Fuel Line Idea

[Car'n'Guitars]

Okay my question is this, is there a way to run a flexible line from the fuel pump to carb by using two end fittings with a clip on each end and a flexible line in between the two fittings? As in taking a steel fuel line, cutting off the ends bolting each into the fuel pump and carb, then taking rubber or braided line with a clamp or a clip to tighten it to the ends of each steel fuel line? Thanks for any input you can give.

[86c20]

you can do that with no problems at all. i have that on my 454 for years with no problems at all. do it just like you said.

[Car'n'Guitars]

Cool, and there is no problem with engine heat? And do you have any pictures for reference? Also what kind os line are you running on it? Thanks.

[Car'n'Guitars]

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=839122_0_0_

Would this work for the "in between fuel line" with clamps?

[donut]

Have you thought this through? Why are you changing?
Engine heat is minor, after all plug wires take quite a while to deteriorate, until they happen to lay against your exhaust.
PO replaced 1/2 of the hard line with rubber fuel line, ran that way for years. Next on my list to change. Their fuel line is showing cracks, one little leak and I may never see the rest of the rubber hose.
Rubber and nylon don't have very good abrasion resistance.
I don't imagine GM used steel lines because they had it laying around.

You can use whatever you want, just trying to keep you from becoming the P.O. everybody talks about.

[motornut]

dosn't sound like a good idea
hope you find a better fix
consider using FI clamps too they don't chew up the rubber

[Car'n'Guitars]

I will be doing it on a project truck so it can be moved around the yard and that type of stuff.

[Firebirdjones]

There is a good reason sanctioned bodies like the NHRA don't allow things like more than 12" of rubber fuel line (total) throughout the whole system. It's just not a good idea.

Rubber lines originally were only meant for areas where movement would occur. Aka: body to frame, frame to engine, etc....

You should really only do one of two things. If you want flexible line, then I would suggest some form of quality braided line from places like Russel, and use AN fittings for a tight leak proof seal. Different grades are made for different uses, pick what fits your application. Some of the better stuff can be as much as $10 a foot. If you have a local speed shop (we used to) they usually had rolls of it, you could measure and cut your length, much like a hardware store. It was cheaper than buying it in 10 or 25' lengths as it's sold by your mail order stores.

If you don't want to go that route, then the cheapest and most effective way to go would be to buy long sections of steel tubing, invest in a tube bender and a good double flare tool, and practice bending and flaring. This is the method I prefer most of the time, looks factory, doesn't leak, and lasts for the life of the vehicle.

An easier metal line to deal with is aluminum but it has some drawbacks. For one it's easily corrosive, and with todays ethanol enhanced fuels, the life expectancy is shortened. If you use an electric fuel pump,,,aluminum line is noisy as it will transmit the fuel pump noise throughout the vehicle. Gets very annoying on a daily driver.

Either way, I don't recommend much rubber line except where absolutely necessary, and even then I use the more expensive fuel injection hose with higher burst pressures. It's more expensive, and overkill for a carbed application, but it super durable and gives me piece of mind.

As far as heat, keep your fuel lines from touching "anything" at all. When I bend lines I prefer to keep at least a fingers thickness away from anything, more if possible. Heat is the enemy, and again, with todays ethanol mixed fuels, they are much more susceptable to vapor lock issues, heat soak, hard hot start issues etc....hope this helps.

[Car'n'Guitars]

I tried the steel line with a tubing bender, will not work on the lower end of the line it can't get the right angles for it.

[Firebirdjones]

There are different types of tube benders (I have 3 here) and they all have their purpose it seems. With the right tools you should be able to make those steel lines go anywhere you want

[Car'n'Guitars]

To bend it right I have to bend it at a sharp 90 degree angle and even with the right bender I have not met any steel lines that could do that without being ruined.

[walkerscott]

years ago i put an LS6 into on 66 impala and i wanted a lerger fuel line from the pump i too was unable to bend such a sharp 90... i found a 90degree brass fitting made for the flared fitting in th pump

bamm problem solved it was then a striaght shot

with steel

rubber is unsafe especially with todays ethanol in the fuel it eats rubber

[motornut]

Some benders you move the "pressure point" of the line "back and forth" threw the bender
so you bend a little,move a little ,bend a little ,move a little....
not a one move/bend process
and don't forget to space out,a fitting and the flare tool ,when cutting length
and fitting on before flareing....

when doing small lines I get two flare tips per size used,
the skinny tips snap easy

[xrcr]

You can fill the line with water and put in the freezer.Once frozen this will allow you to get tight bends without kinking or flattening

[motornut]

Originally Posted by xrcr

You can fill the line with water and put in the freezer.Once frozen this will allow you to get tight bends without kinking or flattening

really? this i'm gona try ,never heard of it ,that is cool lol

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by Car'n'Guitars

To bend it right I have to bend it at a sharp 90 degree angle and even with the right bender I have not met any steel lines that could do that without being ruined.

I've made more than 90's with my tube benders and never had an issue.

[Car'n'Guitars]

Okay I'm going to advance auto today I will check out my options, and no bender will work on this angle, with it you can't bend and move. Thanks.

[75chev4x4]

Hey if u just want the bent steel line from the pump to the carb u can get it at summit racing. I just bought one it was like 15-20 dollars might be easier and cheaper then bending it yourself?

[Car'n'Guitars]

Easier yes, cheaper no.

[SiCk_DiAbLo]

With my bender, I can make a complete circle...Now get a bending!!!

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by SiCk_DiAbLo

With my bender, I can make a complete circle...Now get a bending!!!