After its long winter's nap, my '73 Riviera started fine but... There was a puddle of gas underneath after idling for a couple of minutes. That wasn't good. Looked to be dripping pretty good at 3-4 drops per second. When checking it closer, I couldn't exactly see where it was coming from. It seemed most likely to be at the fitting to the fuel line to the carb. I got a flare nut wrench on that but it wasn't loose and didn't budge. Working from above, I couldn't see what might else it might be so started it again. This time, it didn't show any dripping so fired it up and went for a drive. It's still dry. This is perplexing. Really seems to have gone from a dangerous drip to nothing without anything being done. I tugged on the flare nut but don't think it actually moved. The feed hose and return hose felt dry or, at least, not wet with fresh gas. Any ideas or similar happenings? I suppose I can throw another pump at it just to be sure.
With no system pressure, loosen and re tighten the flare fittings. The best practice is to disconnect, clean and inspect for galling, burrs, or damage for over tightening. If the mating surfaces are good, use a very small amount of PTFE paste. This helps seal and lubricate the surfaces. Torquing connections "dry" often leads to leaking, and not using multiple wrenches to properly tighten fittings is another issue that causes leaks. Do not over torque them. (This is a big problem that people encounter). Resist "aping" fittings that have been in service. You will create more problems than you solve. (a whole lotta years wrenching fuel, pneumatic, hydraulic and gaseous lines for the US of Air Force, and other planes, trains and automobiles...)
Heat expands things. Sometimes leaks stop as parts heat up. Having said that, I'd figure out exactly where it was leaking from and fix it. Fuel leaks are very serious and can be catastrophic.
Pump was new 7 years and 3000 miles ago. Now that the car is home, and not in the dark storage facility, I'll be able to give it a better look. Maybe a bad connection on the return hose. I'm thinking "new pump" except that the line to the carb is fussy at the filter. And... That line is a PITA to replace. At least it's summer and there are nice weekends coming up.
That's what I hate about the stock fuel line. It's pretty easy to convert the line over to braided line with AN fittings between the pump and carburetor if originality isn't important.
Finally got underneath it to look. Coloring says it may have been coming from the return line at the barb on the pump. I replaced the 45yo spring clamp with a standard hose clamp. Needless to say, I'll be keeping an eye on it.
The clamp may be fine. I’ve seen nearly new fuel line go soft and granular as it dissolves from the inside due to ethanol. Patrick
And.... After sitting for a couple of months this fall, the fuel pump is just gushing gasoline. I couldn't make out if it was the seam or, maybe, a vent on the top. Now I need to swap the pump at the storage garage. Searching around on fuel pumps, I see another poster had the "self healing" phenomenon. Here's my advice: Don't count your odd good luck. Replace the pump if it's leaking.
This happened once for my Pontiac 389, gas dripping from pump on first start after winter storage. Switched the engine off and inspected closer but did not see where it was coming from. Started the engine again and the leak was gone. Now 25 years later I still have the same pump.
I will call you "The luck guy" while I am "The guy who swapped pumps." Then it ran great without a drip for one last drive before winter really sets in.
