[Irishking]

I have been working on restoring a 1966 Mustang convertible with a 289 2 V engine. We disconnected the fuel line to the carb and had the gas run into a cup. There was sediment in the cup.

There is no fuel tank installed yet. We used a can of gasoline for a temporary fuel tank.

Will this sediment in the fuel line likely clear up since the car was sitting for a number of years inside a garage?


Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Irishking]

I might add that we sprayed starter fluid in the carb to get the engine to run and have the fuel line gas pour into the cup.

 

[andrewmp6]

When in doubt replace all the fuel lines.

 

[Irishking]

Thanks Andrewmp6. I'll probably go ahead and replace the entire fuel line and also install a fuel filter.

Does anyone happen to know if that metal object sitting on top of the front of the carb in Photo No. 1 is a fuel filter? I probably need to replace that too.

 

[Dustysdawg]

That is the fuel filter.
You don't have to replace the entire fuel line unless you know it is corroded. Blow it out with air real good. Or spray a bunch of carb cleaner down it and then blow it out with compressed air. It should clean up.

 

[nigel]

Fuel line is to cheap not to replace and why take a chance on ruining a engine over $25.00 in new fuel line.

 

[The Greek]

Prebent steel lines are the way to go. That rust in the fuel lines is going to continue clogging fuel filters. The piece in question is, as said, the fuel filter. These filters come with a coarse and fine thread, according to which carb was being used. Other than the threads, they look the same. Make sure that the right filter is bought with the correct threads.

For God's sake, never use starting fluid on your engine. It can cause you to blow a head gasket. It's Ether and it is so volatile that it will create extreme combustion chamber pressures. In stead, next time try using WD-40 as a starting fluid and leave the Ether starting fluids to the Diesel engines which are built to handle the extreme pressure.

The fuel tank needs to be inspected for internal rust before you go and install it. A new tank may be needed along with new fuel lines.

 

[Irishking]

Thanks gentlemen for all your thoughts and suggestions.

Dustysdawg-I thought that was the fuel filter and I thank you for confirming that. I am not sure how to check the entire fuel line for corrosion since it is hard to see inside the entire long and bent line.

Nigel--you are absolutely correct. Don't want to risk ruining a darling engine for $25.:nono:


The Greek-the 289 engine did run for a couple of seconds using starting fluid sprayed into the two barrel carb. It sounded mean and strong....like an angry pit bull running full blast to jump over a tall gate. I didn't know WD-40 also works as good as starting fluid, even in cold weather. I'll try it next time.

 

[66 restomod]

+1 It is a good idea to replace the tank and lines.
All the rubber lines should be replaced while you are doing it also. A new gasket for the fuel tank float would be a good idea too.

 

[Irishking]

How about the fuel pump as well? It is not very expensive to replace and there can also be corrosion inside the fuel pump. I am also getting a new fuel pump.

 

[The Greek]

The rubber diaphram in the fuel pump will rot over time. A new pump is a good move.