Fuel Hose, shaped vs reg hose

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Mar 18, 2013 | 11:05 PM

dburgjohn

Thread Starter

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From: Dyersburg TN

Fuel Hose, shaped vs reg hose

I am in middle of changing fuel pump. I bought some regular 3/8 and 1/4 hose. However I found some 'S' shaped (pre-bent) hoses.

Does this hose need to be a shaped hose or can regular hose work?

Mar 18, 2013 | 11:14 PM

azza2u

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From: Brisbane Australia

I've used regular just because i could't wait for it to be shipped to Australia from the US. Works fine as long as you allow enough for the bends not to be too kinked.

Mar 18, 2013 | 11:22 PM

Brcmpbl

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From: Calgary Alberta

Assume you're talking about the frame to pump fuel inlet hose...definitely use the shaped hose if you can get your hands on it!

I used bulk line on my 70 last summer and it was nothing but problems. Swapped the proper s-shaped hose on as soon as I found one and back to normal. The bend at that location is so tight that unless you get bulk line just right you risk pinching, collapsing, etc. The return line hose can be bulk.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050G

Mar 18, 2013 | 11:26 PM

7T1vette

Team Owner

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From: Crossville TN

Get the molded hose. The regular stuff get kinks and can close down fuel flow.

Mar 18, 2013 | 11:35 PM

MidShark

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From: Belmont Michigan

As I'm going over things on the '75 convertible I bought last fall, one of the things I found a couple of weeks ago was a kinked rubber fuel hose at the pump. Couldn't have been getting much fuel flow. They needed replacing regardless, just due to age. Brcmpbl, thanks for the link.

Mar 19, 2013 | 12:23 AM

kdf1986

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From: Lakeland Florida

Go with the shaped S hose. It makes it easier to fit, and you dont have to worry about the bend or the extra loops you need for regular hose.

kdf

Mar 19, 2013 | 07:59 AM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by azza2u

I've used regular just because i could't wait for it to be shipped to Australia from the US. Works fine as long as you allow enough for the bends not to be too kinked.

In a pinch (bad pun) you can also insert small coiled springs inside the bulk hose. They will prevent kinks at the bends. These springs are available in the parts bins of hardware stores.

Mar 19, 2013 | 09:13 AM

78SilverCam

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 217

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From: Shearwater Nova Scotia

I have used both.

The regular hose, as others have said, can sometimes kink and reduce fuel flow/stalling. It takes some twisting and curling to get the hose in the right position to avoid kinking, but I have done it. After some time the hose gets used to the position and doesn't kink.

The S shape hose can be bought on CC - and I got it when I was ordering a few other things on there. I like to keep things 'original' and having the S shape hose lets me relax that the hose wont change shape and kink (and it has on me).

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Mar 19, 2013 | 11:57 PM

7t9l82

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From: melbourne florida

2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified

if you can't get a shaped hose put a loop of hose on it. big enough to not collapse . but compact enough to be clear of obstructions.

Mar 20, 2013 | 05:47 AM

#10

daanbc

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From: Palm Beach Florida

St. Jude Donor '12

I did a "bubba" (I know I'll get nailed for this!) I used hard brake lines. I pre bent them to the "S" shape and then used gas rubber lines to connect either ends. I did this due to my old line collapsing under pressure.

Last edited by daanbc; Mar 20, 2013 at 05:55 AM.

Mar 20, 2013 | 09:21 AM

#11

SH-60B

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From: Meriden CT

Lol, I did that too.

Mar 20, 2013 | 09:45 AM

#12

gerry72

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From: San Antonio TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by daanbc

That's actually a pretty good solution to the problem. As long as there is enough flexibility to allow engine movement without stressing the hose, I'd call it good.

Mar 20, 2013 | 06:34 PM

#13

daanbc

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From: Palm Beach Florida

St. Jude Donor '12

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerry72

That's actually a pretty good solution to the problem. As long as there is enough flexibility to allow engine movement without stressing the hose, I'd call it good.

My motor has solid motor mounts, but if you leave about an inch and a half on both ends that should be plenty for flexibility. I have been running this way for over a year now. No problems at all.

Mar 21, 2013 | 12:41 PM

#14

Kevin68

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From: Blanco County, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by daanbc

I'll take your "bubba" and raise you one. I used bulk lines (because I was ready for install and didn't know the shaped hoses existed until afterwards) from the fuel pump forward of the lower radiator hose and over it to the supply/return lines, rather than between the rad hose and the block. No kinks and no interference. I'm sure there is a reason why this is a bad idea.

Fixing it is on my to do list.

Mar 21, 2013 | 01:29 PM

#15

Dustup7T2

Terrorizing Orange Cones

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From: Northern CO

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerry72

...
As long as there is enough flexibility to allow engine movement without stressing the hose, I'd call it good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daanbc

...
I have been running this way for over a year now. No problems at all.

Bubba has done much, much worse. You guys aren't the problem using this solution.

Mar 22, 2013 | 07:50 PM

#16

dburgjohn

Thread Starter

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From: Dyersburg TN

I give

I put the regular hose on the supply shelf and ordered the 'S' hoses with new clamps

Mar 23, 2013 | 05:01 PM

#17

gcusmano74

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What you can sometimes get away with is to gently put a small hose clamp on the line where the kink would form. Tighten it until it just holds the round shape of the hose.