replacing tank to pump fuel line

[William G.]

Hi,

I need clarification! I have a 327. 350 HP 1967. I am looking to replace the gas tank to fuel pump supply line. Did GM use the same size line for both the small block and big block cars. If so, is it 3/8"?

Ratracer

[Leif A.]

Re: replacing tank to pump fuel line

William,
The size of the fuel line is 3/8" for both the small block and the big block. However, if you're contemplating replacing your existing fuel line with a new pre-formed line understand that the end of the fuel line where it meets the frame at the fuel pump is configured differently SB vs BB. Additionally, although I've heard it can be done, you most likely will have to lift the body off the frame to work the fuel line through the rear kick-up.

[William G.]

Re: replacing tank to pump fuel line

I was afraid that might be the case, having to lift the body. , so working on the car is probably going to be put off another six months The situation is this. I have old fuel in the tank and it gummed up the carb this week. I was hoping replacing the line would ease the flushing situation. Unfortunately, I am going into the hospital Tuesday for neck surgery. I guess I will have to disconnect the rubber line at the pump and blow the fuel back into the tank. Then pump the tank as dry as I can get it.

Bill

[Leif A.]

Re: replacing tank to pump fuel line

I was afraid that might be the case, having to lift the body. , so working on the car is probably going to be put off another six months The situation is this. I have old fuel in the tank and it gummed up the carb this week. I was hoping replacing the line would ease the flushing situation. Unfortunately, I am going into the hospital Tuesday for neck surgery. I guess I will have to disconnect the rubber line at the pump and blow the fuel back into the tank. Then pump the tank as dry as I can get it.

Bill

Bill,
If the fuel line is solid and the only issue is the gumming of old gas, I wouldn't be changing the metal fuel line. You can flush the fuel tank. Then, remove both rubber fuel lines (one at the tank and one at the fuel pump) and you can then flush the fuel line with solvent. Flush the line from the fuel pump to carburetor. Replace the two rubber hoses and you should be good to go. If the carburetor has been gummed up, that can easily be rebuilt, as well. Don't make extra work for yourself.

[William G.]

Re: replacing tank to pump fuel line

Leif,

as far as I know, without jacking the car up and crawling under it, the line should still be solid. It is the original to the car! I did a rebuild on the carb today, so it is squeaky clean and ready to go. I will take your advice and just blow the lines out. I will do the best I can to empty the tank and clean it. Not sure if I want to try removing the tank. That would have to wait until I have recovered from the surgery next week. I am having five vertebrae fused! It is going to keep me on the sidelines for a few months. Thanks for your valuable information.

Bill

[Roger C.]

Re: replacing tank to pump fuel line

I had a similar situation on a 1967 GTO
Purchased from Eastwood Company a product made for purging fuel lines
SKU 12846Z
The cans have tips designed for purging fuel lines.
The car had not run for 27 years.
Replaced the tank, purged the lines, rebuild the carb.

It runs great

Roger

[William G.]

Re: replacing tank to pump fuel line

Funny you should mention a GTO. I had a 72 model and bought gas at a station while a tanker was putting gas in the stations tanks. Ended up with a tank full of crud, which plugged up the fuel filter sock inside the gas tank! Loss of a tank of gas, plus blowing out the lines and putting an inline fuel filter in after the sock was cut off the fuel pickup and I was running again!

Yesterday I pumped 9 gallons of old gas out of the Corvette's tank. I found that the inside of the tank is totally coated with rust. Looks like it will be a tank change after all. I have already rebuilt the carb, so it will just be a matter of draining the fuel line and flushing it, as well as the fuel pump.

Thanks