Fuel sock Question

[So.Cal.Super]

I pulled the Tank and my Fuel strainer sock is black with only a spot about the size of a dime looking like it was pulling fuel. I see LMC has the sending unit but not the sock, does anyone know if I order the sending unit does it come with one? Also can I just not install the sock and reconnect my filter between the pump and tank or am I going to be back to Vapor lock issues.

Thanks

[68gmsee]

IIRC it comes with the sock. I left the sock off when I replaced mine. I have a filter on the fuel line before the fuel pump and the one in the carb which I change about every 3-4 months. I figured it's easier to change those.

[Longhorn Man]

if vapor lock is an issue, then you want as few restrictions before the pump, this means no filters and no sock.
I personally don't understand why the hell anyone would want a sock in the tank anyways. I would MUCH rather replace a filter under the hood than pulling the seat and opening the tank.

[So.Cal.Super]

Thanks for the Reply and here are some pics of what the old sock looked like.

[So.Cal.Super]

thanks Andy,
let me back track with a little more info on the vapor lock. two years ago I added a nice frame mounted filter between the tank and pump and ran it for a year before I had a problem. I also had no Idea the sock was this bad. I have the in carb filter but would love to leave the sock off and re connect the better filter.

let me know if you have any more thoughts with a bit more info.

I also have a new pump and regulator with gauge on the truck now. thats how I saw the problem of fuel PSI dropping the longer I revved the truck. once I ran out of fuel in the line she was falling on her face.

filter specs
Fuel Filter Style Canister
Inlet Quantity One
Inlet Size 3/8 in.
Inlet Attachment Female threads
Outlet Quantity One
Outlet Size 3/8 in.
Outlet Attachment Female threads
Filter Element Included Yes
Smallest Particle Filtered 10 microns
Filter Element Material Fabric
Filter Housing Material Aluminum
Filter Housing Finish Red anodized/Nickel plated
Overall Length (in) 6.125 in.
Outside Diameter (in) 3.250 in.
Mounting Bracket Included Yes
Fittings Included No
Clamps Included No
Maximum Fuel Pressure (psi) 200
Quantity Sold individually.


Thanks

[So.Cal.Super]

its one of these

[IMG][/IMG]

[LockDoc]

-
If you decide you want to use the sock go to your GM dealer and order #5651705. I think it was about 15 bucks when I ordered mine...

LockDoc

[Longhorn Man]

I've ripped mine off of every truck I've owned

We all know that if you increase pressure, you increase the boiling point. That's why we pressurize the rad, to keep the coolant from boiling at 212 degrees (talking straight water)
Now, if you decrease the pressure, then you are decreasing the boiling point. Any restriction between the pump and the tank will cause a decrease in pressure, just like when your milkshake is too thick and you suck so hard that the straw colapses.
Vapor lock is nothing more than boiling gas in the fuel line and/or in the carb.
Reduce the number of restrictions in the fuel line before the pump, and you reduce the odds of boiling the fuel.

That sock was certinaly a restriction, and did in fact reduce the boiling point, and MIGHT have been the vapor lock issue. Throw it away and put the tank back together. Install a quality filter after the pump (like the one you described above) and call it a day. With your guage you will probably see the improvement

[So.Cal.Super]

Thanks everyone, I will write down that part number for future ref.

[cdowns]

i've made fuel socks out of stainless steel mesh, have also run quite a few vehicles without them

lots of "vapor lock" issues are due to poor or no venting of gastanks
lazyman rubber fuel lines layin on manifolds too
edelbrock carbs without phenolic spacers too

[coloradosean2009]

I finally got off my butt and cleaned out my tank with acid and powerwasher. It made all the difference in the world. Then you can do like the mighty longhornman says and ditch the sock without any worries.

[Lemield]

I had a feed problem from my rear tank on my C20 since I bought it from the PO. It would run fine for a while and then act as if it were running out of fuel. He even installed an electric fuel pump wired to a toggle switch to try to solve the problem. It still did it. Mostly happened on the highway. Took the tank out and found a sock like the one pictured....in very bad condition. Tossed it, cleaned out the tank and put it back together. It feeds perfectly now...no need to even turn on the electric pump anymore. I didn't think that the sock could have restricted it but it appears as though that was the problem on my truck.

[NoNeck]

A partially clogged fuel sock in and of itself would be a small restriction, but an even larger restriction would be if a piece of a deteriorated sock found its way into the fuel inlet line.

I had that happen one time on an old Camaro. If you pull your fuel sender assembly and find only part of your original sock, chances are that it has migrated into the lines.

NoNeck

[corndoggydogg]

ClassicParts.com sells the sock by itself. Part #23-598 (3/8") for $11.95 and Part #23-599 (5/16") for $14.95.

[truckster]

Ditch the sock. I think it causes more problems than it solves.

[leftybass209]

I haven't had a problem with the fuel sock, and think these fuel systems could use all the help they can get with filtering out contaminates. While I understand they do deteriorate, it's not as if they fall apart in a year. It has taken me all of 15 minutes to switch out the sock. I think it's something that is neglected, and shouldn't have been left to sit in a truck unmonitored for 45 years.

[LockDoc]

Wow, I forgot about this thread. Might be good to bring it back up though....

Originally Posted by truckster

Ditch the sock. I think it causes more problems than it solves.

I'll keep mine, thanks for the recommendation tho....

Originally Posted by leftybass209

I haven't had a problem with the fuel sock, and think these fuel systems could use all the help they can get with filtering out contaminates. While I understand they do deteriorate, it's not as if they fall apart in a year. It has taken me all of 15 minutes to switch out the sock. I think it's something that is neglected, and shouldn't have been left to sit in a truck unmonitored for 45 years.

AMEN to that!

LockDoc