Flushing fuel line on '67 vert.

[Paul B.]

Looking for the best method for flushing a fuel line on a '67 Convertible. Long story short, its been sitting awhile, and while diagnosing no fuel to carb, removed fuel pump and discovered smelly thick goo in the pump inlet and outlet. Fuel appears ok at end of line at pump end, but want to make sure its clear from tank forward. Any tried and true method you guys have used? Thanks!

[Mark E.]

Re: Flushing fuel line on '67 vert.

Yikes. If there's thick goo in the lines, it's probably best to replace them. It's just about impossible to replace the tank to pump line without lifting the body, so I understand it you want to try clearing it.

First see if compressed air will blow through the line. Where you think most of the goo is located will affect if you blow air front to back or the other direction.

Next, if it doesn't look too bad, I've used a hand pump to flush the line with with a fuel system cleaner like Berryman. Don't use gasoline. For tough jobs, fill the line, plug it, then let it soak overnight.

I haven't tried this, but I've heard of adapting a fuel injection cleaner canister tool to push cleaner through the line with compressed air. That uses more pressure so it may be more effective than the hand pump on tough deposits.

Good luck. Be sure to let us know what method you choose and how it worked.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Flushing fuel line on '67 vert.

Paul,

How about putting a few gallons of gasoline in the tank and let it run forward and catch it in a container. See how the flow is and if there is dirt and rust.

[Donald O.]

Re: Flushing fuel line on '67 vert.

What color is the goo? If it's black, that sounds like the hoses have started to dissolve from some unknown cause.

Try disconnecting the two rubber hoses from the steel fuel line and blow the line out with compressed air. If the goo comes out, add carb/injector cleaner and blow it out again. Repeat until clean. Replace hoses with new.

That should take care of the fuel line from tank to pump. You'll still have to get the goo out of the pump though. I'm not sure what I would use to push through the pump. perhaps carb/injector cleaner. I hope you don't have to buy a replacement pump.
Don

[Edward J.]

Re: Flushing fuel line on '67 vert.

I like Don's Idea, Carb. cleaner in the spray cans should work fine just remember that this stuff is not good for painted surfaces of any kind. so a long rubber hose and can to catch the debris should work fine.

[Paul B.]

Re: Flushing fuel line on '67 vert.

Guys, thanks for all the tips. Will let you know outcome, think we're going replacement pump route to be sure!