I AM PUMPING 80 PSI OF AIR INTO THE FUEL LINE THAT GOES FROM THE FUEL PUMP,  REARWARD TO THE FUEL TANK.  MY ASSUMPTION IS THAT THERE ARE NO CHECK VALVES OR SHUTOFFS ANYWHERE IN THAT LINE.  THE FACT THAT IT IS CLEARLY NOT COMPLETELY OPEN TELLS ME THAT THERE IS SOME DEAD GASOLINE WHICH HAS FORMED INTO A BLOCKAGE.   I SHOULD BE ABLE TO HEAR AIR RUSHING INTO THE FUEL TANK AND THE COMPRESSOR SHOULD CONTINUE TO RUN CONSTANTLY.  MY QUESTION IS  " SHOULD THAT LINE BE COMPLETELY OPEN W/O ANY RESTRICTIONS?  IF ITS VARNISH OR GUM, HOW DO I GET RID OF IT W/O REMOVING THE LINE.

Is there also an electric fuel pump between the tank and mechanical pump?

Given the age of the vehicle, it's not safe to assume anything.  Previous owners do crazy things.  Look at the line and make sure there are no added components, like a shut off valve, that would easily explain a blockage.


Lawrenceville, GA

Make sure the gas cap is off when you blow into the line.  No way could the tank contain that much pressure.  Even with a vented cap, the vent probably could not flow as much air as your compressor could put in.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Check for rubber sections under the car. A PO may have replaced the fuel line with generic line from an auto parts store. Nothing wrong with that but there may be one or more rubber sections that have collapsed internally, blocking the line. Especially look where the line goes over the frame at the left rear wheel. It's not possible to install a solid OE fuel line without lifting the body up off the frame and many people don't go to that trouble, they just splice in a rubber piece in that area.

No electric fuel pump installed.

Tank cap totally removed.  That's where I listen for air rushing into the tank.

There should be a rubber hose connection at the tank. Take it off and blow through with both ends of the gas line open. If no air its in the line. If air its in the tank. Some tanks get a lot of sludge or varnish in them eventually the pick up sock filter (if you have one) gets clogged. Having the fuel line off at the tank you should get gas coming out of the tank so you need a catch pan. If nothing comes its the tank. Matter of following the problem to both ends.

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire