I'm preparing to replace my Syncro's fuel sender
(doesn't work and it leaks). I sprayed the rusted nuts
Sunday. When the rain stops tomorrow I'd like to get
the charcoal filter out of the way completely. Can I
disconnect the hoses attached to it? The Bentley
manual identifies one of them as  "to distributor
vacuum advance unit". Is there a vacuum that can't be
compromised? Can I just clamp the hoses and then
disconnect?

Also the nut in the six o'clock position is pretty
well hidden by the frame. Is this normal or have the
tank straps rusted so that the tank dropped and is now
resting on top of the transmission?

Newbie in New Jersey

PS I greatly appreciate all the knowledge and wisdom
passed along on the list. I hope to be roadworthy soon
and be able to attend events.

____________________________________________________________________________________
Choose the right car based on your needs.  Check out Yahoo! Autos new Car Finder tool.
http://autos.yahoo.com/carfinder/