1968 fuel line location and vapor lock

[JT68cs]

My wife and I just bought this 68 CS and are new to the group. We have lots to learn and I am concerned on how the fuel line was routed from the fuel pump to the carb (see pic). The car starts and runs fine until it warms up. In about 40 minutes the car stalls and is hard to start or will not start at all. Let it cool down and it starts right up. The car has a 1406 Edelbrock carb with a spacer. I get lots of air and bubbles in the fuel filter, the warmer the car gets the more air. When the car is no longer running bubbles will continue to bubble into the fuel filter. I put non ethanol gas in and it seemed to take longer for the problem to occur.
Am I getting vapor lock because the fuel line is touching the thermostat housing and engine bolts?
I'm thinking I should buy the correct fuel line for the 302 4v so it doesn't touch the engine at any point. Any suggestions?

 

[Mosesatm]

That’s a good looking engine!!

The fuel line should not be on any metal, especially the intake. Raising it an inch may resolve your problem. You may also want to move the fuel filter closer to the pump.

I once had that problem but it was caused by a dirty fuel filter. Does the Edelbrock have an internal filter?

 

[speedy02]

Yes, It appears someone made a custom fuel line. Looks like your fuel enters the Carb on the back corner of the carb. The Original J Code 302 fuel will not work for that location. The Auto 4300 would enter on drivers front and that fuel line will be on the right side of the distributor as shown below. @franklinair do you have a suggestion on fuel lines for Edelbrock Carbs?

 

[speedy02]

@JT68cs This appears to be car #5097. Congrats it is a well optioned car.

 

[JT68cs]

That’s a good looking engine!!

The fuel line should not be on any metal, especially the intake. Raising it an inch may resolve your problem. You may also want to move the fuel filter closer to the pump.

I once had that problem but it was caused by a dirty fuel filter. Does the Edelbrock have an internal filter?

Not sure about a filter on the Edelbrock, will look into it. Can't move the line at all. Will buy a new line and route it differently. Hoping that helps.

 

[JT68cs]

@JT68cs This appears to be car #5097. Congrats it is a well optioned car.

How do you know that? Do I look it up in the registry?

 

[speedy02]

How do you know that? Do I look it up in the registry?

I based it off of the last four in the VIN.

 

[JT68cs]

I based it off of the last four in the VIN.

How did you know the vin? From the picture I posted?

 

[Mosesatm]

Mike is the Registrar and keeps track of all cars for sale, sold, found in wrecking yards, etc.
He most likely compared your engine photo to photos from recently advertised cars.

 

[JT68cs]

Yes, It appears someone made a custom fuel line. Looks like your fuel enters the Carb on the back corner of the carb. The Original J Code 302 fuel will not work for that location. The Auto 4300 would enter on drivers front and that fuel line will be on the right side of the distributor as shown below. @franklinair do you have a suggestion on fuel lines for Edelbrock Carbs?

View attachment 56110

Which engine is correct for the fuel line. I was sent both saying each is correct. The fuel line is different in each picture. Maybe a 2v and a 4v?

 

[Mosesatm]

Here's a photo of my old J-code with the original 4300. I won't swear the routing is correct.

 

[Ruppstang]

Yes it is correct.

 

[JT68cs]

Here's a photo of my old J-code with the original 4300. I won't swear the routing is correct.

This looks right for 302 4v. Just not sure what engine has the line go to the left of the distributor. As far as I can tell the fuel line for a 289 goes to the left of the distributor. Thanks for the picture, helps get a visual with the air filter off. This is probably the way I'll do it and just run a hose to the hard line of the Edelbrock carb.

 

[JT68cs]

So with a lot of help I think I have a solution. Will it keep the car from stalling I don't know but will look much better and safer.
Going to buy a stock fuel line for a 289, Edelbrock hard line/filter, and an adapter. Will get rid of the glass filter and the line will no longer touch or be close to the engine. Will post an update if my problem goes away. Will be very similar to the picture. Thanks all for your help.

 

[Mosesatm]

Here’s a photo of a 2100 from a 289.

 

[admin]

@JT68cs it looks like you're already on track to get the Edelbrock hard line adapter (part #8131?) and the stock 289 hard line (which comes up on the passenger side like your carb needs). A couple of videos on the subject if you haven't already seen them:

While you're waiting to get those new parts, one test you could do is replace most of your current hard line with rubber line (ie. from shortly after the fuel pump all the way to your carb). If your car then runs well without any of the vapor lock symptoms you've described, then at least you know you're tackling the right problem.

 

[speedy02]

@JT68cs Checking to see if you were able to get your issue fixed?

 

[JT68cs]

@JT68cs Checking to see if you were able to get your issue fixed?

I rerouted the fuel line and it took a lot longer to stall out. When it started running bad I played with the ignition coil and it instantly died so I replaced the coil. It was the original from 1968 I believe. I was able to drive it a little bit and let the car idle for about an hour and it stayed running. Weather is not good here so will take it out and really test it when I can. So far so good, I need warmer weather to test it 100%. Think I need to adjust the carb and check the timing now too. Changing the two has now made the car harder to start when cold and when I get on it, doesn't seem to respond as well now. Hopefully the problem is taken care of and I can move onto the other issues.

 

[Mosesatm]

Are you running points or electronic ignition?

 

[JT68cs]

Are you running points or electronic ignition?

points