Valve/breather in fuel line
Discussion
I've never seen one of these before and am wondering what it's there for and if it's actually necessary. It's on a many times modified 1970 Ford Ranchero and from the limited images and diagrams I've managed to find online it seems that it shouldn't exist.
This picture is taken from underneath the drivers floor, the line from the top coming into it is from the tank which is over the rear axle. The line to the left goes to the lift pump. The valve bottom right looks like some form of bleeding device though I'm not sure why. Under the carpets near the seat mounting is a small brass valve which looks like some form of breather. It doesn't smell of fuel but it's in an area where I need to do a bit of welding so there's obviously some concern here.
I managed to crop a bit of a picture of the brass bit in the cab (below) but can't get a better one at the moment as I've got limited access to the drivers door so can't get it open to move the carpets out of the way.
This picture is taken from underneath the drivers floor, the line from the top coming into it is from the tank which is over the rear axle. The line to the left goes to the lift pump. The valve bottom right looks like some form of bleeding device though I'm not sure why. Under the carpets near the seat mounting is a small brass valve which looks like some form of breather. It doesn't smell of fuel but it's in an area where I need to do a bit of welding so there's obviously some concern here.
I managed to crop a bit of a picture of the brass bit in the cab (below) but can't get a better one at the moment as I've got limited access to the drivers door so can't get it open to move the carpets out of the way.
paintman said:
Could it have had some form of fuel burning heater - like the webasto diesel one?
Good idea though I wouldn't have thought so to be honest. The valve on the floor goes through a round hole in the sound proofing/insulation and is covered by the carpet so there's no real access to it. I'd have thought a heater type thing would have come through the bulkhead or somewhere, not the middle of the floor. I'm actually wondering if it is a valve in the floor or just a brass fastening but, as I mentioned earlier, I can't get to it at the moment. Someone on one of the US forums has suggested that it could possibly be a valve to access an auxiliary fuel supply as the stub in the cab looks like the stem of a valve missing it's knob.
This could be a possibility as the truck has a bit of racing history so possibly an alternative fuel?
I think that I'm going to remove it and fit a new fuel line as I need to repair that patch that looks like it's been glued in at the side of it and I don't really fancy any welding with that lot in close proximity
This could be a possibility as the truck has a bit of racing history so possibly an alternative fuel?
I think that I'm going to remove it and fit a new fuel line as I need to repair that patch that looks like it's been glued in at the side of it and I don't really fancy any welding with that lot in close proximity
It's now been confirmed by some more people on the US forum that it's definitely a fuel tank selector valve. Quite possibly used for extra range as a reserve tank or, less likely, for a higher octane fuel for competition.
As I have no need for it and it's a non original item, I'll probably remove it and splice the fuel line with a new piece or replace it completely. I can then fill the hole in the floor where the valve currently lives.
Thanks for the replies.
As I have no need for it and it's a non original item, I'll probably remove it and splice the fuel line with a new piece or replace it completely. I can then fill the hole in the floor where the valve currently lives.
Thanks for the replies.
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