rotten fuel hose rant
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 4
From: Celeste Texas
rotten fuel hose rant
I'm doing a complete nut and bolt rebuild on a 72. It's been about a 5 year project so far and I'm edging up on driveability. I've replaced, replated, repainted, restored just about everything on the car. Now I'm replacing NEW parts. Tried starting and had a huge fuel leak from the front end. Got underneath and those brand spanking new when I put them on fuel "S" hoses from the frame to the pump are rotten and cracked. GRRLAKEGRKJADFSVBA;KJSFDGUPAJNVNKL!!!!!! ! Off to Oreilly today for some new Gates fuel hose.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Bill,
Mine cracked too!!!
I'll bet we'd be told that when the hose is heated to form it into the 'S' the heat changes the "molecular structure" of the rubber and there's nothing to be done about it.
I think you'll find that the regular hose won't work because you'll have a fuel starvation problem….. the bend you have put in the straight hose closes down it's inside diameter.
They pretty much have us where they want us.
Regards,
Alan
Mine cracked too!!!
I'll bet we'd be told that when the hose is heated to form it into the 'S' the heat changes the "molecular structure" of the rubber and there's nothing to be done about it.
I think you'll find that the regular hose won't work because you'll have a fuel starvation problem….. the bend you have put in the straight hose closes down it's inside diameter.
They pretty much have us where they want us.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 4
From: Celeste Texas
I was going to try an extra long hose hoping that I could get a gentle curve without being in the way of everything else. If not then I'll call one of our trust worthy vendors and get some new "s" hoses.
Bill
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 14
From: Mobile Alabama
I have also seen the hoses degrade. I think it is a combination of the modern fuel with the cheap materials in the hose. I also try to use the best hose available.
Years ago, back when I had the SBC, I shortened the metal lines and that allowed me to re-route the supply and return lines so that I could use "regular" hose. I never had any problems. If I had to do it today, I would probably make up some new metal lines, as I hate to rely on such specialized parts for such a simple need.
Years ago, back when I had the SBC, I shortened the metal lines and that allowed me to re-route the supply and return lines so that I could use "regular" hose. I never had any problems. If I had to do it today, I would probably make up some new metal lines, as I hate to rely on such specialized parts for such a simple need.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
Mine have cracked as well. Only 2 years old. For a solution using quality fuel line try the Gates Unincoil. A member here used them recently and had success. It's lilkely how I'll fix mine.
http://www.gatesunitta.com/unicoil-hose-bending-system
http://www.gatesunitta.com/unicoil-hose-bending-system
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 14
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
Bill, just replaced my 3/8 inlet rubber hose from steel fuel line from tank to fuel pump. About 15 inches long. It was about 12.5" before and it was slightly kinking, which put a bind on the 90 degree elbow A/N connector at the fuel pump. Engine side to side torque slowly loosened the AN fitting. No rotting hose, but the Holley tech did re-iterate that all fuel line hose, especially steel braided are NOT made equal. They usually will leak sooner than later pending the quality.