Topic: Clothes Pin Placement
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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I suppose that this is a continuation of the previous thread. Joel had indicated that one should place clothes pins on the pump to carb fuel line to act as heat sinks to reduce or eliminate vapor lock. I have a split rubber insulator on this fuel line (I replaced this line last year new from Eckler's). My question is should I try to slip the clothes pins under the insulation, or would clamping them directly over the insulation suffice.
Thanks,
Matt
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Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Matt,
Just curious as to why the insulation wrap? Was this put on after headers because there was a thought of a possible heat problem?
Is the line exposed someplace that it is receiving heat now and it can't get away because the wrap may be holding it in?
I am not knocking me Bro Joel's high tech version of a heat sink but there are actual
Heat Sinks that can be purchased and take care of rising fuel temperature.
Just another though and avenue for you to spend some hard earned Shark $$$$$.
Just curious as to why the insulation wrap? Was this put on after headers because there was a thought of a possible heat problem?
Is the line exposed someplace that it is receiving heat now and it can't get away because the wrap may be holding it in?
I am not knocking me Bro Joel's high tech version of a heat sink but there are actual
Heat Sinks that can be purchased and take care of rising fuel temperature.
Just another though and avenue for you to spend some hard earned Shark $$$$$.
The insulation was on the old fuel line and I transferred it to the new line because I didn't know if was stock or not. Even with some gentle flexing, the new line presses hard against the end of my valve cover (as did the original) so I assumed that the insulation was there to protect the line from abrasive rubbing. I appreciate the link, I have looked at them and will probably purchase one, just looking for a temporary fix for a week or two. I'll get under my car this afternoon and take a look at every thing. Vapor lock developed after I put the headers on and the weather got hot.
Matt

Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
That makes more sense to me now....
Go ahead and pull back the insulation and put on the clothes pins. If it works you have a cheap fix. If then at a later date you want to spend the extra bucks you can since you have diagnosed the problem....

Cool, I'll steal some clothes pins from my wife and run a test this after noon. It's supposed to be in the upper nineties today, if this works, like you said, I will have definitely found my problem.
Thanks,
Matt

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Wow...youse kin but a whole LOT o clothes pins fer $100!
I simply mentioned the clothes-pin trick because it does work in emergency situations...not meant to be permanent installs!
Let us know if it helps any, Matt. Oh...they will need to be on the actual metal line to do any good.


I simply mentioned the clothes-pin trick because it does work in emergency situations...not meant to be permanent installs!

Let us know if it helps any, Matt. Oh...they will need to be on the actual metal line to do any good.

Joel Adams
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Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
I might add that when you steal (your werd not mine) them from your wifey........ make sure the are not attached to the clothes. Otherwise your gonna have a whole nuther version of HOT to deal with!!!!!
Hey Bro...... since this is a Mid-Year trick do ya think it will increase the value of this here Red-Ray?????
Tuxblacray 2008-07-19 11:22:20

Hey Bro...... since this is a Mid-Year trick do ya think it will increase the value of this here Red-Ray?????

If they work, I think I might have some CNC'd from billet and have them powdercoated!
Hate to disagree but wood is an insulator not a conductor. So if anything it would be insulating the line from the heat not acting as a heat sink.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82
I think the shape of the clothespin allows what heat it takes on to travel away from the fuel line. Mine were hotter 'n fish grease!
Pretty smart solution, if only temporary.
(P.S. My motor had other problems that a couple of clothes pins couldn't fix. But I'll keep a few in the glove box.)
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
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