Vacuum Lines - first post on my old black K5

[MJDore]

Gents, I’m trying to sort a few things out and could use some help/opinions. I’m a pretty novice mechanic but I’m a quick study and I want to learn as I go along this restoration. I just added details on my truck and the build to the builds forum.

First thing I need help on is proper setup for vacuum lines. I noticed the ole girl was marking her territory a bit after my last few drives. I’ve figured out where the leak is coming from as you can see from the pic I posted. This tube leads to nowhere. I’ve done some research on vacuum lines and the proper routing of them but nothing specific to this Edelbrock carb. Also, it appears my Pops removed the vapor canister, probably when he rebuilt the motor about 20 years or so ago. So, trying to understand what I can do/what the proper setup should be. I’ve included some pics that show the lines running to/from the carb. My first concern is stopping the leak but I’d also like to add back the vapor canister. She has a pretty strong fume smell. The carb could be too rich but I can’t help but think it’s related to these lines and the lack of a canister, too.

I also noticed there is a connection on the under side of the breather that isn’t connected to anything. This is pictured, too. Any help/advice appreciated.

 

[Wes Harden]

Ok 1st that upper radiator hose is NFG you need to replace that asap. the hose on the pcv valve goes to the front of the carb, and is normally installed in the driver side valve cover. the Passenger side valve cover gets the breather hose from the air cleaner port in last pic.
The valve with unconnected hose scavenges blow by (unburnt fuel that gets past rings) from crank case, you need filtered air in the engine to prevent a vacuum and oil consumption.

 

[Wes Harden]

here is a photo of the pcv valve, hose and connection. you can use a push in filter on the breather side, if you do you will need to cap the port on the air cleaner, to stop unfiltered air getting in your engine.

 

[Fastereddie]

Haha, I thought the same thing about that upper radiator hose as soon as i saw it. There is a spot on the back of the carb you can put a barb fitting in for your brake booster vacuum. And then what wes said.

 

[MJDore]

greatly appreciated, fellas. I will have some time this weekend to sort it out and will follow suggestions here. I have to admit, though, that i was looking up an “NFG” hose type before I realized what the acronym stood for.

 

[6872xtc]

The plastic fitting on the bottom of the air cleaner is supposed to provide the filtered air for the PCV system on the crankcase. So one valve cover would have the PCV valve in it and the other would have a fitting to connect to the air cleaner. But it doesn't look like your valve covers have that setup as well as an oil fill cap. I only see the one port and the oil fill cap, which is why you will probably want to get a breather style filler cap, as Wes was saying.

 

[jaros44sr]

all sage advice so far, with the exception of worm drive clamps on the fuel filter, they are made of plastic on the barb fitting, and can overpower the inlet, causing it to limit fuel flow. I prefer spring clamps, because they will maintain even pressure as the hose becomes old and brittle, I think they are called cardone clamps a NAPA, in various sizes. Just use a pair of pliers to open the clamp and install and forget