Fuel delivery problem

Hi Guys,

we're starting to sort through the van and make a list of its needs. I suppose we should prioritize the list from there but being guys, we'll probably just wing it! We got the ignition wires and all sorted the other day, and we decided to take it for a commando run down the block. Little nervous as its not been plated or registered yet. Seemed ok at first so we went a little further, (all the way across to the only partly developed subdivision across the road) as I turned around and started to head for home, it conked out and wouldnt stay running. Of course, it immediately started snowing and after fiddeling with it for twenty or thirty minutes, started the walk home into the teeth of the snow and wind . Went to look for the appropriate towing gear and my buddy down the road (Ryan doesnt have his license yet) and when we got back there, we monkied with it a little more. After putting the plug wires back to the original configuration (which was wrong by the way) and still having no luck. I got the brilliant idea to put some more gas in the thing. Sure enough, if fired right up. Then I put the plug wires back and it actuallr ran half way decent. The interesting thing is, we added 5 gallons of gas a few days before and it had maybe 6 miles of running time since.
My question is this I understand fuel tanks are an issue and going through old posts, I've determined that the previous owner replaced the tank in this one. What are the chances that he put the wrong stuff back in the tank and this one isnt reaching the bottom of the tank? And, if thats the case, whats the easiest way to go about fixing this situation.
Also, when the thing is on, the fuel gauge bounces around like crazy.

Gotta fix this, I aint picking up that kid every time he runs outta gas!

Todd

Thanks Donivan;
I'll take a look. I dont think its a line because as soon as I put in more fuel, it started right up no problem. I will definately put the inline clear filter in it and I suppose we should drop the tank for a look see.

Talk to you soon,
Todd

When I read your thread,kinda concerened me a bit.On another thread,you asked for firing order & location of number 1 plug.I went to my handy dandy Chiltons manual just to be sure,before I posted.Hope i did'nt steer you wrong.
Donivan is right on your fuel line problem.Theese things are old, and so is the rubber lines.One thing I've found to be true also is what inside theese tanks.When I first got my old Impala,I replaced the sending unit and dropped the tank.Man was I surprized.45 years of dirt,gravel(?),some sort of 'muck' and an old sock(temperary gas cap I guess) was down in there.May be worth a shot.Just my two cents worth.Something to think about anyway.

Glad you added that pic Donnivan of gas tank.Old resin build-up and funk.

Shame nobody repro's our old tanks ans sending units.

Are'nt 2nd gen different ohms? Thought I was reading this somewhere else.

Great info. Thanks again. We've been a little busy the last week or so and havnt had a ton of time to investigate. I've determined that we got the plug wires in the right places. As I said, it was wrong to begin with. Should the weather hold out, we'll invistigate further into what the cause may be. You guys have given us some good info to start. I sure hope the sending unit doesn't look as nasty as Donivan's picture. Jeez man, that thing looks like a serious health hazard. You oughtta be wearin hazmat gear! I'll look for the Impala sending unit for sure. We're gonna try to change hoses, belt . Add an inline filter and then get a look at the rear brakes. I'll keep ya posted

You should'nt have any trouble finding sending unit on a '64 Imp.Theres a guy in Va. I deal with on my old '60.They are 'Good People'. www.impala-parts.com
YearOne tends to think a lot of their stuff.

Thanks man.