69 Cutlass Gas Tank Question

[OLD SKL 69]

HI everyone. I am finally getting around to restoring a 69 Cutlass(350) and I have a question about the gas tank and lines. I purchased a new stainless gas line for the car. When I got underneath the car to change it, I found an additional line coming out of the gas tank that was cut. Does anyone know what this is for? Is it a return line that is supposed to go back to the fuel pump? Am I missing something else? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[OLD SKL 69]

Okay, I did figure out that it is supposed to be a vapor return line, but I do not know if my car was supposed to have it or not. Does anyone know if a 350 equipped 4 barrel carb car came with a return line? Also, if not, what should I put on the end of the open line hanging off of the gas tank? I have not tried to fill up the gas tank yet, but I would assume it would leak out whenever I came to a stop if it was full or close to full.

[OLD SKL 69]

I am correcting myself here as I have two extra lines coming out of the gas tank on the passenger side. I spoke with Brothers tech line and they told me they are supposed to vent into the trunk. The only problem is I do not have any holes in the trunk floor to put them through. Both lines have about 6 inches of rubber hose hanging off. I cannot believe that it came that way from the factory. What should I do with these hoses? I thought about plugging them but I have a non-vented gas cap. Any suggestions?

[Olds64]

I know in later cars the gas tank was vented into the charcoal canister. However, I don't think that was used until the mid 70s.

[OLD SKL 69]

I agree with you. My assembly manual does not show any charcoal cannister or what to do with these extra lines. I figured someone might have a 68-72 cutlass or know of one, and what their car looked like. For all I know, this tank could be from another car. I was thinking of capping one of them, and putting some kind of a filter on the other. All I know is, these lines are pretty close to the exhaust system and I can't imagine it left the factory this way.

[2blu442]

There should be a vent that is a plastic piece with a chunk of foam or cotton like filter in it. It's maybe three inches long by one inch wide and half an inch thick. This is attached to the underside of the floorpan in the depression for the rear end on the passenger side. It would have two hoses running to it, one maybe 3/8" the other closer to 1/4". You should see a strap of metal much like the ones that hold the tail light wiring harness to the floorboard under the seats. This is folded over the "vent". If you have a Chassis Service Manual you might be able to find a photo or diagram, if not I can try to get some photos of it. I've found this setup on both 1969 and 1970 Cutlass/442's. John

[2blu442]

Hey OLD SKL 69
I just looked through my 1969 Chassis Service Manual and they have a drawing of the vent on page 8-2 What I'm calling a vent they call a surge tank, even though its tiny. If you don't have a Chassis Service Manual I could scan this page and post it for you. Let me know if that would help. John

[OLD SKL 69]

That would be great! I do not have an Olds 69 Service Manual so that would be very helpful. Guess I need to get one.

Like I said, both lines are just hanging there. I do not see any brackets, screw holes, etc. Of course, if I need this surge tank, I am sure it will be fun to track down. Thanks for the help.

[2blu442]

I was out pulling parts off a Toronado today and spotted a gas tank I removed from a 1969 Cutlass. Attached is a photo of the piece. If you want it send me your address in a pm. How about $7.50, that should cover postage and a burger for lunch. The post office is just down the street from Burger King John