The Ford Barn

Lawson Cox · 03-19-2022, 12:50 PM

I'm embarrassed for publicly asking this question but memory is unclear nowadays. If I cut into fuel line to swap out fittings at electric fuel pump which is mounted inside the frame rail close to the tank, the only gas that will drain out is the gas in the line, correct? No siphoning action of gas out of the tank, Correct? I can't believe I'm asking this question.

J Franklin · 03-19-2022, 01:08 PM

I don't know how things are plumbed in your case. Maybe it wold be a good idea to keep a pan handy just in case.

Lawson Cox · 03-19-2022, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Franklin

I don't know how things are plumbed in your case. Maybe it wold be a good idea to keep a pan handy just in case.

Always.

Brian · 03-19-2022, 01:52 PM

If, where you cut, is lower than the level in the tank, it certainly will syphon. Why not drain the tank? be less mess and safer.

51 MERC-CT · 03-19-2022, 02:44 PM

Just crack open a fitting with a pan at the ready, if no continual flow after lines have drained, you're good to go.

Ronnieroadster · 03-19-2022, 03:18 PM

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Any early Ford fuel line I worked where the gas tank was located at the rear under the car once the fuel line along the frame rail was opened up gas began flowing.
Ronnieroadster

19Fordy · 03-19-2022, 05:26 PM

Lawson, While you're at it, install a petcock in the fuel line between the tank and your in line filter and fuel pump. I used a radiator pet cock you see in photo. Fuel line is 1/4 in.

Lawson Cox · 03-19-2022, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

If, where you cut, is lower than the level in the tank, it certainly will syphon. Why not drain the tank? be less mess and safer.

Thanks for reminding me to drain the tank, Brian. I was planning on doing that anyhow and blowing out all of the gas lines. I will also be replacing the rubber hose that is connecting the gas line and electric pump. I am getting crud in the carburetor from somewhere, two in line filters between the tank and carburetor notwithstanding. Frustrating.

Ford Freak · 03-19-2022, 06:02 PM

Hey Lawson! When you replace the rubber hose, make sure it is labeled "fuel injection".
It will hold up better with today's gas, that has ethanol in it. Around my parts it is 10%.
- Bernie

Lawson Cox · 03-19-2022, 08:05 PM

Hey Lawson! When you replace the rubber hose, make sure it is labeled "fuel injection". It will hold up better with today's gas, that has ethanol in it. Around my parts it is 10%.
- Bernie

Gotcha. Already have the hose in my hot little hands.

Karl · 03-20-2022, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

Hey Lawson! When you replace the rubber hose, make sure it is labeled "fuel injection".
It will hold up better with today's gas, that has ethanol in it. Around my parts it is 10%.
- Bernie

I have always been reluctant to use ethanol gas as I'm afraid of what it will do to rubber parts - What precautions do others take (if any ) when using ethanol gas ?

GB SISSON · 03-20-2022, 09:53 PM

Lawson, if you have any rubber hoses upstream of where you are working, this is what I do. Clamp the hose off with a set of small needle nose vice grips. I slide an inch or so of rubber fuel line on each jaw of the vise grips to protect the hose. I have been beside the road changing filters with fuel running down into my armpits way too many times. I refuse to drive any more with a tank that is even remotely questionable. My current stable has 2 poly tanks, one aluminum and one solid original heavily treated with red-cote.

T Scott · 03-21-2022, 01:03 AM

My guess is that if your pump is lower than the fuel level in the tank then yes, it will siphon. My 37 Lasalle had a similar configuration and at 82 I will do almost anything these days to avoid climbing under a car, particularly to change a fuel filter with fuel running down my arms. I installed two Facet pumps in series with a downstream filter on the frame rail in the engine bay with a selector switch for the desired pump. Having two pumps is for redundancy. These pumps will lift fuel from the tank just like the original 84 year old pump did and changing the filter is a piece of cake. Worth considering.

CA Victoria · 03-21-2022, 06:08 AM

Sill getting crud in the carb w/2 filters?
Shouldn’t be passing thru your filter-
Start with what is between filter & carb and carb itself-
Are you using fords flex line at the fire wall?
Rubber line collapsing?
Has your carb been updated with alcohol friendly pump?

03-19-2022, 12:50 PM	#1
Lawson Cox Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above the gnat line in Georgia Posts: 7,119	Cutting into gas line. Consequences. I'm embarrassed for publicly asking this question but memory is unclear nowadays. If I cut into fuel line to swap out fittings at electric fuel pump which is mounted inside the frame rail close to the tank, the only gas that will drain out is the gas in the line, correct? No siphoning action of gas out of the tank, Correct? I can't believe I'm asking this question. __________________ Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes. It is better to be seen, than viewed. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm".

03-19-2022, 01:08 PM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,585	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. I don't know how things are plumbed in your case. Maybe it wold be a good idea to keep a pan handy just in case.

03-19-2022, 01:52 PM	#4
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 4,097	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. If, where you cut, is lower than the level in the tank, it certainly will syphon. Why not drain the tank? be less mess and safer. __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

03-19-2022, 02:44 PM	#5
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. Just crack open a fitting with a pan at the ready, if no continual flow after lines have drained, you're good to go. __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

03-19-2022, 03:18 PM	#6
Ronnieroadster Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East Coast in CT Posts: 1,778	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Any early Ford fuel line I worked where the gas tank was located at the rear under the car once the fuel line along the frame rail was opened up gas began flowing. Ronnieroadster __________________ I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead, Focus and Finish "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 First Ford flathead roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH reset the record in 2024 to 211.830 running to mile four. Top speed 2024 mile five 220.672 exit speed 221.587

03-19-2022, 06:02 PM	#9
Ford Freak Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Pittsford NY. USA Posts: 1,304	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. Hey Lawson! When you replace the rubber hose, make sure it is labeled "fuel injection". It will hold up better with today's gas, that has ethanol in it. Around my parts it is 10%. - Bernie __________________ 1952 Ford F1 !956 Fairlane Club Sedan 1965 Falcon Sprint 2007 Mustang GT

03-19-2022, 08:05 PM	#10
Lawson Cox Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above the gnat line in Georgia Posts: 7,119	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. Hey Lawson! When you replace the rubber hose, make sure it is labeled "fuel injection". It will hold up better with today's gas, that has ethanol in it. Around my parts it is 10%. - Bernie Gotcha. Already have the hose in my hot little hands. __________________ Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes. It is better to be seen, than viewed. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm".

03-20-2022, 09:53 PM	#12
GB SISSON Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Orcas Island Washington Posts: 6,202	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. Lawson, if you have any rubber hoses upstream of where you are working, this is what I do. Clamp the hose off with a set of small needle nose vice grips. I slide an inch or so of rubber fuel line on each jaw of the vise grips to protect the hose. I have been beside the road changing filters with fuel running down into my armpits way too many times. I refuse to drive any more with a tank that is even remotely questionable. My current stable has 2 poly tanks, one aluminum and one solid original heavily treated with red-cote. __________________ Owner/Operator of 'Jailbar Ranch' on the side of Mt. Pickett. Current stable consists of 1946 1/2 ton pickup turned woodie wagon with FH V8, 1946 Tonner Pickup with 226 H six, 1979 Toyota landcruiser wagon, now wearing 1947 Ford Jailbar sheet metal. 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet' (Alan Jackson)

03-21-2022, 01:03 AM	#13
T Scott Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: East Boothbay, Maine Posts: 319	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. My guess is that if your pump is lower than the fuel level in the tank then yes, it will siphon. My 37 Lasalle had a similar configuration and at 82 I will do almost anything these days to avoid climbing under a car, particularly to change a fuel filter with fuel running down my arms. I installed two Facet pumps in series with a downstream filter on the frame rail in the engine bay with a selector switch for the desired pump. Having two pumps is for redundancy. These pumps will lift fuel from the tank just like the original 84 year old pump did and changing the filter is a piece of cake. Worth considering.

03-21-2022, 06:08 AM	#14
CA Victoria Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 2,242	Re: Cutting into gas line. Consequences. Sill getting crud in the carb w/2 filters? Shouldn’t be passing thru your filter- Start with what is between filter & carb and carb itself- Are you using fords flex line at the fire wall? Rubber line collapsing? Has your carb been updated with alcohol friendly pump? __________________ Tim Downtown, Ca