Carb bowl drying out

[rickv100]

This may be a stupid question, but I start my truck infrequently and I am having issues with the fuel drying out of the bowl in the carb between running.

Is the simple solution to run it more frequently or is there an issue I need to be investigating further? I am using a rebuilt mechanical fuel pump. The truck is for show so I would prefer to keep it looking original.

Rick

[mike_l]

Rick,

I'm like you, a rather erratic and infrequent driver of mine. During my walk around, before starting, I usually reach in and give the pump a few pumps on the lever to make sure I have fuel up in the bowl. If I have run the truck recently, within the past couple of weeks or so I don't but if it hasn't been run for more than a month or better I do.

[rickv100]

Thanks Mike, after reading another thread about the hand primer I saw a comment on the fuel pump lever. I feel stupid for asking it.

Thanks again,

Rick

[Cal_Gary]

Not a stupid question at all, Rick. Those of us that run electrics don't have this issue, as the fuel pump refills the bowl as soon as current hits the pump, regardless of how long since the last start up.
Gary

[Joe]

You should start it more often or at least pump up the fuel system. If the bowl is drying out then the gaskets are probably drying out as well . If they dry out they tend to shrink and cause air leaks and other problems. Also if it's sitting that long then the fuel may be going bad, ESPECIALLY the ethanol loaded carp that they sell today! You should add some kind of fuel stabilizer to it.