It will start only with starter fluid and won't stay running. The fuel pump does work. Any ideas as this is my first carb vehicle.
How does the fuel from the tank look? What kind of carb is on it? 1,2 or 4 bbl? Does it have a filter in line before the carb?
It's obvious that you have a fuel starvation problem. If you're sure the fuel pump works, and I'm not sure how you know that, then either fuel isn't getting to the pump or it is being stopped at the fuel filter which on most engines used should be right at the fuel inlet at the carb. It is entirely possible also that the float in the carb may be stuck closed and not allowing the bowl to fill. You can rule out the tank or fuel line from the tank by disconnecting the tank line at the pump, connect a fuel line going to an outside fuel source like a bottle or can gravity feeding it. If that doesn't work, disconnect the fuel line from the pump to the carb and try to start the car. See if fuel comes out. If it works, the issue is likely either fuel filter or carb. You can rap the bottom of the carb carefully with a hammer. Sometimes if the float is stuck, that'll free it. Sometimes. FYI, if you're trying to start it on old gas, don't! You can cause issues in itself if you use stale gas. Don't mix old with new. Flush out the tank. A quick and dirty way to flush a tank is to disconnect the line from the tank at the pump and run an extension to an empty can. Using an air hose with a blow attachment, set to 90psi and hold it in the filler neck using rags to seal it. Blowing the high pressure air through will force the fuel out of the tank. It works, I know as I've done it successfully.
