Fuel Line Help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Fuel Line Help
'72 small block. This looks like Bubba. Here are two fuel lines going into the fuel pump. My assembly manual only shows one. The bigger problem is where the hard line is cut and then rubber is used to bridge the gap and connect to the pump. Bad, bad, bad! Without completely re-running the line from the tank, it seems that replacing the rubber with braided lines might be the best fix. But, what's the best way to make the connection from braided to the hard line? I'm also open to any other suggestions that would be better. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
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From: Space Coast Gator Territory
Those are not the original hose clamps, but that is the way GM ran Corvette fuel lines for many years. Remember, the engine moves on the mounts, so hard lines between the frame and pump would eventually result in fatigue cracks. Hard line from the pump to the carb is another story.
Last edited by Red 69; May 28, 2007 at 11:49 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Those are not the original hose clamps, but that is the way GM ran Corvette fuel lines for many years. Remember, the engine moves on the mounts, so hard lines between the frame and pump would eventually result in fatigue cracks. Hard line from the pump to the carb is another story.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: San Diego CA
What carb are you running? For the pump to carb, if it's a q-jet, just buy the solid line. I think midamerica sells em for pretty cheap.
Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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The original ones were spring clamps....
I'd run a solid line from the pump to carb too.......
I'd run a solid line from the pump to carb too.......
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
It's the Q-Jet. I bought a solid line from Eckler's which came nowhere near the correct shape or length! Since I didn't open the package for a couple of months, when I tried to return it Eckler's gave me the big SOL. Do you think Mid-America's is better?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
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From: San Diego CA
Mid-america is where I ordered mine. Fit exactly like it was supposed to.
http://www.madvet.com/shop?part=4.139.3498.606804
There's the linkage. Unless your fuel pump isn't a stock type it should fit fine.
http://www.madvet.com/shop?part=4.139.3498.606804
There's the linkage. Unless your fuel pump isn't a stock type it should fit fine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
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That's the way it was done back then. If the original formed "bulbs" are still present on the ends of the tubing there's nothing wrong with the way it is, just change the rubber hose with some good fuel injection hose.
If you want braided hose you can cut the ends of the tubing and install an AN nut and sleeve, then flare them for AN fittings for a complete connection.
The smaller line is a return line.
If you want braided hose you can cut the ends of the tubing and install an AN nut and sleeve, then flare them for AN fittings for a complete connection.
The smaller line is a return line.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
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From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Duke94 has the right idea about the rubber lines connecting the steel lines from the tank to the pump. I recently got the molded supply hose which is in the shape of an S from Corvette Central. I didn't see a molded return line in their catalogue. Anyway, the molded hose eliminates the kink in the hose near the pump.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg Va
You also have 2 rubber lines that come off the stainless line to the tank as well. The 3/8 hose is the fuel feed to the engine and the 1/4 fuel line is the fuel return.
Be nice to the Metal fuel line. They cannot be replaced with the body on the chassis.
Rd
Be nice to the Metal fuel line. They cannot be replaced with the body on the chassis.
Rd
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You want the line from the pump to the carb to be steel or [stainless]. Having a pressurized fuel line break in your engine compartment is not a good thing! 
If one of the flex lines on the pump breaks, it will not be under pressure and it will not get to the headers, etc. to catch fire. Metal braided line on the inlet side of the pump would be an improvement.
If one of the flex lines on the pump breaks, it will not be under pressure and it will not get to the headers, etc. to catch fire. Metal braided line on the inlet side of the pump would be an improvement.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
Stainless pump to carb fit like a glove. It even came spiral wrapped with stainless wire from the pump midway up the block.www.finelinesinc.com
Last edited by Artsvette73; May 28, 2007 at 10:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
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From: Boulder CO
Stainless pump to carb fit like a glove. It even came spiral wrapped with stainless wire from the pump midway up the block.www.finelines.com
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
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From: Piscataway NJ