C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

[Donald Morfield]

I would like to replace the ancient and weathered flexible gas line connection to the fuel pump on our 1961. Will it be necessary and advisable to drain the fuel tank before removing the flex line to preclude fuel from siphoning from the tank once the connection is opened? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated---Donald

[William C.]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

Pretty much a necessity.

[Bob Simard]

C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

I have had success by removing the gas cap, having an 18 inch piece of gas hose in my mouth, and carefully removing the flexible fuel line from the hard line. When the two come apart, cover the end of the hard line with your thumb and let the fuel from the fuel pump drain into a pan. When you are ready, take a deep breath and place the line from your mouth over the end of the hard line and blow. This will empty the hard line and it will not syphon. I have done this a few times with the car up on ramps. When you are done, do not have a cigarette for many hours.

[Tom B.]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

This sounds like a good excuse for taking your car for a long drive and returning home with a near empty fuel tank.

Tom

[Roy B.]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

Just raise the front of your Corvette higher then the tank and you get no fuel leak and remove the line from under

[Donald Morfield]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Weather permitting; I will try a combination of Tom and Roy’s ideas tomorrow. Donald

[John H.]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

I made this up years ago for just that specific purpose - it's a double-female SAE inverted-flare union; one end has an SAE male inverted flare plug in it to seal it, and the open end mates with the male SAE fitting on the end of the main gas line. Works like a champ - just screw it on the main gas line and get on with the fuel pump hose replacement, then unscrew it and attach the fitting end of the new hose when you're ready.

[Gary Bishop]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

John:
Any pix of it in action?

Quote"just screw it on the main gas line and get on with the fuel pump hose replacement, then unscrew it and attach the fitting end of the new hose when you're ready."

[Jack H.]

Looks like a marketable shop tool to me!!! *NM*

[Donald Morfield]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

John:
I like your fitting for temporarily sealing off the steel gas line feeding from the tank---and appreciate the posted photo. However, my concern is preventing or minimizing the fuel spillage that will surely occur while the flex line is being removed and later re-installed. I don’t understand how the use of your special fitting precludes fuel from siphoning from the tank and spilling a quart or more each time the line is opened. Thanks---Donald

[John H.]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

Donald -

It doesn't prevent spillage - some is inevitable - you just have to work quickly as you install/remove and have a rag to catch the dribbles, but it seals quite nicely once it's installed.

[Ed T.]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

Hi Donald,

I clamp the rubber fuel line hose below the fuel tank just in front of the right rear tire. When you crack open the line at the fuel pump, catch any leakage in a pan...Ed

[Donald Morfield]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

John and Ed:
O. K. I now see how to proceed. I’ve made up a special J H fitting (no patent violation I hope) and plan to clamp the rear rubber hose connection as suggested by Ed (and Dick E). I anticipate these two actions will satisfactorily address my concern. Thanks for the help---Donald

[John H.]

Re: C-1 Flexible Gas Line removal

'60 and earlier didn't have a rubber hose at the rear - they only had steel tubing and SAE fittings - nothing to clamp off; that's where the union device really pays its way