Logans Intake Project, 1964 Fleetwood, Progress Report #3

[Logan Robb]

Not much of an Update and Questions:

 

I was inspecting the top end and had removed the air cleaner in preparation to replace the intake. It was dirty so decided it needed a wipe down. My goof was using some brake cleaner to remove the oily residue. This proceeded to bubble the paint on the air cleaner. I'll be getting it blasted and repainting it soon before a show on Friday. Not on my list of things to do, but sometimes, that’s how these projects go...

 

Questions:

 

1: What filter element goes inside the air cleaner for California cars? Im not talking about the large one that everyone uses, I mean the small one for the PCV tube that enters the Driver Side valve cover. On California cars, there is a small plastic tray that holds an element to screen excess oil I imagine. Mine appears to have been replaced with a torn piece of foam. Not correct I am sure. What is the correct element here?

 

2: What paint color should the PCV tube from valve cover to air cleaner be? Mine is currently black, but I can see what looks like original BLUE paint under the black. My gut says continue with black, but blue may look good as well.

3: I am going to add the original glass fuel bowl back to my car since I'll be in the area removing the intake. Previous owner has removed and added an electric fuel pump. Right now, the electric pump runs all the time but as far as I can tell, there is no return line from the carb but I know I have a return line to the fuel tank from factory as my car has AC. So, when I hook the original fuel bowl for AC cars back up, will the return line from the fuel bowl carry fuel? It will be a continuous loop then? Or is it really only for vapors? I just want to make sure I have all the correct lines plumbed in before I start the car up.

 

4: Should I consider adding an insulator under my new 1406 carb between it and the intake? There does not seem to be one there now with my original Carter AFB, but wondering if I should consider adding one now. If so, what size? 1/2"?

 

Thanks all!

[Jason Edge]

I have seen #1 on a couple of parts cars way back but don't remember the filter. Might can find in  the MPB ... or you might just have to find one a bit bigger and cut down to size.

#2: Cadillac Blue ---> and of course I have several painted  and ready to sell! :-)

#3. It is vapor return. Not really a loop to return gas.   The AC cars had this return vapor line (smaller than the gas feed line and another clue it was not meant for gas travel), while non-AC cars do not have this vapor return line. I vaguely remember the shop manual getting into this.

#4: I used a I used a Trans-Dapt TRD-2446. Looking back at my notes it is a 3/8" spacer. I think a spacer should be their for at least a couple of reasons: reduce heat further from carb and air/fuel mixes better raised a bit above the intake and engine. This is why old hot riders would use those high rise intakes ... not only looked cool but helped the a/f mixture.  You can google carb height and intake height for some history. I did Google that adaptor I used and see it either discontinued on some sites or super expensive on others and might suggest just looking for 3/8" to 1/2" spacers. Maybe Edelbrock as some recommended spacers.

[Jason Edge]

I looked at MPB for #1 and it lists a Strainer KIt in Parts Group 3.417 with Part Number 642 0776.
See screen shot bottom. Looks like the strainer was a AC type FB-44, which will probably be extremely hard to find and even if you did find one NOS it would probably be dry rotted.

For the Jan '64 Serviceman Bulletin on this setup, click this link: 
Jan 1964 Serviceman Bulletin on CA closed Car Ventilation

[Logan Robb]

Jason, as always, thanks for the information!

#1: See below, I think I maybe found a modern element replacement. Will see if it fits in the strainer basket!

#2: Got mine painted up last night! Excited to see the new air cleaner and pipe all fitted back together again! I even ordered a new air cleaner sticker. As I was sandblasting my air cleaner, I found the original stenciling under the paint. Ill post a photo here soon. I didnt have the heart to totally blast it away, but I did repaint over it. Ill let the next guy find it again in 60 years!

#3 Being that I have the electric fuel pump that runs continuously, is there anything preventing actual fuel from returning in the vapor line? I know its not meant for that, but what stops it from doing so?

#4 I will certainly look into this and include it in my next update. 

Thanks again!

[Russ Austin]

Try this one.  Nos AC FB59 Air Cleaner Breather Embossed Original 6484966 | eBay

[Logan Robb]

Wow, I hadnt had a chance to check eBay. I am stunned by the amount of options that look identical. They are relatively cheap, I may order a couple to see what actually works best. 

I still have the strainer basket in my car and it works just fine-but I need a new filter element. 

I found and ordered this and will just use the element out of it! Hoping it works. 

This has been a fun little side quest and should make a dedicated post about it. 

MicroGard Crankcase Breather Element 42991 | O'Reilly Auto Parts