Do we really even need "fuel socks"? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jumpsoffrock · Today, 12:46 PM

After reading the current thread by IT Cowboy but don't wanna hijack his thread, I have wondered what other folks think about this.
I've watched countless youtube "will it run" videos that have struggled with fuel sock blockages and asked myself.

Do we even need them?
Wouldn't running a $3 inline filter before the pump solve the whole problem?

All of my old vehicles have two filters, one before and after the pump.
I am almost tempted to tear socks off the brand new fuel pickup right out of the box and simply run two filters.

What are your thoughts?

truckster · Today, 01:39 PM

I've run many vehicles without them just fine.

I wouldn't run without one on a vehicle with fuel injection - those fuel pumps are less forgiving.

**dmjlambert** · Today, 04:16 PM

Well, are the will-it-run video makers trying to use the 50 year old sock, or did they put a fresh made-in-China sock on there dip in the fuel and watch it fall apart? I'm wondering if a new fuel sender and sock should be good to go for 10 or more years.

Lee H · Today, 06:54 PM

I removed the sock in my 72 when I did a frame off restoration. I did put on an inline filter. 30K miles and no issues.

**Rust_never_sleeps** · Today, 07:58 PM

The "will it run and drive" folks are usually sucking degraded, sludgy gas. The sock actually does its job by keeping sludge out of the fuel line, but
...if they're committed to driving on crappy gas, it's more convenient to replace the inevitable clogged filters in the engine bay.
Why you'd insist on getting on the road with a tank full of sludge, I'll never understand

**IT Cowboy** · Today, 08:01 PM

Following and hi-jack away if it will get views and replies

How about an inline filter on the underside from the tank to the pump and no sock?

**Steeveedee** · Today, 08:08 PM

The sock would still be factory even if the filter you mention was installed. It was a factory option. But I think it would be OK to lose the sock, personally. I had a Buick I drove for years with no sock, just a filter between the pump and carburetor. But I drove it a lot, so there was no way it was going to get sludgy.

**IT Cowboy** · Today, 08:22 PM

Does quality of modern fuel have anything to do with it? I would think that most fuel these days is filtered at the refinery and pump or at least filtered better. I cannot say I have heard of a filter issue due to fuel for a long time. The modern in tank filters in the 90s would give issues occasionally and so would diesels.

Today, 12:46 PM	#1
jumpsoffrock Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California Posts: 986	Do we really even need "fuel socks"? After reading the current thread by IT Cowboy but don't wanna hijack his thread, I have wondered what other folks think about this. I've watched countless youtube "will it run" videos that have struggled with fuel sock blockages and asked myself. Do we even need them? Wouldn't running a $3 inline filter before the pump solve the whole problem? All of my old vehicles have two filters, one before and after the pump. I am almost tempted to tear socks off the brand new fuel pickup right out of the box and simply run two filters. What are your thoughts?

Today, 01:39 PM	#2
truckster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 8,002	Re: Do we really even need "fuel socks"? I've run many vehicles without them just fine. I wouldn't run without one on a vehicle with fuel injection - those fuel pumps are less forgiving. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

Today, 04:16 PM	#3
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,921	Re: Do we really even need "fuel socks"? Well, are the will-it-run video makers trying to use the 50 year old sock, or did they put a fresh made-in-China sock on there dip in the fuel and watch it fall apart? I'm wondering if a new fuel sender and sock should be good to go for 10 or more years.

Today, 06:54 PM	#4
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,149	Re: Do we really even need "fuel socks"? I removed the sock in my 72 when I did a frame off restoration. I did put on an inline filter. 30K miles and no issues. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

Today, 07:58 PM	#5
Rust_never_sleeps Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: San Ramon,CA Posts: 647	Re: Do we really even need "fuel socks"? The "will it run and drive" folks are usually sucking degraded, sludgy gas. The sock actually does its job by keeping sludge out of the fuel line, but ...if they're committed to driving on crappy gas, it's more convenient to replace the inevitable clogged filters in the engine bay. Why you'd insist on getting on the road with a tank full of sludge, I'll never understand __________________ 1970 C10 Custom longbed 350/350 Code: __ ______\|__]\____ ....\|___(o)_____(o)_]

Today, 08:01 PM	#6
IT Cowboy Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Clarkdale, Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 35	Re: Do we really even need "fuel socks"? Following and hi-jack away if it will get views and replies How about an inline filter on the underside from the tank to the pump and no sock? __________________ Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.

Today, 08:08 PM	#7
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,801	Re: Do we really even need "fuel socks"? The sock would still be factory even if the filter you mention was installed. It was a factory option. But I think it would be OK to lose the sock, personally. I had a Buick I drove for years with no sock, just a filter between the pump and carburetor. But I drove it a lot, so there was no way it was going to get sludgy. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

Today, 08:22 PM	#8
IT Cowboy Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: Clarkdale, Arizona in a van down by the river Posts: 35	Re: Do we really even need "fuel socks"? Does quality of modern fuel have anything to do with it? I would think that most fuel these days is filtered at the refinery and pump or at least filtered better. I cannot say I have heard of a filter issue due to fuel for a long time. The modern in tank filters in the 90s would give issues occasionally and so would diesels. __________________ Freedom isn't safe, it requires you to take responsibility for your own life, your own safety, and your own success. It carries with it the possibility of failure and the understanding that you're working without out a safety net. If you give the state the responsibility for any of these you also give up the freedom that accompanies the responsibility.



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