Fuel line leak..replacement help
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Fuel line leak..replacement help
My fuel line just prior to the carb had a kink in it when I bought my car. After I replaced the fuel filter, the kink has now split and leaks badly. Where do I find a replacement fuel line?
Do I go to a junk yard, a NAPA store, a chevy/corvette dealer?
I assume having someone repair it is out of the question. I guess it is much better to have this happen in my garage instead of on the road somewhere.
Oh. It's a 72 with a stright 350 in it.
Do I go to a junk yard, a NAPA store, a chevy/corvette dealer?
I assume having someone repair it is out of the question. I guess it is much better to have this happen in my garage instead of on the road somewhere.
Oh. It's a 72 with a stright 350 in it.
Last edited by Roguester; Jun 9, 2011 at 10:18 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
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From: Japan
Not exactly sure what kind of carburetion your vette has...if it's a QJet you'll really want to purchase a steel line like the OEM setup, they're available from any number of parts houses. Ditto if it's a Holley, try and find a setup that's as close to factory (i.e., a prebent steel line running all the way from the pump to the carb) as possible. The only rubber lines in the system should be a short line from the tank to the frame and another short line from the frame to the pump. Any more than that is a fire hazard, and with the possible exception of Lotuses and Cobra kit cars nothing burns quite as fast as a Corvette. There are all kinds of hotrod solutions out there where people run a rubber hose right up to the carb but with the way that modern alcohol-laced gas rots these hoses the best thing to do is minimize their use. Your Vette will thank you by not catching fire!
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Thanks for the quick reply. It's a Qjet carb. I just went out to check it out. The carb and engine are original.
I appreciate your advice on the prebent steel and staying away from rubber hose. I have a repair manual and it says prebent metal only, but its a 1972 repro and that may be all they had at that time.
By part house do you mean NAPA, etc. or something else. Sorry for my ignorance.
Also, the fuel filter I put in the carb was a NAPA 3051. They said it was a replacement for the 3044 filter. It had a rubber spring loaded plug that appears to restrict gas flow to a degree. Do I take that plug out or leave it in?
Thanks again.
I appreciate your advice on the prebent steel and staying away from rubber hose. I have a repair manual and it says prebent metal only, but its a 1972 repro and that may be all they had at that time.
By part house do you mean NAPA, etc. or something else. Sorry for my ignorance.
Also, the fuel filter I put in the carb was a NAPA 3051. They said it was a replacement for the 3044 filter. It had a rubber spring loaded plug that appears to restrict gas flow to a degree. Do I take that plug out or leave it in?
Thanks again.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: C3 Forum, Colorado
It's a good thing and doesn't restrict fuel flow. At least not enough to tell on a mild street engine.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi R,
The fuel line you need is offered by several of the larger vendors shown on this site like Zip Products, Corvette Central, and Paragon Reproductions.
They are availble in both bundy steel, (like the original), and stainless steel. Stick with the bundy. it'll be easier to install, (not so stiff), and will out live both of us.
Be carefull you don't goof up the fittings on each end by using a regular wrench. You need to use a 'flare' wrench which grabs the fitting on more sides so it doesn't round off as you tighten it.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
The fuel line you need is offered by several of the larger vendors shown on this site like Zip Products, Corvette Central, and Paragon Reproductions.
They are availble in both bundy steel, (like the original), and stainless steel. Stick with the bundy. it'll be easier to install, (not so stiff), and will out live both of us.
Be carefull you don't goof up the fittings on each end by using a regular wrench. You need to use a 'flare' wrench which grabs the fitting on more sides so it doesn't round off as you tighten it.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
The various vendors have them. Here is the Willcox example.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=23574
As Alan said, a good set of flare wrenches can save you a lot of misery when dealing with fuel lines, brake lines, and more.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=23574
As Alan said, a good set of flare wrenches can save you a lot of misery when dealing with fuel lines, brake lines, and more.
Last edited by Paul L; Jun 10, 2011 at 06:50 AM.
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Thanks for the help, especially the link for the part. I ordered it this morning. I plan to get a flare wrench set so I don't Bubba up the fittings. I am hoping once I get the part I will find my starting issue was a clogged filter. (See my starting issues post)
I am frustrated with each day she is still in the garage!
I am frustrated with each day she is still in the garage!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,666
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From: Where it's always hot as Hell-South Louisiana.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
The flare wrenches are a "must have" item in replacing the steel brake lines also. Money well spent, so get a good set. 
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I put the fuel line in last night. I did not have a chance to fire her up because I got done at 11pm and the kids wee in bed and my neighbors live too close. It was a project!!! The flare wrenches were a must as was patience and a lot of gas (over a gallon in the bucket in an hour) leaking on my arms in the process. Lol!! I hope to try her out today and see what happens. Thanks guys for the advice.
