I have a 1985 Cadillac De ville with the 4.1 engine. The car has been sitting for 17 years. There was no fuel coming to the carburetor. I changed the fuel pump and the fuel filter. I still get no fuel to the carburetor. Also changed the fuel relay switch. Don't have a clue what could be the problem. Can anyone help me out? Thank you.

Carb? You could have a gummed up carb and a stuck float/needle valve. On the other hand, after sitting all that time, it is also possible that the fuel lines could be clogged.

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Originally Posted by odinn7

Carb? You could have a gummed up carb and a stuck float/needle valve. On the other hand, after sitting all that time, it is also possible that the fuel lines could be clogged.

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Well I checked the fuel pump for power and it only has power for about 3 seconds after I turn the ignition to the on position. After that there's no power going to the fuel pump? Is this normal?

How are you checking it? Is it installed and the lines connected? The electric pump will cycle through a prime when you first apply power so I believe what you're describing is normal.

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Originally Posted by odinn7

How are you checking it? Is it installed and the lines connected? The electric pump will cycle through a prime when you first apply power so I believe what you're describing is normal.

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I was testing the power wire with a test light. I've cranked it about five minutes and still no fuel. I also disconnected the fuel lines that go into the carb and turned the ignition to the on position and still get no fuel? Put two gallons of fuel in tank.

I could be wrong but it sounds like you have something in the fuel lines.

So how can I check to be sure if there is anything in the fuel lines? Any ideas? Have you ever heard of fuel lines getting clogged?

Disconnect the lines on both ends and blow compressed air through them.

The car sat for 17 years...anything is possible. You have to pretty much start with the simple, cheaper ideas first to eliminate those possibilities.

Okay. I will try that tomorrow morning. Wish me luck. Thank you for your help.

Surprise . . . Your Cadillac has fuel injectors, not a carburetor. The throttle body, which houses the fuel injectors, just looks like a carburetor. Be sure to purge the tank and fuel lines of all of the old gas. Then, put more than a token amount of gas in the tank and pressurize the injectors by turning the ignition switch to ON and waiting until the CEL goes out. Next, turn the ignition switch to OFF and repeat this sequence two more times. After the CEL goes out on the final sequence, turn the ignition switch to START.

It's a TBI? I thought they were using TBI back then but I made the mistake of assuming the OP knew. I might still consider blowing out the lines first. 17 years is a long time and who knows what kind of build up or rust might be there.

The CEL never tuned off. I did the sequence twice and still no start. Could it be that the fuel lines are clogged after all?

If the CEL stays on, the ECM may be bad. Try and clean the main ECM ground first.

Going to try the ground. I just finished dropping the fuel tank again. I disconnected the fuel filter and removed the fuel pump. I blew air threw all the fuel lines including the fuel sending unit as well. Everything is clear. I can hear the pump turn on. Any ideas?

Okay. So I just finished monkeying around with the darn fuel pump.
I rolled the dice and took my chances and it paid off. Turns out it was
A bad fuel pump. I purchased a new pump and shazam. It starts.
Maybe defective fuel pump. Just glad it all done. Thank you everyone
For help and input.

Didn't you install a new fuel pump before? Could it have been an electrical connection issue with the pump (ground or power)?