Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: Tom Klemme #24654 on September 04, 2014, 08:31:40 AM

Title: 57 Cadillac fuel line bubbles
Post by: Tom Klemme #24654 on September 04, 2014, 08:31:40 AM
Most of the time my fuel line sight glass has bubbles in it [like a newly poured Pepsi!] when the car is running.   It is intermittent, and my mechanic suggested it occurs only when the fuel pump is active.  He's an expert on high end classic mechanical restorations and loves and knows old Cadillacs. The engine runs well despite the bubbles, although subject to vapor lock in warm weather. We don't think the bubbles should be there, but remain stumped as the the cause. Any one had and solved this problem?? Thanks. Bubbles don't show well in the photos.
Title: Re: 57 Cadillac fuel line bubbles
Post by: Dave Shepherd on September 04, 2014, 08:45:29 AM
One possibility is is slight air leak somewhere in the fuel lines or connections.
Title: Re: 57 Cadillac fuel line bubbles
Post by: Walter Youshock on September 04, 2014, 09:34:39 AM
I had the same problem.   The metal filter housing was slightly warped and the glass bowl didn't sit flat on the gasket.   With the filter gasket removed,  put the glass bowl on and see if you can rock it back and forth.  If so, it's not far against the metal.  You can gently bend the filter housing.  And there should also be a gasket on the inside of the housing where the filter sits.  The replacement doesn't usually include that gasket.
Title: Re: 57 Cadillac fuel line bubbles
Post by: Tom Klemme #24654 on September 04, 2014, 10:35:06 AM
Thank you both, Dave and Walter, for your replies. Walter, I'll try your suggestion  It sounds very logical. And, I''l let you both know the outcome.
Title: Re: 57 Cadillac fuel line bubbles
Post by: Caddy Wizard on September 04, 2014, 11:54:04 AM
Does it do this when the engine is totally cool?  Or only once the engine is warmed up fully?  If only when the engine is hot, see my post at the related forum question: http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=132328.0

If it does it all the time, even when the engine is cool, it sounds more like it is drawing in air and you have a leak somewhere on the inlet side of the pump.  Could be as simple as the screws are loose that hold down the upper housing of the pump or a leaky diaphragm or a leak at the inlet side of the fuel pump (where the line comes into the pump).  If it is this latter, you probably won't see a fuel leak, as the pump is creating low pressure on the inlet side and drawing fuel (and perhaps air) into the pump.  So on the inlet side, you could have a slight air leak and no visible fuel leak.