[durtydawgster]

I have a 1965 Coupe, 302, Edelbrock performer intake and carb. I recently pulled the engine, and replaced all of the gaskets; sealed it up good. Finally, no more leaks. However, now it seems that if I let the car sit for 12 hours or so; the fuel runs back into the tank. It is difficult to start meaning that I have to crank and crank until the fuel is pumped back from the tank through the fuel pump (mechanical) and back into the carb. Once it hits the carb, it is obvious because it starts right up. I drive to work, it sits for 8 hrs, and when I crank it; it starts right up. I have a new gas tank and sender, fuel pump, and a fuel filter between the pump and the carb. Is there a check valve or something required to keep this from happening? Thanks for your help.

[RF Mustang]

No check valve.

The problem you describe is somewhat typical with many. It mainly has to do with the fuel in the carburator bowl leaking out. If your car sits for a long period, its enough time to allow the fuel in the bowl to leak or drain. If you were to let your car sit a couple days then pull your fuel line off at the carb, bump the starter, you would see fuel come out.

I'm not a carb expert so I dont know how to tell you to fix that issue but i will almost guarantee you its a carb bowl leak problem.

[durtydawgster]

Thanks for the info. That makes sense. I will mess around with this carb a bit and see what I can find.

[Print Dad]

Hello durtydawgster,

I agree with what is stated in RF Mustang, post.

When you stop the car, shut off motor, did you ever take the air cleaner off?
You may see little puffs of smoke in the carb throat. This would indicate a leak into the manifold.

Also, I would think it unlikely the gas would return to the tank. It could leak thru the pump, but you say it is new so should? be OK.

As a possible fix...try installing a clear fram in-line filter. About $3.00 at Wall-Mart.
They tend to hold gas even if it drains back to the pump. The amount of gas in the clear filter should be enough to get you going and thus pumping in quick order.

Just an idea....... Print Dad

[Veronica]

Hello. The fuel isn't draining back into the tank. The fuel inlet on an Edelbrock should be at the top of the float bowl. What's probably happening is one of two things. Either the float level is too high and the fuel is siphoning off down into the intake or the system that Edelbrock uses for a power valve is allowing the fuel to drain out, again, through the intake and eventually down into the oil pan. But, no matter what the cause turns out to be, if it isn't leaking out onto the intake or the ground, it's going into the oil pan, not back into the gas tank.

[durtydawgster]

From what you guys are telling me; it sounds like it is definately in the carb and I am confident that you guys are correct; it is not going back into the tank. I am going to take apart the carb this weekend and see what I can find. Thanks