1948 Tudor Sedan starting issues

[AD1948Ford]

All, I have a 1948 Ford Tudor Sedan with a flathead v8. I have been restoring the car and starting it up usually multiple times per week. I let it sit for 2 weeks and when I went back out to start the car, it ran for a few min and died. I checked the gas gauge and I was basically empty. So to make sure I didn’t have old gas, I drained the remaining gas and filled it up with new gas.

I let the fumes settle and clear out of the garage during the day. I just now went to try and start the car and it just turns over. It doesn’t seem to be getting gas to the carb but the fuel bowl is full with gas.

Does anyone know what the issue is or a fix?

[JSeery]

I would try priming the engine and getting it to fire. Sounds like it may need some help getting the fuel to the carb. If that doesn't do it, it is possible something from the near empty fuel tank was pulled into the carb.

[AD1948Ford]

Ok I’ll try priming it tonight.

[FortyNiner]

When was it last on the road? How long have you been working on the restoration?

[AD1948Ford]

I have been working on the restoration for a while but the motor is freshly rebuilt and I have been driving the car around the block while sitting on a bucket for months. All that is left is to adjust the hood so that it can close without hitting the cowl, adjust the rear tailgate so that it will latch shut and then sent it to the upholstery shop.

[FortyNiner]

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Check the fuel line and carb fittings for tightness. A air leak can cause the condition you described, ask me how I know...

[AD1948Ford]

I will do that as well. Someone mentioned getting a rag and a air hose fitting and blow air into the tank with that rag creating a seal to push fuel up the line until you start to get gas in the carb.....Would this prime the system as well?

[big job]

A syringe vacuum pump every one should have in the tool box, good for
sucking gas lines & sucking oil from oil filter. I had a 56 F350 express that
every now and then caput: usually at the wrong place Murphys law again. Ok so I disconnect fuel line at the pump and sucked with the syringe. Oh I had
lots of vacuum and suction but no gas. I really didn't want to blow back with
shop air but I did. Vac pump again now plenty of gas flow, hooked gas line
back up fire'd right up. Two days later same thing. This time I drained the
tank which is behind the seat. Took the fuel sender out. Gas tank brand new
hospital clean BUT I find a green sliver about 4 inches long. With one of those
thingys with claws I manage to clamp and get it out. Looks like a blade of
grass but it looks plastic. I bet my life this was a slice from a garden hose
someone before me siphoning gas when they pulled hose out sliced some
hose catching on the sharp gas cap neck; no more problem. Like a sink drain
there is suction from the pump that sucked that sliver into the fuel line...
true story these are cheap any parts store has them..... sam

[19Fordy]

You probably have crud in the gas tank or flexible fuel line on firewall has detriorated.
Try starting car just using a container of gas.

[jimvette59]

Ethanol may have deteriorated your fuel pump and or fuel lines . JMHO