[FC] Replacing fuel tank 5/16" rubber line....and fuel gauge

[Joel McGregor]

I'll probably get flamed for this but I think the mechanical Corvair fuel pump works great.  The swollen hose is probably your problem.  When I've had hoses soft enough to swell they have always caused fuel problems.  They seem to collapse in use and cut off the fuel flow.  Replace all your rubber lines and you will probably be ok.  I have heard that a lot of people got bad new mechanical pumps from one of the vendors a while back.
One trick I learned a long time ago is to take the bolt out that holds the pump and you can manually push the pump and release it until the system is primed.
If you replace the rubber lines and still can't get fuel then the screen in the tank may be stopped up.  I've had that issue also.  If you blow a little air in the tank and the fuel won't come out the back then you have blockage somewhere.
If you are in the rust belt it's possible to get holes in the metal fuel lines.
Another issue is gas caps.  Any of them you get locally won't be vented which can cause issues under certain circumstances.
I only use an electric pump when I've got fuel injection.  I've had a lot more electric pumps give out on me than mechanical ones.
I would guess the sender in the tank is gummed up since your fuel gauge seems to work.  That would also point to a gummed up pickup screen.  Sound like it's time to drop the tank.
Just my .02 for what it's worth.
Joel McGregor