Fuel pump

[Whytock]

I've been having a little trouble lately getting my car started. I've never had a problem before till this year. At first I don't think it was getting any fuel and I replaced the fuel filter. What things should I look at?
Another question I had is about weber down draft carbs. There is a lever vertically attached to the side of it. What is it for?

 

[DrEntropy]

P'raps a photo with the "offending" lever could narrow the possibilities?

Being a '77 it ~sounds~ like a "water choke" lever, but we'd need to "see" it, IYSWIM.

 

[David_DuBois]

For a fuel delivery troubleshooting guide, see my article at:https://www.custompistols.com/cars/dave/ddFuelDeliveryTroubleshooting.htm
Good luck,