'56 engine bay fuel filter

[Cracker]

I am looking for a replacement fuel filter, just the filter, that fits in a glass jar, inside the engine compartment. I went to Napa and all they had were the filters that are at the fuel pump. I don't know if what I want is stock, but it sure is old.

The filter has exposed cloth, with and enclosed bottom and a black paper-like top with small pores. I can't see any part numbers on it.

Do you know if this is stock and possibly where I can locate a replacemtent?

Thanks.

 

[nomadbird]

It sounds like you're describing an authentic fuel filter element. That is a super rare item especially for the '56s and early '57s that used the deeper bowl. The current replacement is a pleated paper affair. It is available from all the T-bird parts suppliers. If you want to try finding it at a NAPA or other good parts store that would have an old codger at the counter who uses parts books instead of a computer, ask him for an AC Delco GF-124. I don't know if that number is currently active, but that is the only box I found in the garage.

If you should happen to get lucky and find those original filter elements somewhere, buy all you can get.

Tom D.

 

[Cracker]

Thanks. I found the filter through a supplier out of Concord.

What exactly is the rare part? The filter or assembly? I don't know if the filter has been changed in the life of the car.

 

[nomadbird]

The filter element exactly as used in production for '56 and early '57s is the difficult part to find. This is the part inside the bowl that you're supposed to service. I have found short elements as used on '55s and most '57s and have had them cut apart and joined two together to obtain the proper length.

The whole filter assy can be a challenge too. The tri-five Chevy parts houses have an AC domed top filter assy whose cast top is very close to being proper. Then you have to find the proper length bowl and finally the longer bail nut assy.

Nuthins Easy, Tom

Edit: If the filter element you got from Thunderbird Headquarters was in the original box, post the manufacturer's part number. Thanks

 

[Cracker]

I will. I haven't ordered it yet, I'm waiting to see if I need more parts.

 

[Cracker]

I got the AC Delco filter instead of going through HQ. Your number appears to be correct. I plan on installing it later today and then inspecting the fuel line.

 

[nomadbird]

Thanks for confirming the validity of the GF-124 part#. I doubt that you will be able to make any determination regarding the flex line condition. These lines usually disolve or delaminate on the inside. It's only an $8 part, so there's no big loss if it isn't the cause of your problem. I'd recommend changing it so you can move on to the next phase of your trouble shooting if this doesn't cure the problem.

Tom D.

 

[Cracker]

You're right. The line looks fine from the outside. It is firm.

This car has an electric fuel pump on it that works at startup. It doesn't stay on constantly like my truck. I know it works because it filled up the filter jar (completely) when it was empty.

The car started right up and ran strong. I shut it off and 5 minutes later it didn't want to start, I finally got it started using carb cleaner. Troubled, I cleaned up the engine compartment and used carb. cleaner on the carb. It started easily when I was done. I decided to take a trip to see if the symptoms were still there and I had someone follow me.

It ran fine in the beginning, it isn't the best shifter but the engine was running well. I had gone over several hills, then as I was climbing another hill (not really steep) the car sputterred and died. It almost started. I turned the car around by coasting backward and I headed back down the hill. My "gopher" headed home for gas and carb cleaner. When I made the flat spot at the bottom of the hill I used the carb cleaner and gas and got it started. It coughed up every hill on the way back. I learned that if you go fast at the bottom you can nurse the accelerator until the top of the hill. Everywhere else the car runs fine.

Now the questions start:

Is the fuel filter jar supposed to be full of gas? Mine typically runs 1/2 empty, sometimes below the bottom of the filter.

Do I need to replace the rubber line on both sides of the electric fuel line or only the steel braided line (flex hose) in the engine bay?

Thanks a lot.

Does the flex hose actually go into the power steering pump? Just curious.