chevy fuel pump problem

[andy]

I think that I already know the answer to my question. If you don't start your truck ever so often, the diaphragm will dry up and the pump will not work. Is that rite? The fuel pump with the primer handle is so you can prime the fuel line to the carburetor? Thanks Andy

[Robbo]

Not quite - the fuel in carb bowl will prob evaporate over time and it will take some cranking to draw up more fuel - how long depends on how good fuel pump and lines etc are - not necessarily a bad thing as while cranking oil pump may prime engine with oil - depends on how strong your battery is - hand primer saves all that cranking but in theory should pump up fuel after a few cranks anyway. So the hand primer is handy but not strictly necessary.

[andy]

Thanks Robbo, I wish that I had the chance to start my truck more often, but I'm on the road about 3 months at a time. Thanks again Andy