filter at all. Bone dry.

Dumb question or any suggestions, what pulls the gas at first starter rotation? Does the new Solex, when choked and throttle open, draw the gas up? or does the fuel pump pull/push gas? When old carter was on - never had this....

Yes, I have 1/2 tank of gas. Thanks !

 

So the new solex addition will have nothing to do with gas draw. Ok.

Odd that the old fuel pump would crud out just as I replaced carb...Perhaps the new carb is much more efficient and better gas flow
has yanked some new or greater debris into fuel pump or lines? I did notice in-line filter had a good amount of little specs and stuff in it and was dirtier than ever before. The in-line filter is bewteen fuel pump and carb.

 

Check the flex line from the frame(coming from your tank) to the fuel pump. I found mine collapsed and was having the same symptoms. Couldn't pull fuel thru it.

 

If there are no restrictions between the fuel pump and the tank, then suspect the pump itself. You can remove the line running to the tank and blow backwards through it and you should be able to blow into the tank to make sure the line is clear. ( don't say a word Jason, Billy, or anyone else with pics) Then once you know the line is clear, you can check for vacuum on the pump. You can place your thumb on the fitting where the line was attached and crank the engine over for a few seconds. You should be able to feel good suction on that fitting. If not then you probably need a pump. Yeah, a coincidence, but totally not related to you changing carbs. The pump doesn't know, or care what kind of carb it is feeding. hope this helps.

 

Thanks., yep, I think your defiently right about fuel pump or line to tank. Just too weird it decided to croak right after Carb install. Thanks for gas plumbing 101 !!

 

Ok, disconnected fuel line from fuel pump to tank, blew some air and got bubbly noises in tank. Next, placed finger over that connection on fuel pump and NO suction when starter turned. I conclude that Fuel pump is bad. Began to take off old fuel pump, one bolt to engine side, one bolt on flange plate...is that it? - I do not see any others and no FSM at moment, but the old fuel pump does not move a hair at all. Lightly rapped with piece of wood and hammer to maybe loosen 45 years of gasket and rust and no movement. Or is there another bolt????? Or should I use a bigger hammer and alot of penetrating oil?

Last and final, what is best fuel pump and who has them? Rather mechanical vs electric. Prior one had no glass top and I do not use vacum wipers. 1958 F-head all stock. Thanks again.

 

my Book shows just the two bolts. Probably just stuck on there. With both bolts out, try turning the engine over and letting the cam eccentric break it loose. I would go with the same model mechanical pump. You can use an electric one, but then you have to wire it, and do some plumbing for it, and maybe use a pressure regulator. mechanical is probably cheaper too. If you want you can probably get a kit and rebuild yours. It's up to you.

 

Thanks! I'll crank'er some and hit with a little more PB/blaster. The bolts were in some tight little places and didn't know if there was one hiding. Thanks for looking up in FSM - I really appreciate that !

I'll go with same pump as recommended. The local Autozone shows one for $29 and no vacums, and $44 with em'. I'll see if they right or goto
Jeep Specialists if not.

Like my Carter Carb, I'm saving both and rebuilding should I need as back-ups or go back to 100% vintage stock.