New tank / sender / fuel line

[EccentricMagpies]

I just replaced the fuel line and I'm wondering how long this takes to actually fill?

I'm dealing with a rebuilt motor (has been dyno'd) but hasn't run since... as I'm finishing up the last few areas.

Would I need to prime the system first? I don't want to sit and crank on the motor all day if I'm missing some major step with this empty fuel system.

Yes, has about 2-3 gallons of gas in tank.

 

[turbine68rt]

You could possibly disconnect the inlet hose to the pump and use a hand vacuum pump to at least ensure the lines are filled up to that point. Once reconnected it shouldn't take much cranking to get fuel up to the carb.

 

[Jerry Hall]

You could possibly disconnect the inlet hose to the pump and use a hand vacuum pump to at least ensure the lines are filled up to that point. Once reconnected it shouldn't take much cranking to get fuel up to the carb.

Do as turbin68rt said and put a few ounces into the carburetor. That create even less cranking. After it sputters, cranks, and quits, you should be able to keep it running.

 

[Fran Blacker]

These are great to have around. They are available in larger sizes.

 

[EccentricMagpies]

hmm.. well this is what happened.

Got the pump. Pumped for 10-15 minutes. Nothing.

Took the pump off and simply sucked on the end of the hose and I'm pulling in only fumes. No restriction at all.
So, I thought maybe I need more than a few gallons to start off with. Put 2 more gallons in and still the same.

Had my son stand at the filler neck and as I blew in, he said he only heard air coming in. No sounds of what I would expect as blowing into a straw of any drink.

So, back to the sender unit i replaced. Is it possible to put these upside down? It seems I paid attention to where it should set to the bottom and the bend in the tube is directly towards the fuel line... so I don't know if that could be the issue but it seems... right now, like the only thing it could be??

 

[turbine68rt]

So the unit is clocked so the filter sock is at the bottom?

 

[EccentricMagpies]

So the unit is clocked so the filter sock is at the bottom?

yes, that is what I believe... But... unless someone else has another possibility i'll have to drop the tank and pull it to double check it.


I mean.. at this point, isn't it the most likely issue?

 

[turbine68rt]

Do you have the ground strap on and electrical connection made to see how much your fuel gauge is reading?

 

[Demonic]

Did the hose get hooked to the vent by mistake?

 

[EccentricMagpies]

No. ground wasn't hooked up or the electrical piece to the gauge.... I'll have to replace that since it seems to be gone.

I pulled the sender back out. It has two tabs. So it can either be in right, or upside down. (at least how I see it. I wonder if those directions were worth keeping?)
Upside down does not seem to even be an option since it doesn't seem to mount flush with the tank.
So, there only seems to be one way it mounts?

Anyhow, I pulled it completely out and holding it, it appears to be the direction I want it.

Oddly, if i just let the sender set freely and let it's weight dictate the position (of course where the tabs don't even come close to the tank) I'm able to suck a little gas from it. Makes no sense.

 

[EccentricMagpies]

Did the hose get hooked to the vent by mistake?

I don't think so. I just replaced the whole fuel line so I know which is which. On top of that, before reading this, I did have my son blow in the line to ensure it was coming to the sender. (after i pulled the the line at sender)
So, that is covered.

 

[turbine68rt]

If the sender is installed with just the short piece of hose connected (no line) are you able to pull fuel through that directly? What type of hose clamps are you using? With the tank and lines installed, when you tried to pull fuel near the pump inlet was the car sitting level?

 

[EccentricMagpies]

If the sender is installed with just the short piece of hose connected (no line) are you able to pull fuel through that directly? What type of hose clamps are you using? With the tank and lines installed, when you tried to pull fuel near the pump inlet was the car sitting level?

yes, car is on it's wheels. Same thing happens at this point of blowing and sucking air.

Adding some photos. This is how I have it installed, and what it looks like outside the tank.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/361484524101

 

[Fran Blacker]

That doesn't look like it's near the bottom of tank. When put it in the tank can you tilt it down and touch the bottom of tank? Can hold it on side of tank like it was in the tank and eyeball it?

 

[EccentricMagpies]

That doesn't look like it's near the bottom of tank. When put it in the tank can you tilt it down and touch the bottom of tank? Can hold it on side of tank like it was in the tank and eyeball it?

Oh.. good idea

Actually i still have the old tank i can get a better photo on

 

[EccentricMagpies]

there is a bend about a quarter way down the line that i suppose i could adjust to get it lower?

Or, just keep adding gas

 

[Fran Blacker]

Shadow cuts bottom out but see bend in tank. I tweek the bend closest to sock until sock touches bottom of tank. You don't want any metal of sending hit bottom of tank though. Use to run my 68 Dart low on gas often. The point of hook that holds the float put a hole in tank. Of course it was when I had 2/3 full tank.

 

[EccentricMagpies]

I took some of the bend out of it and now it is sucking fuel.

thanks everyone

 

[turbine68rt]

In post #13 top pic-- is that your fuel line connected to the sender? What is the diameter of the other fitting that doesn't have a hose connected? Are you using 3/8 fuel line?

 

[EccentricMagpies]

In post #13 top pic-- is that your fuel line connected to the sender? What is the diameter of the other fitting that doesn't have a hose connected? Are you using 3/8 fuel line?

in that pic, the line isn't connected but yes.. i believe the line is 3/8.
Looking at the sender on the website I do see it says 5/16"