66 won't prime fuel pump/vac line questions

[gunnibronco]

I just recently picked up a 57,000 mile 66 U15 with 170 I6. Its been sitting a few years. It will run when fuel is poured down the carb but won't pick up prime on the fuel pump. There is a clear plastic fuel filter in front of the carb & its bone dry. Even after the motor ran by hand feeding it gas for a while.

The vacuum lines on top of the fuel pump are connected together with a short section of vac hose. The vac wipers have been changed to electric & a port in the side of the intake manifold has been plugged. I assume that is where the vac line went to the fuel pump, originally.

I assume the pump is actuated by a lever/cam eccentric like the 302. Not vacuum actuated.

Is the vacuum pump adding vacuum to the system to help run the old vac wipers? Since the wipers have been converted to electric, is the vacuum "jumper" & plugged intake ok?

Some pics to enjoy. Sorry I haven't taken any since I bought the truck.

Thanks.
http://s245.photobucket.com/user/c-w-a/library/66

 

[blubuckaroo]

I'd normally recommend testing the fuel pump with an automotive vacuum test gauge. I've seen a lot of good fuel pumps replaced, just for troubleshooting purposes. It's a waste.
However, in your case, the fuel pump is obviously quite old. You could replace it with a new one and eliminate the wiper vacuum pump in the process.
Since you'll have the pump disconnected, try putting some air pressure into the tank with an air hose. You should get a good stream of fuel out of the pump suction fuel hose. If not, you've got something plugging the pick-up in the tank.

 

[gunnibronco]

You could replace it with a new one and eliminate the wiper vacuum pump in the process.

Thanks, I have ordered a new fuel pump, it will be here Tuesday. I didn't see an option for a pump without vacuum. Maybe a different year/model of car or truck using the 170 and electric wipers. Any suggestions?

 

[blubuckaroo]

Thanks, I have ordered a new fuel pump, it will be here Tuesday. I didn't see an option for a pump without vacuum. Maybe a different year/model of car or truck using the 170 and electric wipers. Any suggestions?

Cross reference to just about any other car using that motor. I can't think of another using that motor, that has vacuum wipers.