1981 Chevy El Camino fuel pump issue

GARAGEMEKANIK613

MEMBER
1981 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
99,999 MILES

Just recently installed a new engine in my 81 El Camino. It started and ran for a while now it wont start. Checked and cleared fuel lines before and after fuel pump. Had some debris. Now fuel won't pump up. How possible is that fuel pump is now bad from pumping dry and can a fuel pump go bad from pumping dry?

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

If the pump is electric, yes it can be damaged when I is run dry. If it is manual i'd think not, at least right away. I would recheck install of fuel pump on engine. There is a rod that sometimes misses the pump arm on install. If it is not hitting, take some grease and put it on the rod and push teh rod into the engine. Then reinstall the plate, an dreinstall the pump. It is also possible the cam lobe that operates the pump is worn. Or the hose leading to the pump is collapsiing causing no fuel. Make sure to put a filter BEFORE the pump to catch debris from the tank. And check the hose leading to the pup for softness, if it is pretty soft then replace that. Also just dump a little fuel down the carb and see if car will start that way. It will help the pump prime itself.