Classic/Antique Car Repair/64 Chevy Nova

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/15/2009


Question
Good Evening, I have a 1964 Chevy Nova. My problem is that gas isn't getting from the tank to the carb. I've checked all the lines, filters, pump, etc. and they all seem to be clear. When I prime the carb it starts up fine, until the gas runs out in the carb and then it shuts off. My only thoughts are that maybe its just low on gas and on a slant. But besides that is there anything else I should check? Also before it stopped running I would be driving and sometime the car would just cut off, as if I had run out of gas, then I ould prime the carb and it would run fine for a while and then happen again. Until now it finally won;t start again. Let me know what you think. Thanks so much,
Gus

Answer
I would rig up an external gas tank, just a 5 gallon gas can with a rubber fuel line rigged from the inlet side of the fuel pump to the can of gas. If the car runs fine with that then you have a fuel line/fuel tank problem. If the car still does not run with the external tank then you have a fuel pump problem.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.