Com' On PO - Dangerous Fuel Lines

[C10agent]

The PO decided to run the rubber fuel line from the carb to passengers side of the motor, run it back behind the motor, to the frame rail and then to the fuel pump. The lines were SUPER cracked (see pics) and very dangerous so I reran the lines. I angled the fuel pump connection up and ran the fuel line infront of the motor.

QUESION: Is the way I ran it a bad idea? I want to make sure the heat of the motor isn't going to hurt the fuel lines. What do you guys think??

[kowboy63]

I would have ran a metal line myself. Not sure how safe the rubber line is.

[IIGW]

the rubber lines are fine, not perfect but fine.

thousands of street rods drive everydya like ho you have it.

but in the end id be happier with gettin a tube bender and running some nice steel lines, but that's just me.

[jocko]

take the time to run metal, it's simply safer. If you must use rubber, I would not allow the line or filter to rest on the water pump (or anything that will get hot).

[68C15]

that method would get you kicked out of NSRA or just about any other sanctioned car show or event. I believe the rule is no more than 6" of flexible fuel line per vehicle.

[cdowns]

the rubber lines are just fine until they cause your truck to burn to the ground

[C10agent]

Point taken guys, I will work on getting metal lines going. I was hesitant since I haven't done that before. Thank God it didn't already have issues, I bet I pulled 4 feet of hose and a plastic filter. Thanks for the comments everyone.

[BKSS67]

I don't think it's a good idea to run the lines right next to the alternator and wiring

[68C15]

Originally Posted by BKSS67

I don't think it's a good idea to run the lines right next to the alternator and wiring

It is if you are prepared and have the stuff to make s'mores.

[dfrank]

I would have used an fittings and line. Best lines for fuel pump to carburetor imo.

[davepl]

If you have more than about 6 inches of rubber fuel in line in the ENTIRE truck you are asking for trouble. There are only two pieces needed: a short flex segment where it goes from cab to frame and a second one where it goes frame to pump. That much rubber may not even be legal for all I know, but would never pass a safety inspection. And it wouldn't be allowed near an NHRA track (not that you likely care about that). So now that everyone has told you steel lines:

You can buy pre-bent lines for most of it. I enjoy making my own lines, and if you stick to the copper-lines mild steel stuff it's even fun and can be done with a hand-tool.

Stainless is WAY harder, don't try it your first time.

[IIGW]

Originally Posted by davepl

If you have more than about 6 inches of rubber fuel in line in the ENTIRE truck you are asking for trouble. .

I don’t agree with that one bit. Almost all new vehicles use all plastic lines. Rubber is fine if routed correctly.

I have high pressure rubber FI line from my tank to motor, probably 18 feet of it. And i have zero worries or concerns

[68C15]

Originally Posted by IIGW

I don’t agree with that one bit. Almost all new vehicles use all plastic lines. Rubber is fine if routed correctly.

I have high pressure rubber FI line from my tank to motor, probably 18 feet of it. And i have zero worries or concerns

plastic-rubber. Apples-oranges
not only is it a fire hazard for your truck, I'd hate to have my vehicle next to yours if it lights up. Park it in your attached garage and you loose your house as well.

Fire=BAD. Do everything to avoid it

[brown7373]

If rubber is just as good as, and just as safe as, then GM would have used rubber the whole way on every vehicle. Times millions and millions of vehicles, it would have resulted in enormous cost savings and additional profit. But they didn't.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by brown7373

If rubber is just as good as, and just as safe as, then GM would have used rubber the whole way on every vehicle. Times millions and millions of vehicles, it would have resulted in enormous cost savings and additional profit. But they didn't.

Look under a new GM vehicle.... Not much steel used in the lines (as other's have also pointed out). They use a lot of hard plastic lines.

[BlackedOut67shorty]

There is a very big difference in the quality of high pressure rubber hose and the crap they sell on the spools in advance auto zone....

[tcrist]

My question is what kind of Carb has the fuel inlet on the drivers side? Guess that I may be out of touch.

I would at the least get an OEM type metal fuel line from the pump to the carb.

To each their own. Metal fuel line is best but rubber "FUEL" line has been used for years.

[J kippin]

Nice looking engine compartment. It also looks like you did try and run the rubber lines neatly kudos for that.
As others here have already stated metal lines are the way it should be done. I don't think the premade lines will work in your case, I noticed the low mounted alternator along with the Holley carb. and the aftermarket fuel pump.
Using the Holley will require a special fitting a special Banjo style fitting. a short rubber ( 2.0") run to your filter another short rubber (2.0") to the metal line to your fuel pump.
Yes sanctioned events don't recommend flexible fuel line unless it is braided line. I used to run a Camaro that was run with 1/2 aluminum line. That was a Bit%% to work with it just wanted to kink.
Good luck with it keep us posted and how about some more photos of it.

[Bigdav160]

Originally Posted by BKSS67

I don't think it's a good idea to run the lines right next to the alternator and wiring

There is a steady stream of ozone coming off the back of that alternator that will eat the rubber up. I agree.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by BlackedOut67shorty

There is a very big difference in the quality of high pressure rubber hose and the crap they sell on the spools in advance auto zone....

Yes, there is! US Coastguard safety standards require the use of a Coast Guard certified rubber hose between the mechanical fuel pump and carburetor on carbuerator equipped engines due to metal fatigue and stress fractures in metal lines made from various Aluminum alloys, Mild Steel and Stainless steel. That hose must meet SAE standard J1527. In that application it is impervious to ozone, alcohol, gasoline, diesel fuel, diesel fuel additives and hydraulic fluid (brake fluid). Properly attached so it does not come in contact with rotating parts of the motor or motor accessory drive, or the hot exhaust manifold this tubing is as safe or safer than metallic tubing.

[zeldman]

Put your fuel filter before your fuel pump, not after. It may be a pain to get under the truck to change it, but if you ever get trash in the gas, your fuel pump will thank you.

[davepl]

Originally Posted by IIGW

I don’t agree with that one bit. Almost all new vehicles use all plastic lines. Rubber is fine if routed correctly.

I have high pressure rubber FI line from my tank to motor, probably 18 feet of it. And i have zero worries or concerns

New vehicles don't use rubber hose. They use teflon lined tubing that has a return ground wire because as the fuel travels through non-metallic hose it pulls electrons off the walls building a significant negative charge. It's not just high pressure fuel line hose from Pep Boys.

NHRA doesn't allow more than 6 inches total on the car, I believe.

Plus rubber fails at a much higher rate than steel. It's probably even more than 100 to one. The more you have of it the more risk you take.

What about road debris? Have we not all hear the "thunk" when something gets kicked up into the undercarriage? You'll dent a steel line, puncture a soft line.

[dirtyjim]

Originally Posted by zeldman

Put your fuel filter before your fuel pump, not after. It may be a pain to get under the truck to change it, but if you ever get trash in the gas, your fuel pump will thank you.

you still need one after the pump, and the one before the pump should be a 100 micron screen type filter not your standard 40 micron or smaller filter

[davepl]

Originally Posted by dirtyjim

you still need one after the pump, and the one before the pump should be a 100 micron screen type filter not your standard 40 micron or smaller filter

On my Aeromotive A1000 I run a 100 micron before and a 10 micron after. That was their recommendation anyway.

[C10agent]

WOW!! You guys know your stuff and thanks for the feedback. So when I decide to remove the rubber line can I put on a braided one instead of doing the metal? Also, is there a problem on where the fuel line connects to the carb, should it be on the passenger side?