1990 gmc 3500 no start small block 350

Matt0608

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hey guys I could really use some help. I’ve always been a ford person so I for the most part know my way around those trucks. But I’m in no way shape or form a mechanic, I just know a thing or two and like to figure things out. I’m working on a 1990 Chevy 3500 dump truck at the place I work cause we are hurting on trucks so I was tasked with getting it running. It ran two years ago when parked. First thing I did was replace the battery, so I cranked it and it wouldn’t start, then I realized I should drain the gas since it’s been in there for two years or so. Did that (now the sending unit won’t read so I probably messed that up but that’s the least of my problems) hooked all the lines back up put abt 3 1/2 gallons or so in it and cranked it and got nothing. I can hear the fuel pump running but fuel isn’t getting to the engine. It will fire off gas or ether put down the intake. So I guess what I’m asking is what should I check for before trying to tear off fuel lines cause that sounds like a major pita. Thanks I’ll try and post somepictures if I can figure out how to do that oh and it’s a small block 350. Also I noticed two fuses were missing in the box labeledpower I’ll take a picture of that and put it up too. Thanks for the help I’ll take any ideasor suggestions, I just really could use the advice
 

Matt0608

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Clb

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Add fuel
purge the tbi
charge the battery
report back
 

Clb

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Find and follow the high pressure line to the intake, as close as possible to the throttle body, crack a line, cycle the key till it pukes...(these only prime for a moment)
First top up the fuel, as the pickup may be 4 gallons off the floor of the tank...
 

Cactus Bob

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Gm Fuel Pumps do not like to sit. it may run but it most likely will not provide enough pressure or volume of fuel. checking volume is a bit tricky. if it was mine and i was sure i was keeping it(knew engine and trans where good when parked) i would just just change out the sending unit and pump with a new one. you already know the gauge is dead so you already have a reason to go in there ...so go all the way. I have not had luck with fuel pumps that have sat with old gas in them for long periods of time. if they do run you might get a week or a few months and you are sitting on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck........change it out, don't play with it......fuel filter too.
 

Noiseydiesel

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Throttle body runs about 12 PSI pressure.
Excellent chance, since you hear the pump running, the pick up hose between the pump to the steel fuel line inside the tank, is rotted off. Metanol in the gas will do it real quick. Ethanol is much less problem.
Drop the tank, flop in new pump while your playing.
 

Matt0608

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Sorry for taking so long to get back to y’all but I did manage to get the truck running, the fuel pump was fine, there was nothing blocking the lines, but what I failed to notice at first was that the rubber fuel line in the pump was all rotted off so I just replaced the line for now and it runs like a top for now. Definitely will be looking at getting a sending unit/pump sooner or later but right now it runs well enough to do what I need to do, thankfully all I have to do is raise the dump bed to get to the sending unit. Thanks for the help and advice guys I really appreciate it. I’m sure I’ll be back here with this truck sooner or later
 

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