Change the gaskets! The new oxygenated fuels swell and crack the old
rubber used in these filters, and it will swell up so much that it restricts
the flow of fuel into the carburetor. I have had them swell so much that
the car will only idle.
This problem is getting worse as the old rubber parts like fuel lines etc.
see more and more of the alcohol laced fuels.
You all need to be aware of this - it can also be a fire hazard. As I have
posted on here at least 3 times before, inspect ALL the rubber that is in
contact with fuel. If it hasn't been replaced in the last 5 years or so, do
it now. The fuel hoses must be labeled "SAE 30R7" (or higher number) to be
safe for use with today's gasoline. This includes any hoses at the rear of
the car that connect to the tank.
Dick Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: <RandalPark@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 10:44 PM
Subject: Re: IML: Fuel Filter Insert -'56
> Yes, there is a rubber gasket. Believe it or not, that gasket is also
reusable. If you are really careful, it will last for many, many years. The
new filter element comes with the gasket. The glass bowl is held in place
with a metal "bail" that has a screw in the bottom that when tightened it
pushes the glass bowl up against the gasket. Even when the gasket is really
old, the glass can be seated against it well enough not to leak. It was a
great design. You can even see the dirt inside the bowl without taking
anything apart.
>
> I have had my '56 since 1972 and I still have the same gasket and element
that it had when I bought the car. I may have to change it the next time
that I take it apart, but when I worked on the '55 in 1997, I was able to
reuse the gasket and that car hadn't been touched in over 35 years. It
really is amazing! Some things were made to last!
>
> Paul
>
> In a message dated 2/23/2004 10:21:09 PM Eastern Standard Time,
jsadowski@xxxxxxx writes:
>
> > Isn't there a gasket there that needs to be replaced when you open up
the bowl for cleaning?
> > John
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: RandalPark@xxxxxxx
> > To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 5:39 PM
> > Subject: Re: IML: Fuel Filter Insert -'56
> >
> >
> > The filter doesn't need to be changed as often as a normal fuel filter,
but it should be cleaned and the bowl rinsed out occasionally (especially if
the gas is bad).
> >
> > I bought an extra element and have kept it in the glove compartment for
the last 20 years. The original element is still functioning fine. I rinse
out the bowl when it has an accumulation of dirt in the bottom of the bowl.
I suppose it wouldn't hurt to start with a fresh filter element, but you
probably will not need another one for the rest of your life.
> >
> > Paul
> >
> > In a message dated 2/23/2004 5:54:42 PM Eastern Standard Time,
JCantor791 writes:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Spent the afternoon yesterday doing that great man/car bonding thing.
Boy is
> > > it fun working on an old car!
> > >
> > > I changed the oil and oil filter, cleaned the air cleaner and refilled
it
> > > with fresh oil, replaced the worn front wheel bearings (did the other
side just
> > > to keep them even) and toyed around with the fuel filter. My car
still has the
> > > original glass fuel filter housing with a stone filter insert.
Attempts so
> > > far to locate a replacement insert - either stone or paper element -
have
> > > failed. Since the housing is in very good shape and doesn't leak and
all of the
> > > fuel lines under the hood are in good shape (and still all steel), I'd
like to
> > > leave the configuration the same rather than replacing it with a
modern inline
> > > filter. Does anyone have any suggestions?
> > >
> > > I've tried Kanter and Andy Bernbaum both of whom could not help me.
I'm
> > > going to go looking on the Hemmings site but it was down earlier
today.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Jeff
> > > '56 Sedan
> > > Trenton, NJ
> > >
> > >
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