Posted by Tim Holloway [69.54.28.229] on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 20:29:39 :
Replaced the fuel pump on the Power Wagon today. About 2 years ago the pivot pin of the fuel pump worked out and stranded me at a friends house. He gave me a ride home where I grabbed an electric fuel pump I had and I installed it in my friends driveway and drove home. Other than around the yard, and plowing in the winter, I have not really been using it out on the road. The electric pump worked, there were always other things to do, so it stayed. The replacement mechanical pump has been my constant companion sharing the front seat with me.
I am planning on leaving Blueberry home this time and bringing the Power Wagon to the Rally. So, today was "Catch up on the deferred maintanance day" Replaced the fuel pump, reinstalled a hub guard that had been loaned out to Mike Clark for a prototype, replaced both headlight seal beams, got one reluctant turn signal going etc. etc.
I even washed a year of grime, pollen and bird crap off of it. At the end of the day it was time for a test drive. It was running well in the driveway (dont they all)
I got it out onto the pavement and gave it some gas. Not as peppy as it should be, but its been awhile since I went this fast, maybe need to blow some cobwebs out. I have a nice 6 mile loop I usually run on tests, but after about 2 miles it was clear things were not right. I turned around and got to 1/2 mile of the shop and it died at an intersection. Wouldnt even try to fire. I noticed gas dripping out of the carb but then a couple of minutes later a couple of young guys in an F-250 stop and tell me what a "Killer Truck" it was. I told them it was more killer when it would run! They offered assistance, so I told them my shop was only 1/2 mile away, would they mind dragging me back? Sure, they said, and went and turned around while I got out the rope. They came back and I hooked on and off we went, about 35 MPH on a 12 foot rope! They deposited me in the driveway, refused recompense and we chatted about old trucks.
They went on their way and I let it sit for a couple of hours. I got it restarted and it ran ok (in the driveway again, almost tempting me to try again, but no) I drove it into the shop but it wasnt leaking gas any more. I suspect I may have dislodged a piece of crud playing with the fuel lines while replacing the pump, so in the next day or so I will pull the carb and take it apart and clean it all out.
So, yes I was pulled home by a Ford, but I wasnt about to decline their offer hoping someone in a Dodge might come along!
Tim
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