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Fuel System?

Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
  • 1985 DODGE TRUCK
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,000 MILES
Recently replaced the fuel pump and filter on the truck listed above D150 because no fuel was being pulled from the fuel tank, even after clearing the lines. I tested the new pump using a line from a gas can to the pump, still nothing.
Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 AT 1:38 PM

73 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

I suspect this is a mechanical fuel pump. Is that correct? If it is, there is an eccentric on the camshaft that the plunger arm on the pump rides on. Make sure the rocker arm is riding on the camshaft eccentric. If it is, the eccentric is likely bad. If that is the case, I would suggest getting a low-pressure electric pump and replacing the mechanical one.

In this case, remove the pump, inspect the eccentric on the cam (you will likely need a small mirror and light), and then confirm the plunger arm is riding correctly on the cam.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 19th, 2023 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Everything is lining up as it should.

Questions:
1) Should I be listening for something or have heard any kind of clanging at any point?
2) Could the float in the carb be stuck?
3) If I have to convert, what size of electric pump would I need? GPH, PSI, etc.
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Certainly, if the needle and seat are stuck closed, you won't get fuel into the carb. Try tapping around the fuel inlet at the carburetor to see if that changes things. Use the handle side of a screwdriver to tap.

Next, if you disconnect the fuel inlet at the carb, you can place the supply hose into a fuel can and have a helper crank the engine. You should see fuel shooting into the fuel can.

As far as the pump, it should produce approximately 6 PSI. This doesn't require anything high-pressure.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, April 20th, 2023 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Okay, so, I tried the gas can test to the pump and to the carburetor no fuel is moving. I double checked the actuator and it is placed correctly. Am I looking at an eccentric issue?
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Friday, April 21st, 2023 AT 10:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

That is what it sounds like is happening. If you plunge the lever by hand, does it move the fuel? If so, the eccentric is my first suspect.

Are you able to get a mechanic's mirror in position to see inside?

Let me know.

Joe

PS: If this truck was 4wd, I would be trying to buy it from you. LOL I really like the body style.
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Friday, April 21st, 2023 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
I will try and see if it pumps by hand. To be honest, getting the pump in is a royal pain in the arse and dreadful endeavor.
I am rather fond of this body style myself. Lol I'm determined to get her back to health.
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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 9:59 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Thanks for the update. As far as the pump, are you accessing it from the top or bottom? It has been a while, but if I remember correctly, it was easier from under the vehicle. (But I may have had a lift) I just can't remember. LOL

Regardless, let me know what you find. And the square body is my favorite. I learned to drive in a 78 Power Wagon. LOL When that body style went away, I fell for the 80 style.
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Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
From the bottom. If it wasn't more work, it would almost be worth it to take out the fender well just to ease up the install itself. Lol. As soon as I can get back on the creeper, I'll let you know what's what.

Agreed, from the first time I sat in the seat, this pickup pretty much became my mistress.
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Thanks for the update. When you can, let me know what you find. We need to get this one up and running. LOL

Joe
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
GCROW
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  • 57 POSTS
Will do! Lol
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Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
GCROW
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Okay, so I put the electric fuel pump on her and just had a flame shoot out of the carburetor. If memory serves, this indicated late timing, correct?
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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Ugh, that isn't good. It could be a timing issue, an intake valve issue, and so on. Was the engine running prior to needing the pump? Also, did you get a pump that is low enough pressure?

Also, if you haven't already, check to see if there are codes stored in the computer. Here is a link that explains how it's done. Note: You don't need a scanner.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

Let me know

Joe
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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
Outstanding.
She hasn't run for a while, but she ran like a scalded dog before I accidentally turned the distributor. The pump I used is 3-6PSI, the lowest I could find. Would the code trick work on an '85?
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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I believe Chrysler started using the OBD1 system in 1983, so it should work.

When you say you turned the distributor, that will change the ignition timing. Were you able to get it back to where it belongs using a timing light? Also, did you remove the reinstall the distributor?

Let me know. Also, I attached the directions below for setting ignition timing via the distributor. If there is no label under the hood indicating the degrees before TDC, start around 10 BTDC.

Note that the directions are with the engine running. You can do it while cranking the engine as well. Once you get it running, you can fine-tune the timing.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
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I didn't uninstall it. I was trying to reconnect a wire and my arm nudged the "cannister" on the back of it. Been a fight ever since. Thanks for the info. Might take me some time, but I'll keep you posted.
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Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
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Waiting to get a timing light. I did try turning the distributor in both directions click by click just to see what might happen. I am sure you can guess the outcome.
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Thursday, May 4th, 2023 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

What happened? Did it make any difference? I suspect since we are waiting for a timing light, it still didn't start.

Is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, May 4th, 2023 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
This is what she sounds like with distributor aimed at the #1 cylinder.
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Friday, May 5th, 2023 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Wow, that is turning fast. Before you had the fuel pump issue, was it running normally? It didn't even seem to fire at all. Are you sure it has spark to the plugs? If you use starting fluid, and nothing changes, it's likely there is no spark to the plugs. Check for spark and let me know what is found.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Take care,

joe

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Friday, May 5th, 2023 AT 10:30 PM
Tiny
GCROW
  • MEMBER
  • 57 POSTS
It is rather fast. That has only been since I replaced the starter. Like I say, she started fine before the distributor mishap. I thought I might check the distributor vacuum just to make sure I didn’t cause any issues with connections, seating and such. I used a spark tester and verified all cylinders. Never been a fan of the “ground the plug” technique.
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Saturday, May 6th, 2023 AT 2:37 PM

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