Gas tank question

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Jun 5, 2003 | 12:47 PM

Burgundy 69

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Pro

Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Epping NH

Gas tank question

I am currently nearing the end of my new motor install and I have come across a new issue that I hope someone may be able to answer.

My 69 SB gas return line had been capped off by the previous owner near the fuel pump long ago. Since I am attempting to return to "stock" configuration, I decided that I would once again set up the system with the return line/filter, etc. Just prior to my purchasing this car, the gas tank was replaced. It had not occured to me that they would not hook up the return line to the tank. While crawling around the other night, I discovered that indeed, the return line is NOT hooked to the tank. Since I have a full tank of gas, it is not possible to drop the tank at the moment to check for a return line at the tank.

My question to the group is, were any C-3s built without a fuel return line, and could they have replaced the original tank with a non-return variant?

Thanks.

Mark

Jun 5, 2003 | 12:49 PM

Robert N

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Tucson AZ

Re: Gas tank question (Burgandy 69)

Quote:

My question to the group is, were any C-3s built without a fuel return line, and could they have replaced the original tank with a non-return variant?

Thanks.

Mark

Yes. 1970 LT-1 (there should be others) had no fuel return line. An aftermarket tank could have been purchased without the provision for the return line or the return line may just have been capped at the tank.

Jun 5, 2003 | 12:54 PM

mpro71vette

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From: Palm Bay FL

Re: Gas tank question (Burgandy 69)

My 72 LT-1 does not have a return line on the right side but has vapor line on the left side. Hope this helps.

Jun 6, 2003 | 12:37 AM

BB68Vett

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2001

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From: Marietta GA

Re: Gas tank question (mpro72vette)

I believe that except for the L36 big blocks (427/390), the other big blocks like the L68, L79 and L88 had no fuel return line as they used holley carbs. Guys, please correct me if I am wrong.

Jun 6, 2003 | 02:02 AM

mapman

Melting Slicks

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From: Wichita KS

Re: Gas tank question (Burgandy 69)

I think if you remove the rubber dam that goes between the gas tank and the body, you can use a small mirror and see if the return line connections exist.

Jun 6, 2003 | 03:03 AM

Tom73

Race Director

Joined: Apr 1999

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From: NM

Re: Gas tank question (Burgandy 69)

Any C3 with a Holley did not have a return line.

You should be able to reach it with the spare tire carrier removed and drop the exhaust on the passanger side. There is a lot more room up there then you think.

tom...

Jun 6, 2003 | 03:33 AM

PRNDL

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 26,545

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From: Huntersville NC

Re: Gas tank question (Tom73)

Quote:

Any C3 with a Holley did not have a return line.

That is the determining factor; The tripower bigblocks were Holley carbs. The LT1 smallblocks used Holley carbs. The L-88 used one big Holley carb. Now, the LS-6 in 1971.... there were only 188 of them, and they used a holley carb.... but was there a return line? (I think I saw one with a fuel return line..)

Anyway, in 68 and 69 the fuel return line starts at that funny GF432 fuel filter. From 1970 and later the fuel return line comes directly off the fuel pump. MJ

Jun 6, 2003 | 03:18 PM

Burgundy 69

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Pro

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From: Epping NH

Re: Gas tank question (MNJack)

You are correct. My 69 L-46 return line starts at the filter, not the fuel pump. Since the tank is currently full of gas, dropping it at this time would be a problem.

After discussing with my engine guy (hey, I can't do everything myself), we have decided to drop the tank after we get it running and burn down the fuel. I also contacted the Corvette shop where I purchased the car and the owner felt that since this is a new tank (couple of years) and since the line had been capped up at the block end, in all likelyhood, this tank does not have the return line. He mentioned that a line could be added by a "qualified" shop. In the mean time, he suggested running the return line from the filter down to the frame and capping it off there. It would at least look the part.

Thanks to all who responded.

Hmmmmmm. Bubba.............................

Mark