ah man, that really sucks, sorry to hear its givin you problems.

Thanks, thank god for phones with Internet, I'd be so bored right now.

well its a old car
Gotta expect these things
but once you get these little things fixed it will be a great car

Now it's a just an old bed cause I'm falling asleep in here waiting for this tow truck

You'll fix it eventually.

Hopefully

You can doooo eeettttt!!!!!

Fuel pump might be bad is it mechanical or electric?

its mechanical, it's 'probably' the cause, but I need to check if the lines are blocked first

Get rid of that diaphragm fuel pump and buy an electric inline one. It's more expensive but it won't let you down. And if it does, you just lean in under your hood and take 3 minutes to replace it. I am guessing 3-5 PSI don't go higher than that, it's an old car, it's probably pushing 3.

What this guy said.

My Courier uses a simple electric pump to feed the two barrel carburetor, produces 5PSI at the very max and has been very reliable. The mechanical pumps are very old technology now and they're very unreliable.

But I can handle up to 10PSI in my system because my Courier uses a simple fuel return system. I imagine your car is a one way from the gas tank to the carb with no return line back, so you'll want a low pressure, probably 3-5PSI max electric pump. Anymore then 5PSI in a no-return system and you'll drown the carb.

yeah it's a non return style. someday I'd like to convert it to electric like I did the choke. I need to verify that there's no blockage either in the tank (possible chunk of old mesh screen filter which only 'most' of may have came out when it was relined) or the line. though I still suspect the pump is the culprit. my sister's husband who was a firestone manager and now a fleet and equipment technician for ComEd recommended I stick with a mechanical style at least until I go through the electrical system more thoroughly. currently I have to use 2 different switches to make rear window go down and only one to make it go back up and my right turn signal sends power to my reverse lights. thank you for your suggestions and knowledge, it always makes me feel better when several other people are thinking similar things I am. I at least know I'm on the right track

Suck on the fuel line. If you get fuel in our mouth there's no blockage. Convert to electric. You'll never look back. BTW fuel in your crankcase means your oil is cut, and you'll lock your motor up. With an electric pump that won't happen, unless you're running too much pressure and it floods past the needle.

No problem dude anytime. It's a real learning lesson to daily drive anything older then 1985. The Courier has thrown me some real curve balls before that I had to work around due to limited parts, and limited information but I always triumph over its problems and come out on the top.

I never leave home with out a basic tool box in my Courier. It's paid off many times now, even simple stuff like a blown tail light bulb, all the way to loss of fuel delivery to the carb (I had an obstruction in my tank).

Driving old cars as a daily is a real joy, but also a massive pain sometimes!

someday I might convert it like I did the choke. I need to verify that there's no blockage either in the tank (possible chunk of old mesh screen filter which only 'most' of came out when it was relined) or the line. though I still suspect the pump is the culprit. my sister's husband who was a firestone manager and now a fleet and equipment technician for ComEd recommended I stick with a mechanical style at least until I go through the electrical system more thoroughly. currently I have to use 2 different switches to make rear window go down and only one to make it go back up and my right turn signal sends power to my reverse lights.

Wire the electric fuel pump to the ignition coil, use a relay if you have to. The mechanical fuel pump will eventually break on you, and they can cause fuel to enter into the crankcase, destroying your engine. Electric fuel pumps are much more reliable, cheaper in the long run, and won't gush gasoline in your crankcase.

This right here. I had it happen on a 1980 Buick Century. Puked gas in to the Crank Case of the 231, and the engine filled with gas and blew on the interstate.

yeah, seizing my engine is one of my biggest fears with this thing

Well that sucks! This has been my worst fear with mine. It's not if it breaks down, it's when. And so far I've been lucky.
Reading these other comments I may just swap an electric fuel pump into mine before this happens. I know it's a hassle when I try to start it after letting it sit for a while. It takes so long for the fuel to eventually get flowing to the carb.

It may also be just a clogged line too like others have said. You did recently remove your gas tank. Might have cause some sediment to dislodge in the line and block something.


Hopefully the tow comes soon and it's an easy fix!

thanks! all I want to do is not destroy this car so I can get at least what I paid for it back if I ever sell it. as tough as these old cars are, they can still be ruined by something as small as a seal or gasket failing. soon it will be winter and this car can hibernate along with my credit cards.