Having trouble starting my 87 Eagle

[Bobcat2023]

I have been working on a 1987 eagle (4.2L I6) with a few of my buddies, the Eagle we have been working on has been sitting in out in an old parking lot for a year an a half (we are college students and didn't have anywhere to store it). We recently replaced the battery and starter solenoid and when we tried to start it up it would crank but wouldn't start until we added starter fluid. However once it got started it would only run for a second or two. We think there is an issue with getting fuel into the engine and suspect we need a new fuel pump. We also did add new gas to the tank so we don't think it won't start because of the tank being empty. Is there anything that could also prevent it from getting gas besides a faulty fuel pump? Any help would be appreciated.

[rmick]

Stuck carb float. Plugged tank filter.  Plugged fuel line filter

[AMC of Houston]

What rmick said.  Take the line off at the filter inlet, and stick the hose in a bucket and crank to see if any fuel comes out.   The fuel pumps are a common item to go south on you.   If you're getting fuel there, the carb needle valve may be stuck in its seat.   You can get to that without getting into the carb - its the brass fitting in the front of the carb that the metal line screws onto.

[Bobcat2023]

Thanks to the both of you that really helps a lot.