Quote from: LarryB on March 08, 2011, 06:35:59 PM
I used compressed air to back-flush the pick-up tube, as you recommended.  After a short time, it sounded like the air was bubbling in the gas tank.  I think you were right about the tube being clogged and the compressed air cleared it.  If so, you saved me the cost and trouble of buying a new tank.  Thanks again.
Larry

Larry,

I would suggest draining the tank and cleaning it out.  If you have a lot of crud in the tank it will only clog up again.  This is what I did with mine a couple of years ago.

See link:

http://www.chetscoins.com/1948p15/20045/09182005.htm

Good luck,  Chet?

I used compressed air to back-flush the pick-up tube, as you recommended.  After a short time, it sounded like the air was bubbling in the gas tank.  I think you were right about the tube being clogged and the compressed air cleared it.  If so, you saved me the cost and trouble of buying a new tank.  Thanks again.
Larry

Larry, I have seen checking the fuel pump on the bench would pump gas, but there is not enough throw on the cam to operate the pump.You might hook up a pipe/hose to a gallon bucket of gas to the inlet of the pump, run your starter and see if it picks up from the bucket.
Good luck
SD Glenn

Thanks for the information.  I do know that the fuel line between the tank and fuel pump is clear with no obstructions.  I have also tested the fuel pump and it appears to be fine.  I am out of town, but I will follow your suggestion of blowing low pressure into the pick-up tube with the gas cap off when I return on Monday.  Is the pick-up tube made of steel?  If so, wouldn't it rust out in 70 years?  Thanks again for the help.
Larry

If you have access to compressed air and a blow gun, disconnect the fuel line from the inlet side of the pump.  set the outlet pressure for 10 to 15 lbs and withthe gas cap off, blow a good stream of air through the line.  there is an oilite filter on the end of the pickup, it gets clogged, and the pick up are can acculate rust and other debris.  the air will clear the filter and blow a lot of stuff away from the pick up.  If you can install one or more inline filters between the tank and the pump.  Also there is a brass filter screen inside the inlet chamber of the fuel pump on several models.  If your's has a bolt inthe center of the bottom of the pump, remove it and clean the screen.  You should also try to install an inline filter between the pump and the carb.

To test the flow of the pump. dsconnect the line at the carb and direct the output into a suitable container.  (I use a ine liter soda bottle) Then remove the coil wire and have an assistant crank the engine while you observe the flow.  You should be able to easilly see the pulses as the pump works.  12 strokes should yield 8 to 10 ounces of fuel inthe container.  Less indicates a flow problem.

If this gets ou running, check and clean or replace the inline filters as necessary.  The plastic ones are handy as you can see them collecting contaminents, however take car to mount them at least 6 iches away from heat sources like exhaust manifolds.

If u unhook the fuel line at the pump, can u blow -with a large syringe, don't use your mouth - and hear gurgling thru the filler opening?
I have a similar problem in my '49 Dodge truck, and I cannot blow air into the tank. It looks like i am going to have to push the truck into the yard, drain the tank - there is a drain bolt on the bottom - drop the tank, and then figure out if it is the line or the tank. I suspect it is the tank.  there is a radiator shop that says they work on gas tanks so I will take it there if it seems the tank is the problem

My name is Larry.  I have a 1941 2-door sedan that I am working to restore.  The gas tank is in fair shape (doesn't leak), but the fuel pump does not draw any gas (Fuel pump itself works fine).  I am fairly sure the problem is that the pick-up tube inside the tank is rotted out so the pump is just sucking air.  Is there any way to replace/repair the Pick-up tube?  Would it be better to replace the tank?  If so, any recommended sources for a new tank?  Thanks for your help.