MTFCA Forum

I am confused about how to position the sediment bulb outlet on the round tank. From a drawing I have seen it says it should be at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tank. Someone in an earlier posting said if it is turned slightly to the right roughly aimed at the wood block location it would require less bending, is that A good idea?

The sediment bulb needs to be tight, so you have to install it and work within that range as long as it points more or less in the right direction. Depending on how worn the thread is, sets where the outlet points otherwise it will be a leaker. What wood block are you talking about, the pan ear block?

I wonder if the Ford factory had a good reason for doing it the way they did.

Yes, Steve...They did.

I have a 1919 Touring and just installed a new sediment bulb. I never saw a Ford print about the direction the outlet should be but it seemed like it would be straight out. Or in other words the centerline of the car.
I guess Ford was thinking the centerline since the engine sits directly in front of tank. Just some random thoughts

If a new sediment bulb , the newer pipe threads don’t always align when tightened up , don’t over torque , use sealer and set the bowl so the outlet heads in the direction of the carb if you can!

So was there actually a directive from Ford when installing the sediment bulb on a new T? Can’t recall if this is has ever come up.
The tank on my 21 is an original tank. So the threads may have been broken in over the years. It wasn’t original to the car but I bought it at Chickasha getting parts together when I built the car.
The new Sediment bulb tightens up just right. Maybe a new tank would be a little tighter.

All you need to do is look in the Ford Service book. It's there. There is a diagram that has been posted many times of the routing of the gas line. It is pictured in the Ford Service Bulletins.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and comments. I did look in the service manual before posting but didn't see it. After Mr. Smith's assurance that it was in there, I went back to look and did find it. I also realize the tank outlet is not in the center but offset to the right about 2.5", this will leave it more or less leave it pointed in the direction of the carb when the sediment bulb is in installed straight ahead.

Here is the Ford service bulletin I have that shows the “correct method “ to install the gas line and the 90 degree angle to set the sediment bowl. It’s shown in the top portion of the bulletin. I don’t believe it really makes a lot of difference as far as the sediment bowl outlet goes whatever works is fine in my mind.
T owners over time just got it pretty close but that’s my opinion!
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Having the fuel line perfectly aligned in the right direction would require the thread in the brass casting in the bottom of the tank starting in a particular position. Then that starting position would need to be oriented in a particular position before the casting was soldered to the tank. Likewise, the thread on the outlet tap would need the same consideration. Is there anyone out there who believes this was done?

In the hurly burly of the production line it is more likely that the fuel lines were custom fitted to the position of the tap, and bent to suit that particular alignment, with perhaps reference points for critical clearances, especially around the exhaust pipe. These reference points would have been more critical on RHD cars, having to avoid the foot switch for the starter too.

Today, when mounting used outlet taps to used fuel tanks, we could end up with any alignment. Sealant is a good idea, but it should not be used to hold the components in alignment. I have resorted to tinning the thread on a brass outlet to get the tap aligned in an acceptable direction.

Allan from down under.

Given the photo of connecting the fuel line to its next clamp to avoid a hot exhaust pipe - I think the colors speak for themselves