I have a 84' Dodge Pickup with the 225 slant six. When it sits overnight its difficult to start in the morning. It cranks and cranks and it isn't until it cranks for a minute that it will start. Is it the mechanical fuel pump and is just having to pump the fuel up to the carb after it flowed back down or something else? And if it is, would a electric fuel pump be worth it or even possible?

 

Make sure the choke is working, Check all of the fuel lines all the way back to the tank.
Small electric is doable, make sure it is for a carb not fuel injection You need about 5psi of fuel pressure

 

It originally had a 1BBL Holley carb but when it tore up on me I had to replace it with a aftermarket one. I had this problem with the original carb and the fuel pump was replaced a few years ago and it had this problem with the previous pump. I guess my question is, is this a problem that's simply a characteristic of the engine/carb setup and can be corrected. Or is this a problem that I need to fix? I've owned the truck since 2006 and the fuel lines were replaced that year. Shouldn't there still be fuel in the carb bowl?

 

TOSS the mech pump.!!!!! put a good, read Carter, electric fuel pimp. best to be near the gas tank. but i have had one next the engine. but that has some safety risk. do NOT NOT use long length of hose at the engine that IS a fire hazard. do use steel fuel / brake tubing for all length except at fuel filter. DO put a low oil pressure cut off on. i all ways made a pump over ride switch, that saves TONS of ware and tear on starter and batt. all so a time for a secret switch for theft prevention.