Is the asbestos fuel line cover necessary?

[sblake01]

I don't know if that hole needs to be plugged but a rubber hose cap would look better. Should be able to find one at a hardware store or an auto parts store with the Dorman cabinets or 'Help' section.

[gogriz91]

I always thought it was asbestos and had it on my 260. The only real cure I found for vapor locking was to put an electronic fuel pump somewhere on the system.

[SteveInOakland]

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......

You can be sure that it was installed by a dealer due to factory directives, and those for the vapor lock fix.

If you're only going to drive it short distances in the temperatures mentioned I don't think you'll experience vapor lock even without the insulation. Please note: during the late '70s I experienced vapor lock a number of times (1972 model without the fix) when ambient temperatures were not terribly high (example: month of December, nighttime, Alabama). This after continuous driving for a number of hours.

As I understand it the electric fuel pump that came with the '73 was also for this purpose. Installing a larger fan, from a 280, is another suggestion I've seen.

If you remove, I would put on a mask and rubber gloves, hose down the engine compartment afterwards, and then get in the shower. (I had a basement full of asbestos insulation removed by licensed removal contractors.)

If the fabric over the top of your insulation is deteriorating badly (and if the insulation is in fact asbestos -- which I think is very likely), the asbestos fibers may be starting to come loose. That would be bad. One thing that would probably work better and be safer than getting a replacement insulator, would be to cover what you have with duct tape.

Steve.

[montoya_fan01]

the factory directives mentioned in previous posts were for the 73 240Z (remember, the one with the boat-achor carbs) and 74 260Z in the USA. Prior to use of these "flat-top" monstrosities, the "round-top" SU's performed quite well without need for insulation, larger fans, etc.

That this stuff got on a 70 Z is a prime example of things being altered by various owners, for various reasons, over 35 years.

[SteveInOakland]

the factory directives mentioned in previous posts were for the 73 240Z (remember, the one with the boat-achor carbs) and 74 260Z in the USA. Prior to use of these "flat-top" monstrosities, the "round-top" SU's performed quite well without need for insulation, larger fans, etc.

That this stuff got on a 70 Z is a prime example of things being altered by various owners, for various reasons, over 35 years.

Fan, I bow to your expertise. However -- are you saying vapor lock was not a problem on the 70-72?

Steve.

[montoya_fan01]

to my knowledge, it wasn't.

or at least not such a big problem that Nissan felt a need to issue directives, and provide parts/kits to remedy.

PS, not trying to be an "expert", just relaying information acquired over the years from some very knowledgable Z people.

[240ZX]

To answer the question of, Where can I get replacement insulation to replace the existing? SUMMIT RACING has a number of items that will do!

[gnosez]

Go to www.designengineering.com and look under "products" and then "hose and wire shields" I used the velcro version to wrap my fuel lines for my triples. I don't have a manifold heat shield and it worked great. I made slits for lines coming off the main hose. Looks good still after 8,000 miles.

[moonpup]

Originally Posted by montoya_fan01

That this stuff got on a 70 Z is a prime example of things being altered by various owners, for various reasons, over 35 years.

Ain't that the truth!

It's very possible that the previous owner and car had been in the Arizona area for some time and had vapor locking problems. A local dealer/mechanic suggests the wrap as a solution and voila ...here we are today.

Assume the worst (Asbestos) and remove carefully, give it a shot without the wrap, and if you experience vapor lock you can then try some of the solutions suggested here or re-wrap. Good luck.

[montoya_fan01]

not to mention that adding these wraps doesn't do any harm (health issues excepted) to the performance of the car.

I've been looking for a nice set of these wraps for a long time. Not because I have a problem, rather that it's insurance against a potential problem. (stuck in traffic for hours, etc.)

[a7dz]

I have owned my 70 for thirty plus years drove it in the southern states for years and never had a vapor lock problem. Note I am still running the stock four screw carbs. Even in the desert up here I have had no vapor lock problems. Do watch the temp carefully and have replaced the cooling components as required to keep this car running cool.

[Bobby_Lee]

If you do decide you need some sort of insulation, check out Jegs or one of the other performance parts outlets. They have several alternatives.