Fuel Leak

[hiflyer727]

I just purchased this 1971 cuda, 44-6. The other day I filled the gas tank for the first time, then drove home. I parked in the garage and quickly noticed a pool of gasoline underneath on the floor. It was leaking at the rear, beneath the fuel tank. There are two rubber hoses coming from the sending unit, one obviously goes to the engine, the other hose is about 8 inches long and goes no where. It was at the end of this 8 inch hole that fuel was coming out.

What is this hose for, and should it be connected to something? By the way, the fuel cap is not vented.
I appreciate your input. Thanks.

[Chryco Psycho]

with the cap not vented any expansion will cause it to overflow , the second line is supposed to connect to the vapor separator by the fuel pump on the block , you have the 3/8 line sender which has the second return line connection , so you need the separator & the second line to connect it right .

[72cudamaan]

That would be the fuel return line. Should be a 1/4 inch hose.

[anlauto]

On an original 1971 440+6 Cuda there would be three steel lines running from the front of the car all the way to the back.

One 3/8 line which is the "main" line, runs from the fuel pump to the tank sending unit.

One 5/16 line which runs from the top of the center carb, across to the breather on the valve cover, down the inner fender and back to the vent tube in the trunk.

One 1/4 line which runs from the vapour seperator, mounted by the fuel pump, to the tank sending unit.

Since your car is a clone I assume these correct lines were left off.

You can just plug that extra hose off altogether, but you should be venting the tank somewhere properly.

[hiflyer727]

So, what is the suggested remedy for this: Purchase a vapor separator and connect this line to it, or block the the line and purchase a vented fuel cap?

[anlauto]

If you have the proper vent tube in the trunk with four hoses running from the passenger side of the tank to the vent tube then you are alright to just plug the 1/4 hose on the fuel sender.

If you want your clone to be "more correct" then get yourself a vapour seperator and run the proper lines. The car will work with or without one so it's not 100% necessary.

[hiflyer727]

In either case; running the vapour separator, or plugging the line, do I go with a vented, or unvented  fuel cap?

[jhaag]

simple solution. plug it and get a vented cap. remember the tank needs to be vented somehow to allow for expansion but also so air can get in to replace fuel as you use it.

[anlauto]

This 1/4 hose coming from the gas tank, and the vapour seperator are NOT related to the gas cap. Your gas cap is fine if you have the proper gas tank vent tube in the trunk.

[72cudamaan]

That return line can also help with vapor lock.

[tommyg29]

If you have the proper vent tube in the trunk with four hoses running from the passenger side of the tank to the vent tube then you are alright to just plug the 1/4 hose on the fuel sender.

If you want your clone to be "more correct" then get yourself a vapour seperator and run the proper lines. The car will work with or without one so it's not 100% necessary.

 
Nice car.... from what I can see. Esp love the color. 
I ran my 71 without a return line with a holley blue electric pump for several years. I connected the return line to reduce the whining noise. Do you have the "corner" vent lines on the passenger side?
The fuel senders tend to cause issues. They usually are not very accurate, and Ive replaced two of them in 5 years.
Pics of the car please

PS
never mind, just saw your other thread.
Welcome to the site. You will learn lots here, and since you will want to keep that baby as original as possible, you should use this thread to see exactly how to restore that return line. Hopefully at least some of the original return line is still in place, but running your own shouldnt be that difficult. It runs from the inner passenger fender and frame rail, down underneath the passenger rocker, and then up into the rear wheel well.
Do a search in here for fuel lines and Im sure youll see some great advice.

[hiflyer727]

Thank you for all the great advice, guys....

[anlauto]

Hopefully at least some of the original return line is still in place, but running your own shouldnt be that difficult.

His car is a tribute car as well, so most likely didn't come with the original 1/4 line

[tommyg29]

His car is a tribute car as well, so most likely didn't come with the original 1/4 line

Still, the car looks to be very original looking, moreso than mine anyway 

[anlauto]

Still, the car looks to be very original looking, moreso than mine anyway 

Yea, I love the orange cloth interior !