This may be a bit long, but I want to ensure I pass on all of the pertinent information to get the best advice on what to do.
I recently purchased a 1978 Trans Am with the original 400 engine and automatic transmission.
The prior owner had the engine rebuilt approximately 8-10 years ago.
He installed an MSD throttle body fuel injection system consisting of the Atomic throttle body, MSG Ignition box, coil, and an MSD billet distributor along with the rebuild.
He also installed an Aeromotive Phantom in-tank fuel pump in the original tank by cutting a new hole for the pump and leaving the OEM fuel pickup in the tank. The original fuel lines were abandoned and capped.
An access panel in the trunk allows you to get to the pump.
In addition to the two high-pressure fuel delivery and return lines they ran to the engine, they also ran a 3/8” aluminum line from the vent port on the fuel pump to just behind the left front tire of the vehicle alongside the two fuel lines.
The vent line was just left open with no filter or breather. I purchased a small filter and installed it to prevent contaminants from entering the line and tank.
On a call with Tech Support at Aeromotive about another issue, I asked what I should do with this vent line, and they suggested installing a rollover valve, which I purchased from Summit.
It was a tiny breather valve, which I did not immediately install since I had the filter on it.
I took the car to the gas station for fuel yesterday and topped off the tank.
This was my first time doing this, so I could see how accurate the fuel gauge was.
When I got home, fuel was pouring out of the vent line! I had to move the car to a slight incline to help it stop draining.
It did stop, however, I later noticed a leak from the tank, which I discovered was coming from the gasket on the installed fuel pump.
I then used a short length of 3/8” ID fuel hose to extend the vent line up just under the brake booster and installed the breather valve I had purchased from Summit. I know how to deal with the pump housing gasket, and until I do, I will refrain from filling the tank.
What would be the safest way to set up the vent line for the fuel pump?
I noticed this car has a charcoal canister in the right front of the engine compartment; however, the line from the original fuel pickup in the tank was removed.
Should I also run a line from that canister back to the original line, which is now capped off, on the tank?
I need to ensure the pump is vented and has a rollover valve in the event of an accident. Is having it vent in the engine compartment not a good idea?
Since I brought this car home, my garage has smelled of gas, probably due to the open vent line.
Looking for best practice/advice for those with an in-tank fuel pump with return line and vent.
I appreciate any help you can provide.
I recently purchased a 1978 Trans Am with the original 400 engine and automatic transmission.
The prior owner had the engine rebuilt approximately 8-10 years ago.
He installed an MSD throttle body fuel injection system consisting of the Atomic throttle body, MSG Ignition box, coil, and an MSD billet distributor along with the rebuild.
He also installed an Aeromotive Phantom in-tank fuel pump in the original tank by cutting a new hole for the pump and leaving the OEM fuel pickup in the tank. The original fuel lines were abandoned and capped.
An access panel in the trunk allows you to get to the pump.
In addition to the two high-pressure fuel delivery and return lines they ran to the engine, they also ran a 3/8” aluminum line from the vent port on the fuel pump to just behind the left front tire of the vehicle alongside the two fuel lines.
The vent line was just left open with no filter or breather. I purchased a small filter and installed it to prevent contaminants from entering the line and tank.
On a call with Tech Support at Aeromotive about another issue, I asked what I should do with this vent line, and they suggested installing a rollover valve, which I purchased from Summit.
It was a tiny breather valve, which I did not immediately install since I had the filter on it.
I took the car to the gas station for fuel yesterday and topped off the tank.
This was my first time doing this, so I could see how accurate the fuel gauge was.
When I got home, fuel was pouring out of the vent line! I had to move the car to a slight incline to help it stop draining.
It did stop, however, I later noticed a leak from the tank, which I discovered was coming from the gasket on the installed fuel pump.
I then used a short length of 3/8” ID fuel hose to extend the vent line up just under the brake booster and installed the breather valve I had purchased from Summit. I know how to deal with the pump housing gasket, and until I do, I will refrain from filling the tank.
What would be the safest way to set up the vent line for the fuel pump?
I noticed this car has a charcoal canister in the right front of the engine compartment; however, the line from the original fuel pickup in the tank was removed.
Should I also run a line from that canister back to the original line, which is now capped off, on the tank?
I need to ensure the pump is vented and has a rollover valve in the event of an accident. Is having it vent in the engine compartment not a good idea?
Since I brought this car home, my garage has smelled of gas, probably due to the open vent line.
Looking for best practice/advice for those with an in-tank fuel pump with return line and vent.
I appreciate any help you can provide.
