'61..Stop flow of Fuel

[Richard P.]

I need to work on my '61 fuesl pump and fuel lines. How can I stop the flow of fuel from the fuel tank while having the line disconnected from the pump?

[Jack H.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

Generally, mechanics use a 'pinch off' tool (like a set of vice grips) strategically positioned at a rubber portion of the fuel line...

[Tom H.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

I put a bolt in the line and hose clamp it.

[Christopher R.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

Pinch off the rubber fuel line that connects to the pump. Sears used to sell orange plastic clamps for this purpose. If you use vice grips, cushion the jaws with something so they don't chew up the hose. If the hose still drips after you disconnect it, jam a golf tee or something similiar in the opening.

[Richard P.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

What if I need to replace the rubber hose itself? Then how do I stop the flow?

[Dan D.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

You can blow back through the line with compressed air to break the siphon. -Dan-

[John H.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

Richard -

When I had 57's, I made up a plug that screwed onto the male inverted flare fitting on the line on the frame (taking the place of the rubber hose); used ordinary Weatherhead fittings - a double inverted-flare union, and a plug - see photo below.

[Bob H.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

I used wood shims on each side with vise grips.

If changing the hose, I clamped the new hose in the same manner, pre installed the clamp and then switched it quickly. The 100 octane didn't burn going down my arm, at least until it hit my armpit which seemed to be a bit more sensitive. Afterward, I realized how dumb I was. Just glad I didn't drop the worklight on the floor and have it ignite everything. While working on something else earlier in the day the light fell and the light bulb made a wonderful flash when it imploded.

For safety sake I will always make sure I'm using a battery operated light in the future when working around the fuel system.

[Robert S.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

First, remove the gas cap. Then get a one foot piece of rubber gas line and put it in your mouth. Disconnect the line from the fuel pump and but it up with the one in your mouth and blow until you hear bubbles or pass out. The fuel pump will refill the line when you are done and restart the engine. Simple.

[Don H.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

Another approach is to drain the fuel first. Either by syphoning the fuel or draining. Hopefully you do not have a large volume in the tank. Good luck, Don H.

[Stephen R.]

Re: '61..Stop flow of Fuel

you can always take off the tank cover and disconnect the line from the fuel pick up. On my 59, it's a solid steel line, on later years, I believe it may also be a rubber hose.