After running out of gas the van will not start

150,000 MILES • 5.1L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SCOTTVEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
This van has always started! It has duel tanks. I was driving the van and it ran out of gas. I put five gallons in each tank. Now, I cannot get gas to the carburetor. It fires right up and runs for a few seconds when I use starter fluid or gas directly in the carburetor. Is there a filter along the gas line? The tank switch (on the frame) clicks when I change from front to rear. The mechanical fuel pump is new, as is the filter on the two barrel carburetor. What could this problem be? Thank you!
Sep 28, 2017 at 4:20 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,548 POSTS
It sounds like the switching valve has some dirt or sediment stuck in the valve so it is not creating a proper seal so the fuel pump takes in air causing the pump not to work. You can try temporarily bypassing or replacing it to see if that is the problem.

Please let us know what happens and upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
Sep 29, 2017 at 2:48 AM
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