Walt I had a rash of flex hose problems and went with Gadgiteers hoses about a year ago and that cured my problems on 4 or 5 old Fords. This is the problem with a lot of the hard or no start problems seen on this forum. The old flex hoses suck air and you don't see any gas leaking and the problem can come and go. A very small air leak can cause mild vapor lock. Feel the flex hose and if it is soft and soggy replace it. When the old hose is removed the rubber then gets hard. These new ones are gauranteed for 5 years and should last as long as you own the car. gadgiteer@aol.com G.M.
Walt, The fuel pump has a check valve in it so no need for one in the flex hose. Keep it simple. If the pump did leak back, the carb has enough gas to run the engine and send gas to the carb. John