Fuel Leak And Reverse Problem

[Todd L.]

Got the new fuel pump on the car is firing on all eight cylinders and now, there is a leak at the fuel pump where the fuel line from the pump to carb is leaking where it connect to the fuel pump. The line is flared and has a nut that tightens the flare into the pump, it looks like it is NOT leaking from the threads. I would order a new line but the last owner put an adapter plate and put a Holley on it, so they cut the original line and added a rubber fuel line and an inline filter. Once I find a proper date coded Quadrajet for a 74 LS4 4speed build date of 13 November 73 (ANYONE) I will put a new line in. I just need a temp fix right now.
Next problem is I can not get the car in reverse, so I can not even get my key out of the ignition. I was told I may need to adjust the clutch. How do I do that? Or is there any other reason I can not get the car in reverse?

Thanks in advance

Todd

[David T.]

Re: Fuel Leak And Reverse Problem

Until you buy the correct fuel line, you can make up your own from a pre-flaired section of brake line, available at any auto parts store. Remove your old line and use it as a pattern to bend up the new section. Having a new flair at the end should stop your leak. You should definitely adjust the clutch as a first step in checking why you can't get into reverse. The reverse lock-out on the shifter linkage could also be at fault and I believe 74's had a cable that actuated linkage in the steering column to allow key removal. A Factory Service Manual (from Helm Inc.) would be your best bet to check these items out. If you need the information in a hurry you could probably find clutch adjusting information in a Chilton or Haynes manual at your local auto parts store.

[David T.]

Re: Fuel Leak And Reverse Problem

Clutch adjustment from the 1974 FSM:

Corvette

1. Disconnect spring (E) between toe pan brace cross shaft lever.

2. With clutch pedal against stop; loosen jam nuts sufficiently to allow the adjusting rod to move against the clutch fork until the release bearing contacts the pressure plate fingers lightly.

3. Rotate upper nut (B) against the swivel and back off 4 1/2 turns. Tighten lower nut (A) to lock swivel against nut (B).

4. Install return spring (E) and check clutch pedal free travel. Pedal free travel should be 1 - 1 1/4" + or - 1/4".

[Todd L.]

Re: Fuel Leak And Reverse Problem

Thanks, when I have my next day off I will crawl around with this info. Lets see what happens next.

Todd

[John H.]

Re: Fuel Leak And Reverse Problem

The backdrive cable from the reverse lever on the transmission to the lever at the base of the steering column jacket may be bound up or jammed; that cable moves the column lever fully "up", which rotates the collar at the steering wheel end of the column fully counter-clockwise so you can remove the key.

[Todd L.]

Re: Fuel Leak And Reverse Problem

The cable was the problem. It will be an item to be replace when the time comes, until then I will try to lube it and keep it going.
Thanks for the help.

Todd