There has always been a little bit of niggle with my car but never really an issue, but nice to sort out. The issue was that my car has always needed a few cranks to turn over before it fires up after standing for a while (weeks). I have spoken to the guys at Mustang Maniac who suggested a non return valve to stop the fuel draining away could be a quick fix. The long term would be a fuel pump and return line, a little bit of overkill what I was describing as an issue. They don’t actively sell the valves, but they gave me one of theirs that they sometimes fit for certain cars with my ‘issue’. This particular design is subtle and and not a big hulking beast in the middle of a fuel line which can look rather cumbersome and out of place. In fact the outside of the valve is just about the same size as the outside diameter of the fuel pipe. I now had a mini project to complete and was looking forward to this one, even though it was fuel related.
While I was at it fitting the valve I decided to clean out the inline fuel filter which was looking a bit grubby after sitting in the garage over the winter months. Where the hard line fuel pipe comes through the inner fender apron there is a rubber pipe that goes to the inlet of the mechanical fuel pump. My fuel filter sits on that line. Most filters are plastic, or more factory correct would be the large metal cylinder design. Mine is a glass (quite thick) and unscrews at each end to allow easy access for removing the filter itself.
I removed the jubilee clips at each end and removed the whole fuel line, to be safe I also capped of the hard fuel line as it comes through the inner apron (circled below right).
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/fuel-filter.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-1.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-2.jpg?ssl=1)
Important: When removing the fuel line, if you suspected that there is fuel in the pipe, be well prepared to catch it and temporarily block it off. You don’t want a gravity spewing the fuel all over the floor leaving you in a dangerous situation.
With the complete length removed, the old clips on the pipe and fuel filter were removed in order to start the cleaning and refit. The old pipe had lemon clips holding the filter in place and needed to be cut off. These clips would be replaced with new reusable low profile clips.
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-4.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-3.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-6.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-5.jpg?resize=850%2C424&ssl=1)
I had also gotten a new length of E10 fuel resistant hose, just for the sake of replacing it with a fresh piece of pipe. I only ever used E10 fuel once very early on in by restoration, and I won’t ever use it again. The reason was that the E10 fuel caused me issues, 1) the car ran like an asthmatic 7 cylinder with very rough running and idle, 2) it’s nasty and has a devastating toll for all the fuel components which the devils blood itself comes into contact with, nothing is spared; plastic, rubber or metal.
Fuel filters are of a single flow direction, make sure you get it right when fitting back to the car.
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-1.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-2.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-3.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-6.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-7.jpg?ssl=1)
With the filter in bits I cleaned the filter itself with 99% isopropanol alcohol. The filter wasn’t that dirty to be fair, but there was a fuel particles which were removed with a small soft nylon brush. Once the filter was cleaned it dried very quickly and was ready for reassembly and fitting.
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-8.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-12.jpg?ssl=1)
The glass case and end fittings were also cleaned with an isopropanol soaked non lint cloth. I also took the time to polish the metal end fittings as they clean up nicely. (Notice the big bold ‘IN’ and ‘OUT’ on each end.)
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-9.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-10.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fuel-filter-clean-11.jpg?ssl=1)
The total length of the original fuel line was measured, (the rubber either side of the filter, to the fuel pump and the apron). I made a the calculations to incorporate the non return valve, there now needed to be three lengths cut to the correct lengths instead of the two previous lengths. (Fuel pump to filter, filter to valve, valve to apron hard line.)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-7.jpg?resize=850%2C596&ssl=1)
The picture here below, shows the filter ‘IN’ (notice the ‘N’ is back to front), and the direction flow of the non-return valve. This flow direction is critical to get the fuel filtered correctly and allow the fuel to flow to the carb.
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-11.jpg?resize=850%2C638&ssl=1)
The hose fasteners are of a new design being trialled from Mustang Maniac which are simply clipped into place. The clips just slip over the pipe and are pinched closed over a raised retaining ridge in the centre. Once they have been pinched closed enough the clip will just click and lock into place. To remove the clips you can use an awl or small screw driver to lever the clip back up from under the larger of the two raised ridges. The fastener will then just spring open again allowing removal.
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/reusable-fuel-pipe-clips-1.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/reusable-fuel-pipe-clips-2.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/reusable-fuel-pipe-clips-3.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/reusable-fuel-pipe-clips-4.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/reusable-fuel-pipe-clips-5.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/reusable-fuel-pipe-clips-6.jpg?ssl=1)
You will need a very good pair of pliers to hold and grip the clip in order to close it enough without slipping. These fittings are a very, very tight fitting. They look the part, but I’m not sure I would use them again in a confined space. They are fine for connecting fittings like this fuel line when you have plenty of space to work and accessibility. Cut the lengths of hose allowing enough flexibility between each of the component parts.
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-10.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-9.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-8.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-12.jpg?ssl=1)
I started measuring from the fuel pump and worked backwards towards the apron. The non return valve should be placed before the fuel filter, this would keep a reservoir of fuel within the filter.
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-13.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-14.jpg?ssl=1)
The completed fuel line is completed. For each end of the new fuel line configuration I will used standard jubilee clips. This then allows for an easier fitting with a screw driver and easier access. More importantly it will allow me to loosen the the complete line without disturbing the clips. Once the line is loosened at each end I will be able to unscrew the filter and clean with the rest of the fuel line configuration in place.
![](https://i0.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-15.jpg?resize=850%2C505&ssl=1)
With the new fuel line configuration in place it looks neat and now serves a dual purpose for filtering and non return.
![](https://i2.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-17.jpg?ssl=1)
![](https://i1.wp.com/onemanandhismustang.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Non-return-fuel-valve-16.jpg?ssl=1)
The fuel flows and retains the fuel up to the carb allowing easier starting. The actual design of the non return valve is slightly irrelevant, but its functionality is the important thing. This slimline design is subtle and neat and doesn’t look to out of place for a stock looking engine bay. The whole thing took around an hour or so to complete. The hardest part was to cut the lemon clips off with damaging the fuel filter. The upgrade has been in place for a couple of months now and it has made a significant difference to the starting of the car in scenarios both cold and hot. This was well worth the effort in my opinion. However, with my naturally suspicious nature it determines that I always carry a spare length of new E10 fuel line just in case of emergencies, or maybe if the valve decides to play up. That way it’s a very simple quick and easy temporary fix for a replacement on the roadside if you need to, then sort it out properly when you get home.
I’m really pleased with the look of the part and the improved functionality that I now have.