I am wondering if the ugly silver asbestos wrapped around my fuel lines as pictured is really necessary? I have been told by some that it is not needed and I'd like to get rid of it. If you look at the 2nd picture I've attached of a pristine engine it is not there.

Then again, why would it be there in the first place if there wasnt a reason? I've searched the threads and cant find any discussion on this.

Thoughts?

The asbestos wrapping was in response to vapor locking problems the 240Z was experiencing.

You can remove it and see if you have any problems but you do live in an area known for hot tempatures.

Alternately - where would one find a new, less damaged looking replacement?

Since hundreds of Zs don't have the insulation anymore indicates to me you can do it, but what I'm asking in return is do you know for certain it is in fact asbestos?

Can someone verify that the fuel line insulation was made with asbestos? I'm hoping it's not and what I'm about to write below may be un-necessary for this insulation but should be followed should you ever encounter asbestos or what you think might be asbestos in the future.

If this is the case, please wear gloves and use a mask. Don't cut, drill, break it apart, or rip it. Wet it with water if possible. Place in a sealed plastic container or bag. Since asbestotis takes 20-30 years to manifest itself if say you're over 65 no problem. However if you are predisposed a small inhalation may be all you need to get them started working on your lungs.

Like many things some people can smoke their whole lifes without getting cancer and some people can work around asbestos for a few days and end up 30 years later without the use if their lungs.

Well, I never needed that item, so I'm not sure what direction to point you in.

It was a dealer item, so you could start there. However, before you replace it, you might check with others in your area to see if its really needed or if there is another alternative to keeping vapor locking in check.

As stated this insulation was added as part of a series of dealer modifications implemented to alleviate starting, stalling and performance problems due to vapor lock and percolation.

See the following article for more details on the 3 stage modification kits installed by the dealer to fix the vapor lock issue. The insulation was just one part of this and may have become standard on later models.

Dealer Modifications To The 1973 240-Z

http://www.zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/73Mods.html

http://classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1990&highlight=fuel+fixes

My advice is to get rid of it. If for no other reason, it's unsightly and I doubt it is doing much good in your set-up.

Of course, I have a 73 and it went through modifications at the dealership that did nothing to improve drivability. I took mine off and it would be my guess that it was not made of asbestos. Rather, it was a heavy-duty foil material that contained no dust that I recall. As soon as my warranty ran out, I also removed the smog pump, all its attachments and of course the carbs. Replaced the carbs with trip-Mikuni’s, built myself a heat shield below them and have not had a lick of problems in that area since.

I am, however, curious why you would have this installed on your 1970 Z?

George

I'm pretty sure mine are made of asbestos. Not very nice stuff to say the least. I decided to leave it a alone until a later date.

can I ask what makes you think it is asbestos?

Is asbestos the only insulating material for this sort of application?

Can't imagine why they would use it, I know that asbestos was a known killer long before the early 1970's.

Never has been on mine. Never had a problem. Read the signature block.

Echoing everbodys elses thoughts. Please be careful.

I have no idea why this is installed on my 1970 Z. I came that way and I have left it on there because I wasnt sure it was necessary.....

I am not sure it is asbestos. I have seen mentions in other threads that call it asbestos so I assumed it was true. Regardless I appreciate the advice and concern and I will take all appropriate measures when I remove. I dont want lung cancer any more than anyone else!

As far as vapor lock I do live in AZ but I have no A/C so I don't plan to drive when it is more than 85 degrees or so and I typically only drive short distances to the local car show or to dinner or something...I hope that means I'll be OK. We'll see.....

While we are on this thread and my engine is pictured in the first post - can someone take a look at the piece of duct tape with tie wrap that is over the vent on my air filter housing? Obviously that is not standard equipment. Does that hole need to be plugged or can I remove that ugly tape? If it needs plugging how do other people do it?

Thanks....