Repair 7

How to Troubleshoot No Fuel Going to a Carburetor

No fuel at your carburetor can be caused by many things. It could be a simple issue like a fuel filter plugged so tight that no fuel can pass through. Another logical cause could be the fuel pump. If the fuel pump is electric, the 12-volt power may be shorted. A hole in the fuel line on the tank side could also cause the fuel pump to suck air instead of fuel from the fuel tank. There may not even be signs of leaking, since a fuel line leak on the tank side would have to be above the fuel level for leakage to show.

Instructions

1

Remove and check all fuel filters located in the fuel line and in the carburetor. Replace any and all filters that can not be confirmed good or have not been changed recently.

2

Inspect the fuel lines for leaks or kinks that might interfere with fuel flow.

3

Tap the top of the carburetor lightly to free a stuck needle valve or float that may be shutting off fuel to the carburetor float bowl.

4

Check the fuse marked fuel pump in the fuse box for any electric fuel pump equipped vehicles.

5

Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the Shrader valve if the vehicle has an electric fuel pump. Turn on the key and monitor the fuel pressure, it should be around 60-psi. If equipped with a mechanical fuel pump, remove the fuel line to the carburetor and connect a fuel gauge to the fuel pump. This should yield a low pressure, under 20-psi when the engine is cranked over.

6

Check the mechanical fuel pump by placing a fuel line into a gas can and attach the other end to the intake of the fuel pump. Crank the engine and check for fuel at the carburetor. The engine may start with fuel from a remote source such as a fuel can. If the pump draws fuel from the can and not the tank the tank screen must be inspected and or replaced. This would require removing the gas tank.