Not Getting Fuel After Draining Tank - Air in Fuel Lines?

[mwhis936]

Good Evening

I'm getting a car back up and running after sitting for 8 years. I drained the fuel from the car, changed the fuel filter, and added a few gallons of new gas to the tank. I crank the car over but it seems I'm not getting any fuel. Car turns over fine and I know I'm getting spark.

Is it possible I got air in the fuel lines when changing the filter and siphoning? Any recommendations on where to look?

thanks!
-Matt

[shogun]

After 8 years the fuel pump is dead and clogged with gum like stuff from old fuel, That is not something what I read in the internet, that is real experience on cars stored for some years, I even had an M70 where all 12 fuel injectors were gummed and clogged.
Remove the fuel hose in the engine bay and and crank the engine and see if fuel comes out of the hose or not.
Parts which can usually clog from long time storage with old fuel and half filled tank: fuel pump, fuel filter, FPR, fuel injectors. And a steel fuel tank is probably completely corroded inside. Fuel gauge will not work anymore as the float is sticking.

[Ryan86]

Good Evening

I'm getting a car back up and running after sitting for 8 years. I drained the fuel from the car, changed the fuel filter, and added a few gallons of new gas to the tank. I crank the car over but it seems I'm not getting any fuel. Car turns over fine and I know I'm getting spark.

Is it possible I got air in the fuel lines when changing the filter and siphoning? Any recommendations on where to look?

thanks!
-Matt

I was in a similar boat - my car sat for 6 years. The fuel pump was corroded and disintegrated when I pulled it; ended up swapping the pump, filter and the fuel level sending unit to get pressure to the rail (confirmed by checking the schrader valve at the end of the fuel rail).

When it still wouldn't start after checking for spark, I replaced the injectors and it fired right up.

FWIW the old gas was nasty - I drained it all when I had the fuel pump and sending unit out, wiped the tank down with shop rags to get the residue that was left and started with fresh 93 octane. There were a bunch of particles/gunk floating in the the bad gas - if I hadn't drained it, it may have clogged things back up.

Hope this helps!

Ryan

[mwhis936]

This is a huge help, guys. I appreciate it. I'll start by removing the fuel line from the rail and seeing if gas is making it to that point. From there I should be able to discern if it's pump or injector related or possibly both. Really appreciate it!

[NeilM]

And a steel fuel tank is probably completely corroded inside.

Fortunately the E36 fuel tank is plastic, not steel.

Neil