C3: Fuel pump to carb fuel line config.

[Dan Pepper]

I'm in the process of cleaning up the engine compartment on my '69 L46 coupe. The replacement smog pump went out on a road trip this summer, the diverter valve has a vacuum leak and the previous owner chromed the brackets & trees. In short, I'd like to take the system off while I search for the correct parts & pieces.

If I do remove the k19, the fuel line/filter will be left suspended in the air over where the smog pump was mounted. I'd like to use a fuel line like those on '71 base motor cars that would snug up against the block/intake. Figure I could splice a fuel filter in the soft line before the fuel pump.

Question: Can I use a later model fuel line for this application? Also, can I block the return line that runs out of the filter without any adverse affect?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3: Fuel pump to carb fuel line config.

Dan-----

You can use a later fuel line from pump-to-carb. However, if you do, you will also need to use the later, long-cannister style fuel pump (AC type 40769). This fuel pump uses a fuel return fitting from the pump, rather than from the GF-432 filter as used for 1968-69 applications.

I would not recommend disabling the fuel return line under any circumstances.

[Joe L.]

Addendum.

By the way, one small technicality: RPO K-19 was not used after 1967. For 1968 and later, AIR was supplied or not as part of the year-specific engine package. For 1968 and 1969 it was installed on all Corvettes.

For 1970 and later, it was installed as part of the engine package and/or emissions certification for the particular drivetrain.

So, while all 1968-69 Corvettes have AIR and many later models do, too, NONE are, technically, equipped with "K-19".

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3: Fuel pump to carb fuel line config.

OK,

Silly question from a guy with a 71 and 72, but no 69.

Why do you need to put a fuel filter between the fuel pump and the carb? Does the 69 style Q-jet not allow for the fuel filter to be mounted inside the fuel inlet like my 71 and 72 cars? I looked at my pictures in MF Dobbins' book, and the carb configuration does not seem to preclude this.

Actually, about 4 months ago I set up a 69 350hp car EXACTLY like you describe, using the 70-74 base motor fuel line (see pic below). The car had a later Q-jet which made it easy. I don't know enough about 1969 specific Q-jets to know if it's possible, and that's why I'm asking.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: C3: Fuel pump to carb fuel line config.

Patrick-----

The inlet fitting for 1969 Corvette Q-Jets is identical in configuration to that used for later Q-Jets, at least through 1974 and, I believe, well afterward.

There are provisions in the inlet fitting for an INTERNAL fuel filter. From a filtering perspective, the EXTERNAL filter is not absoultely necessary. However, unless one uses the external filter which has a fitting on it for the return line, then there is no way to connecting a fuel return line. Unless, of course, one installs the 70+ long cannister fuel pump which otherwise provides provisions for the fuel return line.

I don't see how you installed the 70-71 fuel line on a 1969 without using the long canister pump unless:

a) you "deleted" the fuel return line, AND;

b) you "reconfigured" the fuel line to accomodate the fact that you were connecting it to the 68-69 style, shorter pump.

[Dan Pepper]

Re: C3: Just placed the order

for a later model fuel line, carb fuel filter and long cannister pump - Thanks.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3: Fuel pump to carb fuel line config.

We deleted the fule return line. I can't recall, at all, what fuel pump is/was on the motor. In any event, it worked and the car sold. It was far better than the rubber fuel line with crappy fuel filter that was on there.

Patrick