@richard 

Yes,he did.

That was actually to blow the idle passages clean, but might work on the accelerator passages too.

It has to be the wires on cylinder numbers 3 and 4 specifically, and you should snap the throttle open and closed a few times after starting.

@richard That's a post I've not read. I can't imagine a backfire would ever be a good thing because it could over-pressure a lot more than a carburetor passage but I don't know. I hope Gene is well and is able to make the trip to the new site. It would be good to hear from him.

Edit: After reading Ole's reply I stand corrected. It's still not something I would do but it's interesting.

@richard I agree that crossing a couple of plug leads does clear some issues and have used that a few times. I generally warm the engine then cross the centre cylinders, pull the choke (if manual choke more to cause the backfire into the passageways) about 1/2 way then stomp on the accelerator a couple of times. Considering it is the accelerator pump that is suspect this may not work.

Tony   

Gene suggested crossing 3 & 4 spark plug wires but any of the 180 deg pairs 1 & 6 or 2 & 5 should work the same.

Hi to all !! I am pretty sure I have her fixed. Took carburetor off the car this morning, took apart, cleaned, checked everything, blew all the passages clean with my air compressor. ( I DID notice a loose screw in the passageway where the fuel shoots out ) Might have not helped the situation.  Put it back together correctly and added a bit of fuel in the bowl. Before putting the bowl top on, I pushed down on the accelerator pump........gasoline came shooting out of the passage like a firehose !! Test drive it later today or tomorrow morning.

I did remember reading the Chevgene comments about crossing the wires. I do hope he is ok. Thanks all for the great help and suggestions.   This is a wonderful club and I really appreciate your expertise and willingness to help another enthusiast !!

I'll let you know how the test drive goes. Clement

Test drive was HORRIBLE !! Still doing the same thing. I have absolutely no idea what to do next. I'm done. Life's too short to screw around with crap like this. I just want a car that runs. Thanks for the help. This is totally depressing and emasculating. 

Sorry for venting. This whole thing is driving me absolutely crazy.

The frustration is understood. It might be time to find in person help. If it was me I'd do a member search (the Roster Search link is at the top of the page) for a club member in your area who would be willing to help you diagnose and fix the issue. In the absence of that I would check with area "car guys" for a local mechanic who's experienced in old cars.

Thank you. Your suggestion is very well taken. In the meantime, I just had another idea........I'll try to see if maybe I have a tiny vacuum leak and try a new accelerator pump ( easy enough to install with carburetor still on the car ) I just talked to some friends of mine with an old Chrysler 300 with terrible starting issues ...........been gong on for months...his mechanic is coming with a rollback tomorrow to take it to his shop. I feel better now. Thanks again for the help. 

Is it possible the float is hanging too low and there might not be enough fuel in the bowl ??? I just thought about that. I have it adjusted for 1/2 ". I have NO idea what it is other than a Carter W 1. There is no tag on it and no serial numbers. 

@clement-thurn 

Hi Clement

I believe the proper float level for all W1's in Chev cars was 1/2 inch measured at the end of the float opposite the pin, holding the assembly upside down and WITHOUT a gasket in place.

That said, I had to raise mine (reduce the clearance) about 3/32" to make my idle circuit work.

And I think I'm still running a bit lean.

I suspect this was due to the difference in today's gasoline.

Setting at 13/32" is certainly worth a try as it is very easy to do.

Ok, yes that is how I measured mine. I will try your suggestion. Thanks !

That didn't help. I give up. Thanks for the suggestions. At least it looks pretty sitting in the garage.

I just ordered a new carburetor rebuild kit. I'll try one more time before I contact a mechanic. I'll replace the gaskets and the accelerator pump. Can't hurt. Thanks all. 

Good luck.