Disconnected fuel line in engine bay

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

13matsc

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2024
Posts
84
Reaction score
39
Location
Norway
First Name
Mats
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C2500
Engine Size
350
I have this plugged line that has been there as long as I’ve owned the truck.

It goes back to the dual tank switch in the rear. Anyone know what this used to do? Both my tanks work, and there is a return line on the fuel pump itself.
You must be registered for see images attach
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
10,167
Reaction score
19,654
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
Looks like a vent line to the charcoal cannister. I'd want to know how your tanks are venting. I usually tell people that aren't running the tank vent to the cannister to plug the hose with a clear plastic fuel filter. That way the tanks can breath but dirt and bugs can't get in the vent line.
 

Ken B

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2019
Posts
1,383
Reaction score
2,125
Location
indiana
First Name
ken
Truck Year
81
Truck Model
c10
Engine Size
350
Ricko,
I really like that idea.....I am considering removing all the smog stuff and the vapor canister that has not been properly connected for a while. the fuel filter is a genius idea.
 

13matsc

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2024
Posts
84
Reaction score
39
Location
Norway
First Name
Mats
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C2500
Engine Size
350
Looks like a vent line to the charcoal cannister. I'd want to know how your tanks are venting. I usually tell people that aren't running the tank vent to the cannister to plug the hose with a clear plastic fuel filter. That way the tanks can breath but dirt and bugs can't get in the vent line.
After some googling that seems like the correct answer.
I guess my tanks aren’t venting… Do they need to?
I like your tip! What about moisture etc. with the end open?
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
10,167
Reaction score
19,654
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
Yep the charcoal cannister is supposed to help keep moisture out of the tank. Ideally you'd replace it if yours is missing,ir hook it up if you have it
 

Ken B

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2019
Posts
1,383
Reaction score
2,125
Location
indiana
First Name
ken
Truck Year
81
Truck Model
c10
Engine Size
350
So is there benefit to running that fuel vent line to the canister ....if its not hooked up to the carb ?
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
10,167
Reaction score
19,654
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
So is there benefit to running that fuel vent line to the canister ....if its not hooked up to the carb ?
You'll hook the cannister to the carbureator,it's simple tee into the pcv line and hook up a ported line to open the purge valve.
 
Last edited:

13matsc

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2024
Posts
84
Reaction score
39
Location
Norway
First Name
Mats
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C2500
Engine Size
350
What would be the major drawbacks of having it plugged like mine is now?

I have an aftermarket carb and intake.
 

75gmck25

Full Access Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2016
Posts
2,786
Reaction score
3,098
Location
Northern Virginia
First Name
Bruce
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
K25 Camper Special TH350 NP203
Engine Size
5.7
As fuel is drawn out of the tank through the fuel line to the carburetor, air has to enter the tank to replace the fuel. And when the fuel expands during a warm day, you need to allow air to escape from the tank.

The vent line and charcoal canister allows the air to go in and out of the gas tank, and the filter mechanism in the canister traps the vapor, and then periodically vents it into the carburetor.

If you use vented gas caps, that will also allow air to enter and vent from the tanks. You might smell some gas if you stand near the fillers, but it should work fine.
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
10,167
Reaction score
19,654
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
What would be the major drawbacks of having it plugged like mine is now?

I have an aftermarket carb and intake.
Your tanks won't vent properly unless there's a leak somewhere in the evap system such as a vented cap. You will draw a vacuum in the tank and starve for fuel. Properly setup the charcoal canister allows the tank to breath,helps keep moisture out of the tank,and fumes out of your garage.
 

c10dang

Junior Member
Joined
Mar 26, 2026
Posts
6
Reaction score
1
Location
sacramento
First Name
Bryan
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
c10
Engine Size
350
Your tanks won't vent properly unless there's a leak somewhere in the evap system such as a vented cap. You will draw a vacuum in the tank and starve for fuel. Properly setup the charcoal canister allows the tank to breath,helps keep moisture out of the tank,and fumes out of your garage.
I have mine going to a filter but its starving fuel when it gets to 30 mph causing a stall. Could it be because my gas caps arent vented?
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
10,167
Reaction score
19,654
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
I have mine going to a filter but its starving fuel when it gets to 30 mph causing a stall. Could it be because my gas caps arent vented?
As long as the vent is clear all the way to the tank and your filter is not clogged you shouldn't need a vented cap. Are you the same guy I told to blow through the line sure it's clear?YOU blow through the line not 100psi compressed air through the line.
 

13matsc

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2024
Posts
84
Reaction score
39
Location
Norway
First Name
Mats
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C2500
Engine Size
350
I ended up connecting a fuel hose and routing it back and ending it just under the driver side door.
The best solution would probably be to disconnect the line at the tank switch and remove it, with just a small stump left and a small baffle or filter.
You must be registered for see images attach
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
48,666
Posts
1,074,154
Members
43,333
Latest member
duncan_schawalder
Top