Molded fuel line
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: east hampton ct
Molded fuel line
I replaced the molded fuel line at the fuel pump on my 75 about three years ago. I noticed this weekend that the line has become very soft and spongy like its under a chemical attack. Two years ago CT made the switch to alcohol fuels and I'm wondering if its the cause of the deterioration. Does anyone know if the molded lines are rated for alcohol fuels. Is there an alternative to the use of the molded lines.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: east hampton ct
The molded line is preformed into a flattened S shape and goes from the fuel pump to the frame mounted hard line. At one time I tried fitting a piece of stright rubber fuel line but it would kink and restrict fuel flow. This is a link to the part.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1282
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1282
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,696
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Originally Posted by NHvette
Sounds like it had oil or tranny fluid soaking in.
I think alcohol would tend to dry it out.
I think alcohol would tend to dry it out.
Besides appearing spongy, has nay cracks appeared in the hose? Abrasions? Leaks?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: east hampton ct
The line has no cracks, leaks or abrasions at all. The car is a standard so there's no tranny fluid involved and the engine compartment is wiped down every couple of weeks so it does not appear to be an external contamination problem. I am certainly going to change the line but I don't want to replace it with another line that will fail that quickly.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
OK, I think your correct about the chemical attack on the hose. I don't know about the molded hose your useing being alchohol compatible or not. I would think that if it is a fuel rated hose it would be though. Yes you can replace it with a braided line. I would change it out pretty quick, if its getting spongy it is close to failing. Either a nylon line or braided should do you ok.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 1
From: End of the Ike IL
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
I've been reading about fuel hoses since I want to replace mine soon. From what I've read, I will make sure that the hoses are rated at SAE J30R7, or better yet SAE J30R9, for more resistance to ethanol breakdown.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Originally Posted by CA-Legal-Vette
I would think that a line that is gas compatible would also tolerate oil.
For my frame to pump lines, I went with straight fuel injection hose.
It is stiffer and doesn't kink as easily, but you need enough length
and situate the hose so it doesn't kink .... but can be done.
The FI hose should hold up better to whatever is attacking yours.
