1955 starting problem

[Jeffrey S.]

Hello All,
A friend and fellow NCRS member was taking his '55 out of hibernation and, after doing all the necessary things like oil changing, fluid checks, etc, tried to start it up. It wouldn't start so he sprayed some starting fluid in and it started for a few seconds and died. After several tries with the same results, he checked for fuel delivery by removing the fuel line at the filter and there was none. After cranking several time some fuel started to trickle through and each time more came through. He re-attached the line and the car started right up and ran well. What are your thoughts? Fuel pump starting to go? Sludge in the sending unit that broke up allowing fuel to flow? Other thoughts?
Jeff
Sorry, I hit the wrong icon button and meant to hit the 68-69 not 58-60

[Edward J.]

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1955 starting problem

Edward,
Thanks for the response. I can rule out the filter at the carb since no fuel was getting to the carb from the pump. We will check the screen for clogs. We have a scope and thought maybe it could be inserted in the filler to have a look.
Jeff

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1955 starting problem

Does it have a "sock" at the tank that may be getting clogged?

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1955 starting problem

Patrick,
I am not all that familiar with these very early cars so the answer is a definite "I don't know". I keep thinking that something is being blocked upstream because my experience (which may be limited) says that a fuel pump either works or doesn't.
Thanks for the input!
Jeff

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1955 starting problem

Looking in the common Corvette catalogs I don't see one starting until 56. However, I'd wonder about an obstruction between the fuel tank and the fuel pump as a possibility.

Otherwise there do appear to be rebuild kits for the 1955 fuel pump.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1955 starting problem

Patrick,
I think the next step is to disconnect the line at the tank and blow through it to see if there is something there. Then maybe blow into the tank and see if there is resistance.
Jeff