New gas tank problem on 1969 350

[Fred C.]

I purchased a new gas tank and installed it last night. My old tank has a vapor recovery connection on the top of the tank. My new tank does not. I thought that if the cap was vented I would be ok. Of course that is not the case. When I fired the car up gas trickles out of the old recovery line. I know that the recovery line reduces the chance of vapor lock. My question to you guys is this: can I plug the vapor recovery line to keep the return flow from leaking? Do I need to start all over with another gas tank? What should I do? If I pluged the line would it foul up the fuel pump? Any help would be great---------I have a guy waiting on me who wants the car and I have a 65 waiting on me to pick up. many thanks
Fred Close

[Terry M.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Fred,

Is the line you are calling a "vapor recovery line" on the passenger side of the car? If so it is a fuel return line, and I think you will need the correct fuel tank with a port for that line to connect to. I don't know what will happen if you simply plug the line.

Vapor recovery lines are on the driver's side of the car -- but those didn't start until 1970.

[Fred C.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Terry,
Its on the passenger side. My assembly manuel calls it a vapor recovery line. Another book I have also calls it a vapor recovery line. It also states that most models (fuel Pump) have two ports in and out. It says some models have a third port or connection for a vapor return. It goes on to state "the purpose of the vapor return is to route the hot fuel and vapor from the pump back to the fuel tank to reduce the chance of vapor lock.
So by plugging the line I dont know if this would foul anything up because it sounds like most models do fine without it. I own a 70 also that has one. So I dont know? Thanks for your input-------

[Terry M.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

The Corvette models that came without it (second smaller diameter line on the passenger side) were Holley equipped, and even one of those had the fuel return line on the passenger side. The fuel pump on the single line Corvette was different that that on the two line cars.

But as I said, I have no idea what the effects of plugging that line would be. Perhaps someone else on this board has been down this road in the past.

[Joe L.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Terry,
Its on the passenger side. My assembly manuel calls it a vapor recovery line. Another book I have also calls it a vapor recovery line. It also states that most models (fuel Pump) have two ports in and out. It says some models have a third port or connection for a vapor return. It goes on to state "the purpose of the vapor return is to route the hot fuel and vapor from the pump back to the fuel tank to reduce the chance of vapor lock.
So by plugging the line I dont know if this would foul anything up because it sounds like most models do fine without it. I own a 70 also that has one. So I dont know? Thanks for your input-------

Fred----

The line on the passenger side is a FUEL RETURN LINE. For 1968-69, this line originates at the nipple on the top of the GF-432 fuel filter. All 1968-69 Corvettes with Q-Jet carbs were equipped this way. Holley carb engines were not so-equipped. There was no in-line filter and there was no passenger side fuel return line.

1970+ Corvettes all used a passenger side fuel return line EXCEPT 1970-72 LT-1. However, on 1970+ Corvettes equipped with the fuel return line, the line originates at the fuel pump. These applications used a long canister style fuel pump with 3 ports---an inlet, outlet, and fuel return line.

I would be very hesitant to "cap off" a 1969 fuel return line. However, there were many non-Corvette applications with Q-Jets that did not use a fuel return line. So, presumably, a Q-Jet will work ok without such a fuel return line. Still, I'd be very reluctant to try it.

[Fred C.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Thanks Joe,
If I replaced the gf-432 with a filter that does not have a return port, would this not work for me?
fred

[John D.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Fred Close, I was confused by your post until I realized there are two NCRS members with your name.
An old time NCRS member named Fred Close lives near me in Smithfield, PA. JD

[Michael B.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

This is the GF-432 fuel filter.

You could try to change it to a filter without the nipple but I think it is there for a reason, and besides, that would go against my creed. If you don't have time to do it right the first time, when are you ever going to find the time to do it over?

[Fred C.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Fred Close, I was confused by your post until I realized there are two NCRS members with your name.
An old time NCRS member named Fred Close lives near me in Smithfield, PA. JD

John,
Some of the parts houses have got us mixed up before. I live in West Texas. Tell Fred in PA. I said hi. If he wants to swap vette pics my e-mail is closemidland@hotmail.com
take care
fc

[Joe L.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Thanks Joe,
If I replaced the gf-432 with a filter that does not have a return port, would this not work for me?
fred

Fred----

Yes, it should work. However, you'd be sacrificing whatever functionality that the fuel return was supposed to provide. Among other things, the car will be more susceptible to vapor lock.

[Fred C.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Michael,
Thanks for your input. In all the cars over the past 40 years I have done nothing but the correct way sparing no expense. The buyer of the car wants it now and asked me to find out if "rigging it" would be ok for now.
take care
fc

[Timothy B.]

Re: New gas tank problem on 1969 350

Fred, Go get the correct gas tank and fix it correct for him. I am sure it's there for a reason..