vent hose

[Gee]

I have an Aussie 73 240z which I believe is similar to the early US z's when it comes to the fuel tank vent hose. It sorta looks like a walking stick...

Does anyone know where to get these and how much they are? I've checked VB and the catalogue doesn't have them in it. MSA's site has no pictures.

Help, I'm p*ssing fuel everywhere!!

[Bubbleguinea]

they are VERY expensive. i think like $80 USD or so. what you can do is go to a car parts store and get fuel line about the right diameter and use that instead. i elimated all my evap systems on my Z, so the tank is sealed. it only has one hose, .5in, going from the top of the tank to the top of the filler neck, so it will fill all the way.

if you dont want to go that route, i think its banzi motorsports has them?

www.zzxdatsun.com is their website maybe? i cant remember.

yup, thats the site:

GF-23 Long gas tank vent hose

1970-1973 $91.00

look under customer requests section

[Bambikiller240]

If you just use a length of fuel/oil rated hose, it will kink and won't allow the tank to vent. Some folks have found a spring to insert into the hose that will help keep it frim kinking in the area of the "U" shape. Other folks have mucked about with several 90 degree fittings to accomplish the "U", and then attached generic fuel/oil hose.

Here is the one at MSA: (no picture) $55 USD (still a bit pricey)

http://www.zcarparts.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=11-3261&Category_Code=SFC04A

But here is a diagram that shows it. GF-24. (the one shaped like a walking stick)

If you need the one labelled GF-23, just use generic fuel/oil rated hose. But that isn't the one shaped like a walking stick.

[Gee]

I actually made the u-bend out of a bent piece of copper pipe, but it has started to leak where I've attached the hose to it. I could probably stuff around and re-bodge the bodge, but it's a pain in the butt dropping the tank and I'd prefer to only do it one more time and do it properly.

Thanks for the picture though, it'll come in handy..

[Bambikiller240]

You might want to re-think that. Try a search of the website. Many people who claim to know, strongly urge people to NOT USE COPPER in a fuel system. Apparently it reacts with the fuel or the additives in the fuel.

[Bubbleguinea]

bambi, actually if you use enough length of the hose, it wont *kink* you just make a fairly big loop. you get what i am saying?

if i can, ill go take a picture and show you. no leaks at all, no fumes. i used 1/2in fuel line, and it works perfectly, you just have to use a little more than usual. i will post a picture soon.

[Bambikiller240]

According to the books that I have, your 76 fuel system is different than the 240Z.

In fact, I don't even see vent hoses listed for a 76 in the MSA catalog. That seems odd, though.

[Bubbleguinea]

yes, it is differnt, but i have two vent holes at the top of the tank that utlize the same hoses as mention above. where the arrow is point above, i have that nipple, as well as a smaller one right next to it. those are the only two vent holes on the 76'. stock, it still had that sharp "J" bend to it, and im about 99% sure the 240Z hose is the same, bend wise anyways. just try it out gee. if it worked for me, it will work for you. sure beats spending lots of $$$. just make sure you give it enough room not to kink, and you will be fine!

[Gee]

I've just bought the real thing. I can't see why the copper would react, but then again, I'm no chemist. At least having the proper hose prevents embrittlement in the future..

[Bambikiller240]

I've just bought the real thing. I can't see why the copper would react, but then again, I'm no chemist. At least having the proper hose prevents embrittlement in the future..

When I rebuilt my Fuel System, I bought only that hose, and used generic fuel/oil hose everywhere else. Since the first hose lasted 30+ years, I don't think I'll have to worry about the new one in my lifetime.

I sure am not a chemist either, but the people who were warning, sounded like they were more knowledgable on the subject than I, so I that's why I relayed the info.

[beandip]

I am not a chemist either but taboo on copper line is for the 1/4'' stuff . If you use 1/2'' copper 90degree elbows and make a U shape from them then a 5/8'' fuel line will connect to both ends and seal then you can run the line up to the filler neck . This is for the upper vent of the 240 tank. cap the lower one with a subb out fitting. Copper fuel line cannot withstand the vibration that is why it should not be used , however with just two large fittings being used and connected on each end to rubber fuel line there is no worry. Brass and copper is used all the time with fuels . It's the vibration that makes the difference. Never use copper for brake or fuel lines for this reason. Gary :rambo:

[Bambikiller240]

I am not a chemist either but taboo on copper line is for the 1/4'' stuff . If you use 1/2'' copper 90degree elbows and make a U shape from them then a 5/8'' fuel line will connect to both ends and seal then you can run the line up to the filler neck . This is for the upper vent of the 240 tank. cap the lower one with a subb out fitting. Copper fuel line cannot withstand the vibration that is why it should not be used , however with just two large fittings being used and connected on each end to rubber fuel line there is no worry. Brass and copper is used all the time with fuels . It's the vibration that makes the difference. Never use copper for brake or fuel lines for this reason. Gary :rambo:

Well, opinions vary. See this article which was published in SportZ a few years ago.

http://www.jrdemers.com/280ZX/tankvents/tankvents.html

According to the author's information, Copper reacts with the sulphur in fuel and should be avoided.

There have been statements made by others as well speaking of similar issues.

I find no need to use copper since there are many other alternatives in the cases that I have encountered.