Fule to Carb Line - 1965 396/425

[John Mathieu]

Took off the old gas filter and busted the fuel to carb line. Ordered a new one from zip-corvetes and not only did the fittings not fit the fuel pump (too small) but the old one screwed right into the carb. The new one goes into a fitting.

LI Corvette said it might not be the correct fuel pump for that engine. Tried to get the number from the fuel pump installed on the car to make sure it is the right one and can't see it anywhere. A local chevrolet dealer has given me a part number 6415616 as the 396 fuel pump. Zip Corvette gave me 40366W as the part number. The Chevrolet Dealer told me that they only sell the steel line in 25 foot rolls and you make the fuel to carb line yourself. I didn't realize that was an option.

All I need is a new fuel to carb line, has anyone made it themselves before with this 25 foot of steel line? If so, could you help me out?

[John Mathieu]

Re: Fule to Carb Line - 1965 396/425

Correction: The old one screwed right into the fuel pump not the carb. I apologize.

[Joe L.]

Re: Fule to Carb Line - 1965 396/425

John----

The Chevrolet dealer's information is incorrect. The GM #6415616 fuel pump is a small block pump, NOT a big block pump.

1965 Corvettes with L-78 originally used one of 2 fuel pumps. At the outset of PRODUCTION, fuel pump AC type 40248 was used. This is a crimped type fuel pump with a short inlet valve chamber on the bottom section of the fuel pump immediately above the inlet nipple. Later in 1965 PRODUCTION the fuel pump was changed to an AC type 40366. This fuel pump has a long inlet valve chamber immediately above the inlet nipple. I believe that the outlet fittings on both pumps are the same and are oriented the same.

Your fuel lines should be a 4 piece "system". One piece goes from the fuel pump fitting to the horizontally mounted, in-line fuel filter. Next, comes the AC-GF-90 fuel filter. Then, a 2-way distribution block. From the side of the distribution block, a short section of fuel line goes directly into the primary fuel bowl inlet fitting. From the rear of the distribution block a longer section of tubing with a "right angle" bend near the end goes into the rear fuel bowl inlet fitting. All connections are fitted with tubing nuts and compression style fittings EXCEPT those on either end of the fuel filter. These are NPT or "dry seal" type fittings.

If you have anything other than the above, then you have an incorrect system that was probably "jury-rigged" somewhere along the way. If you obtain all of the correct components, everything should fit together perfectly. The fuel line system is available in reproduction for about $75 and REPLACEMENT fuel pumps are available for about $50.

As far as the "make up your own from bulk tubing goes" that's how GM has ALWAYS serviced fuel lines. Pre-made fuel lines as were used in PRODUCTION were rarely, if ever, available in GM SERVICE. However, aftermarket reproduction companies have made these available for many years. Happily. As far as the "make up your own" option, FORGET IT.

[Page C.]

Re: Fule to Carb Line - 1965 396/425

Hi John,
I believe the correct number for the AC fuel filter is a GF416. These filters are almost non-existant. The repro's are made by modifing the GF90 inlet and outlet to accept the larger fuel line used on the 396/425 1965 Corvette. If Joe has a stash for GF416 he is sitting on a gold mine.
Hope this helps
Page Campbell

[John Mathieu]

Re: Fule to Carb Line - 1965 396/425

Joe,

Do I have to take off the fuel pump to see this number? As it stands now, I don't see the id of the installed fuel pump anywhere.

Thanks for your response.

John

[Joe L.]

Re: Fule to Carb Line - 1965 396/425

John----

If it's on the pump, it will be embossed on the lower edge of the mounting flange. It's very difficult to see because of the location and very small character size. However, you may be able to see it with a small mirror.

[Joe L.]

Re: Fule to Carb Line - 1965 396/425

Page-----

Yes, I was incorrect on the fuel filter. Even when I first said it was a GF-90 it just didn't "feel" right. I should have looked it up rather than relying on my memory. Whenever I say something from memory and it doesn't "feel" right, I'm usually incorrect. I should have learned, by now, to trust that "gut instinct". Anyway, I don't have what could be considered a "stash" of GF-416s. I only have a few specimens [none for sale].

[John Mathieu]

Thanks for everyone's help. *NM*