Fuel tank vapor return nipple

[Chuck R.]

Ok here's my dilemma.

I have a very nice and clean replacement fuel tank that came out of my 68 and that I had planned on re-installing.

As the tank was setting in my bubba's basement when I picked up my Lil four wheeled Darlin, I didn't catch that the nipple for the vapor return line wasn't there.

This morning I contacted my local rediator/gas tank repair shop and posed the possibility of installing this nipple.

The gent didn't even hesitate and said that it would be no problem as long as there was nothing elaborate internally related to the nipple.

Is there elaborate piping internally that I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Chuck

[Chuck R.]

Re: Man this must be a tuffy *NM*

[Chuck R.]

Re: Let me re-phrase this

Is there anyone out there with a loose C-3 fuel tank that they could sneak a look into, to provide me with an idea as to just what the internal end of the vapor return line looks like?

Thanks again,

Chuck

[Patrick H.]

Re: Let me re-phrase this

Vapor return....I thought (?) it was only a 70-74 item on the front upper left corner of the tank. If this is the one you are trying to ask about, there is nothing special inside the tank.

Patrick

[Chuck R.]

Re: Actually Patrck

68 and 69 tanks have the vent located on the upper passenger's side indent which is what I'm after for my small block application.

So there is no pipe extension curved in any particular direction ie. forward, backward, pretzel bends?

I wonder how they kept the fuel from sloshing back into the line?

Thanks for responding Patrick,

Chuck

[Patrick H.]

Re: Actually Patrck

I always thought the passenger's side was a FUEL return line, while vapor recovery was a 70-74 unique feature. Perhaps you mean the fuel return line?

I don't recall anything there either, but could check if you wish. My original tank is in my basement.

Patrick

[Chuck R.]

Re: I do believe your right Patrick

The second smaller fuel return line from the fuel pump is what I'm trying to re-attach to the tank.

So that would make sense that it wouldn't matter what's happening to the fuel after it enters the tank.

So I was in the right ball park, just on the wrong day

Do you perform brain surgery too Pat? I think I'm due!!

Thanks a-lot for setting me straight.

And by the way congratulations on the "Flight Award" The car really looks great in the Pics.

Chuck

[Chuck S.]

My X-ray Glasses Are Out For Repair...

But, I expect the fuel return nipple actually has an extension to the bottom of the tank that forces the gasoline to come back to the tank UNDER the fuel level. Flow of liquids through air generates static electricity...not exactly what you want inside a fuel tank filled with gasoline and an atmosphere of air/fuel vapors. Remember TWA 800?...same principle, less volatile fuel, different ignition source.

[Chuck R.]

Re: I can always count on you Chuck

to get my head out of the clouds!

A great point Chuck especially when I hit 88MPH and the sparks start flying

As it makes no difference to the Gent one way or the other, I'll opt to have him take the pipe to just off the bottom.

Thanks Folks,

Chuck

[Chuck S.]

Not So Fast, Chuckster...

Because you are depending on me so heavily ... I thought I better do a little more homework.

I checked my AIM (UPC8/Sheet B2), and the tank cutaway shows the nipple only extending just inside the tank. Then I used a mirror and flashlight to inspect my 70 tank, and sure enough that nipple only extends about 5/8-3/4" inside. But, you should probably ask your tank man put an anti-static generating, double-reverse upset on the inside end of the nipple. (Yuk, yuk...only kidding you, Chuckster. )

I am not even sure engineers understood the problem of static electricity generated by fluid flow in 1970, but the tank must be sufficiently grounded to the chassis to dissipate any charge accumulation.

[Chuck R.]

Re: I agree on the grounding of the tank Chuck

Besides, I'm not running that highly explosive JP-4 so what's the big deal

Actually, I was going to have them put a double down floating side davit bend with a farnsworth pinch on the end for good measure

Thanks for following through on it for me C. Dude!!

Chuckster