Tri power lines leaking again

[Grahame M.]

Hi all, l
I don't know what I'm doing wrong but after sitting for a couple of weeks my 69 L68 is leaking fuel from two of the inlet flanges. What is left to do? I have had all carby's restored and thoughti had fixed the problem.
Its as if they are undoing themselves while it sits in the garage. I used all the great advice I received in previous threads and they seemed to stop. Is it possible that the thread area in the bowl is worn?
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Cheers
Grahame

[Chuck G.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Stainless steel fuel lines?

Tough to get them to seat.

Chuck

[Clem Z.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

use these gaskets. http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg...120905120133:s

[Jack C.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Grahame. Don't be afraid to really tighten up the fittings (assuming you're referring to the fittings on the steel lines). I mean, really give it a lot of torque. I had the same problem until I really used quite a bit of strength on them.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

you can also use teflon pipe dope or teflon tape on the threads as this will reduce the friction and make the fittings easier to tighten. the tape or pipe dope does not to do any sealing it just reduced the friction in the threads so you can apply more torque to the fitting

[Daniel S.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

I have had the same issue with line to one of my carbs that a bit of liquid teflon took care of.

[Ken A.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

I assume the OP is referring to the fittings that screw into the carb bowls. If so, he is correct that tightning the other fuel lines can loosen the carb fittings. The correct, no leak, method is to;
Install all 3 fittings, using the Holley steel gasket, in each carb OFF the manifold. Use a small amount of grease on each fittning and tighten using a big wrench. Be very careful not to strip the bowl threads. If pieces of thread fall out when you remove a fitting, then I would be looking for a new bowl.
Next, install both T block lines(using grease on both the flare and threads) on the front and center carbs while carbs are STILL OFF the car, and tighten securely to each carb fitting while eyeballing the fuel line to make sure it is in the proper plane.

Now install the T blocks to carb lines using grease and again eyeball for proper "plane". Install the short line in the front carb block using grease, but only finger tight. Line up the rear "L" line and install in rear carb again eyeballing the line for level.
Now install and torque carbs working front to rear. I again use a small amount of grease on the gaskets so the carbs can "seat" better. While installing the carbs the "connecting" fuel lines should be pregreased and "roll" into the fittings.
If everything was lined up (you may have to adjust a line angle) you can now tighten all the lines into the blocks.
Lastly, install the pump line using grease on the theads and flare. Wipe everthing off and start it up. If you see a minor leak, then tighten quickly-before the gas washes away the grease.
Once you've got everything "leakproof" then never remove the lines to each carb, even during rebuilds.

[Drew P.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Hello Grahame,
I would recommend Permatex product # 59235 sealer is for use with gasoline.
You can easy loosen the fittings after it has been applied.
The Permatex tech support phone number is 877-376-2839.
They can help you to located a supplier to buy this product and size of container.
Regards,
Drew Papsun

[Michael J.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

I assume the OP is referring to the fittings that screw into the carb bowls. If so, he is correct that tightning the other fuel lines can loosen the carb fittings. The correct, no leak, method is to;
Install all 3 fittings, using the Holley steel gasket, in each carb OFF the manifold. Use a small amount of grease on each fittning and tighten using a big wrench. Be very careful not to strip the bowl threads. If pieces of thread fall out when you remove a fitting, then I would be looking for a new bowl.
Next, install both T block lines(using grease on both the flare and threads) on the front and center carbs while carbs are STILL OFF the car, and tighten securely to each carb fitting while eyeballing the fuel line to make sure it is in the proper plane.

Now install the T blocks to carb lines using grease and again eyeball for proper "plane". Install the short line in the front carb block using grease, but only finger tight. Line up the rear "L" line and install in rear carb again eyeballing the line for level.
Now install and torque carbs working front to rear. I again use a small amount of grease on the gaskets so the carbs can "seat" better. While installing the carbs the "connecting" fuel lines should be pregreased and "roll" into the fittings.
If everything was lined up (you may have to adjust a line angle) you can now tighten all the lines into the blocks.
Lastly, install the pump line using grease on the theads and flare. Wipe everthing off and start it up. If you see a minor leak, then tighten quickly-before the gas washes away the grease.
Once you've got everything "leakproof" then never remove the lines to each carb, even during rebuilds.

This is great advice and well detailed, I'm saving this for my winter project of replacing the carbs and lines on my '67 L71. Thanks.

[Grahame M.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Thanks Chuck,
I steered away from SS as i herd a lot of stories (right or Wrong). The last set of fuel lines i bought from Paragon. Thanks for the feedback.
Grahame

[Grahame M.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Thanks Jack,

I'll give it some elbow grease when i put it back together.
Cheers
Grahame

[Grahame M.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Thanks Ken,

I think i'll still get the threaded area in the fuel bowl repaired and follow you advice. What type of grease should i use? Others on this thread have had success with Teflon products, which is best?

Many thanks and i'll let you know how it goes.
Cheers
Grahame

[Grahame M.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Many thanks Drew

[Ken A.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

Thanks Ken,

I think i'll still get the threaded area in the fuel bowl repaired and follow you advice. What type of grease should i use? Others on this thread have had success with Teflon products, which is best?

Many thanks and i'll let you know how it goes.
Cheers
Grahame

I use white lubriplate, stay away from teflon & other "sealers". There is no good repair for a striped out bowl-that's why Holley sells replacements. But if you insist on "repairing" a zinc potmetal bowl, then I wish you luck.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Tri power lines leaking again

I use the permetex #2 in a tube. It's the black sealer for threaded connections like block plugs etc. never had a problem.

One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes the seat where the flare seals can get a groove from previous use causing a slight leak no matter how tight the line.