I finally got my old V8 Ford to fire up after sittiing for 20 plus years. The problem is that it will only run by pouring gas down the carb. I've put a new fuel pump on it & had the Carb rebuilt. I tried to see if the fuel line was blocked and found out that I couldn't get any compressed air to blow thru the line. How hard is it to replace the fuel line? Do I have to remove the entire tank? What else could be the problem? Should I replace more than just the line?
1934 Fuel Line Problem
- Thread starter Doug 845
- Start date
rockfla
Well-known member
You shouldn't have to remove the tank. Make sure ALL of the connection points from the tank to the carb are TIGHT, if any are sucking air you'll never get any fuel pressure. I had an old electric fuel pump, I connected an old rubber fuel line to the pick-up side of the pump and disconnected the line at the firewall, connect the fuel pump to the supply line and turn the pump on, if it pumps fuel, then, connect the line to the fuel pump and make sure it pumps fuel to the pump. If you know all that is good then your problem is from the fuel pump to the carb. Easy to trace it down. If your pump is getting fuel, then disconnect the line at the carb and put a jar there to catch the fuel, you can see if the pump is pumping like it should.
Scott H in Wheaton
Well-known member
"found out that I couldn't get any compressed air to blow thru the line"
if it was loose fittings or holes in the line I think the compressed air would go through.
You probably have a line clogged with sediment and probably the fuel sender as well.
I once took an empty gas tank out of an old old Ford and it probably weighed 10-15 pounds more than a similar 'empty' gas tank. Cut it open to find caked mud/sludge covering the bottom of the tank.
A lot can happen in 80 years
if it was loose fittings or holes in the line I think the compressed air would go through.
You probably have a line clogged with sediment and probably the fuel sender as well.
I once took an empty gas tank out of an old old Ford and it probably weighed 10-15 pounds more than a similar 'empty' gas tank. Cut it open to find caked mud/sludge covering the bottom of the tank.
A lot can happen in 80 years
I installed a new flex line already. I checked the fuel line by blowing compressed air into the line right below the flex line. I had my daughter standing at a safe distance near the tank at the rear of the car with the gas cap off and she couldn't hear any sound of bubbles with 10 gallons of gas in it.
B-O-B
Well-known member
rockfla
Well-known member
My question would be?
If you disconnected the line at the flex and blew air back to the tank, IF that line was plugged, naturally she wouldn't here anything and you would have known that because all the compressed air would have blown back at you! RIGHT??
Just a thought!!!
If it were me I would replace the supply line from the tank to the firewall. As you said you can remove the inspection plate in the trunk and pull the sending unit for the gauge and at that point you can look inside and see what the inside of the thank looks like. At that point you can decide on pulling the tank and having it cleaned or not.
If you disconnected the line at the flex and blew air back to the tank, IF that line was plugged, naturally she wouldn't here anything and you would have known that because all the compressed air would have blown back at you! RIGHT??
Just a thought!!!
If it were me I would replace the supply line from the tank to the firewall. As you said you can remove the inspection plate in the trunk and pull the sending unit for the gauge and at that point you can look inside and see what the inside of the thank looks like. At that point you can decide on pulling the tank and having it cleaned or not.
FlatheadTed
Well-known member
The differential cover plate located under the rumble seat? no its more to the back on a 34 under the edge of the lid located under the rumble seat? remove the lid .you could fit a new pipe this way .push a wire down it .Just did this on a 38 Cheby freed up good .Ted
Thirty fours have a air operated fuel gauge and a special rig that is down in the tank. If the tank has set with old fuel in it, it is likely that the pick up rig has plugged up. You should be able to remove it from above, inspect, clean and check it out along with the recommendations on the fuel line itself. Commercial paint remover works well to remove old gas gum.
Thanks for all of the replies. When I blew compressed air into the fuel line - I did have blowback and it even produced a whistle sound. I will try to access the fuel & air line by removing the gusset plate on the rear passenger side as suggested. I will also remove the differential cover plate under the 5 Window rumble seat to get a better view. The inside of the fuel tank looks like it is coated with some black substance??? The car was restored around 30 years ago.
Tim Brown
Senior Member
There are really no shortcuts to doing this right the first time. Disconnect the fuel line at the tank, pull the tank and have it professionally cleaned at a radiator shop. Verify that the sending unit is clean and working. Replace the tank and replace the complete fuel line. After 30 years its ready. My 2 cents...
JM 35 Sedan
Well-known member
I agree with others, taking shortcuts now usually means doing it correctly the second or third time later.
I have to agree that pulling the tank might be the best way to go. I will have to siphon out the fresh gas and disconnect the fuel & air lines. I'll order the new fuel line and hydrostatic repair kit for my non-functioning fuel gauge. Would it be more cost effective to just order a new 11 gallon tank from Drake for $325 or just have the old one cleaned & coated? I called my local radiator shop and they said they couldn't give me a price over the phone. Also, how do I check the fuel sending unit to see if it is working properly?
FlatheadTed
Well-known member
The black stuff in there maybe a coating from the 30 year ago resto .You have to asses how bad the tank is but the $325 is not a lot of money ,clean fuel is a must on these old cars ted
Milt K from Pa
Senior Member
Doug,
By all means, do everything possible to keep an original fuel tank!! Unless some changes have taken place, Drakes '34 tanks do not fit, unless you are a hot-rodder and can live with the neck in the wrong position. I needed a tank, sent the Drake unit back, and purchased a good used one.
Milt K from Pa
By all means, do everything possible to keep an original fuel tank!! Unless some changes have taken place, Drakes '34 tanks do not fit, unless you are a hot-rodder and can live with the neck in the wrong position. I needed a tank, sent the Drake unit back, and purchased a good used one.
Milt K from Pa
TerryOH
Well-known member
Bob Drakes tanks and all the other Mfg.s ,34 replacements, do not have provisions for the hydrostatic fuel sender so if you change to a new tank you will lose your fuel gauge. The hydrostatic sender has the fuel tank vent pipe so you lose this also and may result in difficulty filling the gas tank or if you install a vented gas cap, gas will usually slosh out of the tank and over the painted fuel tank cover, when driving.