Fuel tank question
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New User
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: sunny southern california
Fuel tank question
There are 3 "hoses" leading from the fuel tank to the filler neck. 1 (approx 2 inch) is obviously the filler line. The second is (obviously) the vapor return line which ties into the filler neck near the cap. But there is a 3rd line that is just run along side the filler neck, and is connected to nothing. Can anyone tell me where that sucker is supposed to go? Do your older fords (mine is a 73 f-250) have 3 lines coming from the tank to the filler neck? Puzzled...
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
My '73 F100 only has two lines at the filler, one is for the filler and the second is the vent line.
Mine has a third line but that is for the vapor recovery system and is a 5/16" line that goes from the check valve at the top center of the tank down the right side frame rail to the charcoal canister in the engine compartment.
I don't recall seeing a truck that had three lines at the filler.
Mine has a third line but that is for the vapor recovery system and is a 5/16" line that goes from the check valve at the top center of the tank down the right side frame rail to the charcoal canister in the engine compartment.
I don't recall seeing a truck that had three lines at the filler.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Are you sure the line is connected to the filler neck or does it go to the valve on top of the tank? part # 9B593 in the unopened PDF file?
I have never seen more that 2 lines connected to the filler neck, but you never know.
I have never seen more that 2 lines connected to the filler neck, but you never know.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: sunny southern california
Thank you all for taking time to respond.
It looks like it is supposed to be the vapor return line as mentioned in Mike o0o0o0 response. , but the previous owner must have cut it off and just "dead headed" by running it up along side the filler neck and zip tying it. So it is just run straight along side the filler neck, and open at the top. This truck has no charcoal cannister, so they must have removed it. I will get under there and try again to see where it returns to the tank and post my finding. It's a tough spot to get a view of though. Since the charcoal canister is gone, I'm not sure what my best move is. I wonder if if I can cap that line? I have a non vented cap on there right now, so I dont know where pressure/vapor might go.
Is a tank "safe" with the vapor return line capped, or is it just emission compliance?
It looks like it is supposed to be the vapor return line as mentioned in Mike o0o0o0 response. , but the previous owner must have cut it off and just "dead headed" by running it up along side the filler neck and zip tying it. So it is just run straight along side the filler neck, and open at the top. This truck has no charcoal cannister, so they must have removed it. I will get under there and try again to see where it returns to the tank and post my finding. It's a tough spot to get a view of though. Since the charcoal canister is gone, I'm not sure what my best move is. I wonder if if I can cap that line? I have a non vented cap on there right now, so I dont know where pressure/vapor might go.
Is a tank "safe" with the vapor return line capped, or is it just emission compliance?
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New User
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From: sunny southern california
Mike, I just saw a thread of yours regarding the safety/emissions question I posted above. I have my answer for that question.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
. If you do block off the vent at the tank be sure to switch to a vented fuel cap.
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: sunny southern california
Will do. I think I will try and put things back together as they should be, with the charcoal canister and vapor riser to the air cleaner assembly. But if I run into too many roadblocks I will use the vented caps for now. I am not sure if vented caps are even legal in California.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. You guys are very helpful as usual.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. You guys are very helpful as usual.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Thank God its a 73 and smog exempt.........Because virtually NOTHING is legal in Ca. Unless your trying to restore the truck, and want everything period correct, i wouldnt bother even trying to add any emissions crap, the charcoal canister or any of that junk. With So Cal's rather hot summer weather, id want my tank to be vented somehow...
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New User
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From: sunny southern california
I guess my only concern would be that the vented caps would be visible, and might end me up with a citation if the law sees the vented caps. I will do some research. But you are right, I'd rather not mess with smog bs if I dont have to. I rarely drive the truck, and usually only to exercise it, or get fuel etc.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Go online, look at Ca DMV and see if vented caps are mentioned, and if so if it only applies to "Emissions controlled Motor Vehicles" or if years are specified.........I would suspect most LE personnel have bigger fish to fry than gas caps....