Struggling with fuel supply

[bramtr]

Hi all,

I have mounted a refurbished fuel pump, since I thought the bad starting was caused by a faulty pump. I don't know if this was of any help, because I still have trouble starting. Fuel does reach the engine bay. And with the use of starter fluid (?) I eventually get the engine to run. But that's obviously not the way to go.
With ignition on, the first round I heard the pump click until pressure was built up and then it stopped, so that looked ok. But after some attempts to start the engine, I heard the pump click about every two seconds. And with that, I heard fuel dripping (back?) in the fuel tank (which contained about 10 liter so I could hear it well). Somehow I have the feeling that the cause of things lies before the fuel pump. It seems to act the same when having the reserve switch on, so in case of the other (half of the) fuel pump.

Does anyone have an idea?

Thanks, Bram

[enigmas]

Bram before you go and dismantle and replace most of the fuel system looking for the issue. Do the easy and simple stuff first.

I presume it's a 3 litre car? If so disconnect the fuel line at the carburettor and stick the end of the fuel line in a jar. Turn on the ignition so that the electric pump runs. You should see fuel filling the jar. Try it on both main and reserve. Note the quantity of fuel being pumped into the jar and the time it takes to fill the jar. If the issue is not here then it's most likely a carburettor issue.

If you believe it to be a carburettor issue, remove the fuel bowl top to the carburettor and gauge the fuel level within the bowl. Also, check the needle and seat for viable function.

If you blow into the fuel inlet of the carburettor bowl (fitted in the fuel bowl cap) obviously after removing the cap from the float bowl, air should pass smoothly through if the float is left to hang and the opposite if the float bowl is lifted up towards the lid.

If that checks out you should then check the float bowl setting by referencing a (WSM) Work Shop Manual.

Other than that check the function of the choke mechanism.

[bramtr]

Thanks for your reply. I had disconnected the fuel line already, and I think there is enough fuel delivery. Could a fault in the carburetor be the cause for the clicking pump (= not enough pressure)? I will investigate further when I’m back from vacation …
I thought it might have to do something with the fuel supply from the tank to the pump