return fuel line
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: Pikesville MD
return fuel line
have a '71BB. Have a leak in fuel line hose that goes to the top of gas tank. What is the best/easiest way to get to the top clamp to change this hose? Have full tank of gas. Hope it will stop dripping soon as it is too snowy and cold in upstate NY to pull outside. Now in my attached garage. Do I have to empty tank before disconnecting this hose? All the other hoses I have changed already last year. Thanks, Ed edxaide@gmail.com
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: Pikesville MD
Alan, thanks but I did not get response. I think I best wait a few days when it warms up a bit and then I can leave garage door open. I assume I can do it without removing gas from tank? Thanks to all who responded.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,386
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From: Emerald Isle NC
My car had a tower type clamp on the return line at the tank end. No way to remove it after the bolt broke off in the clamp without dropping the tank. I'm in the midst of rear end work on the car. So, new tank is going in while exhaust is out. That hose is a difficult reach with mufflers in the way. Wishing you good luck!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Use a Dremel with cut-off wheel or hack saw to cut through the band on the clamp. You are going to change out the hose, anyway. As long as you don't have fuel fumes collecting when you are working in there, you have no real fire hazard. But, have an extinguisher readily available anyway! Don't go to the trouble of removing the fuel tank for a clamp and/or hose.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: Pikesville MD
fumes
unfortunately the hose is leaking so there are a lot of fumes so I am worried about any thing that might cause a spark. It is to get warmer tomorrow so I will give it a try and see where I get.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
It sounds like you need to drain your tank. Here is an easy way to do it, taken from the 1969 Chassis Service Manual: 
You do need an air compressor, but if you have one, or can come up with an air supply to get the gas flowing it is very easy - a quick blast of air should get the gas flowing. Keep the siphon going, and be sure you have enough gas cans so you don't have to stop until the tank is drained.
Contrary to other posts, I found it necessary to drop the tank to replace the two hoses going from the tank to the hard fuel lines.
You do need an air compressor, but if you have one, or can come up with an air supply to get the gas flowing it is very easy - a quick blast of air should get the gas flowing. Keep the siphon going, and be sure you have enough gas cans so you don't have to stop until the tank is drained.
Contrary to other posts, I found it necessary to drop the tank to replace the two hoses going from the tank to the hard fuel lines.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
To the OP, stay safe, which ever choice you select to repair that hose connection.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
You might get a small [desk] fan and have it blow that area out. The fuel return line will leak when the car is running...but it shouldn't after you turn the engine off. Once the fumes are cleared from that 'trapped' area, you should be able to work on it. If you need, you can always drain what's in that return line by pulling the flex hose loose at the fuel pump. Or, if fuel want's to back-flow into that line, just use a pair if vise-grips to clamp off that flex hose so no fuel can reach that line. The tank nipple that line feeds should be above the level of fuel in the tank.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 96
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From: Pikesville MD
thanks for all the good advise. My friend and my wife talked me out of dropping the tank so it is going to the shop. I would like to do it but considering the time of year and i am in the middle of packing up, trashing, selling stuff, and other prep to sell our house so it is just not the best time for me. I think it has a tower clamp at the top of tank that is has a broken off screw-head. The plan for siphon is neat though.
