Expert: jack bahm - 11/13/2010

Question
Hi;  I have a 1970 chevy C/10 with a 250 6 cly.  When I first got the truck 5 years ago, I would pump the gas 3 times and the truck would fire right up like a fuel injected car.  Now I have to pump the gas peddle 30 times before it will start and even hold down the peddle wile I start it.
This only happens the first start of the day.  Once I have had it started, I can turn it off and come back 2 hours latter and it will start fine.  When It sits over night I have the same trouble starting it.  I replaced the carb 2 years ago.  Some people are telling me it is the fuel pump.  What do you think.  Thanks.

Answer
The carb. bowl should hold the gas for the next restart.  If, for some reason, the gas is leaking out of the bowl or evaporating out, it would take a moment for the pump to fill the bowl.  It could be the pump.  Turning the engine over runs the fuel pump, so whether you are pumping the gas or not, it won't matter.  My guess would be a weak pump that is about to go.  I doubt that the bowl has a leak.  Good luck.
jack