Fuel line replacement question.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Fuel line replacement question.
For you guys with modified engines and fuel delivery systems. Do you still use the return line or do you just have a single line going from the tank to the pump (mechanical). Also have any of you used braided line from the tank to the pump? Just thinking about this because the hard line looks to be a real B#$@H! :smash:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: Fuel line replacement question. (BlackRat)
I believe having the return line helps prevent vapor lock because of more volume of fuel being circulated. Vapor lock in the supply line can be a problem on very warm days because the vapor pressure of the fuel becomes lower due to the vacuum effect of the fuel pump. Another option is electric fuel pump in the rear, close to the tank as possible. That way the fuel is pushed through the long line to the engine under pressure which will raise the vapor pressure. A pressure regulator is then normally used in the engine compartment and adjusted as per the Carb manufacturer's specs. I don't know anything about using braided lines for the entire length, sounds pricey though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Fuel line replacement question. (BlackRat)
Definitely something to do when the body is off.
If you're good with a flaring tool - you can cut the line and splice it
back together with a union. I wouldn't use a compression fitting here - flares only.
People here (CF) have used the braided line with no problems - but I question the
safety. Maybe - run stainless steel tubing for the straight parts and braided hose to go
around the corners. I think that would look good and minimize the flexible
hose which can get pricey.
You should be able to find straight stainless tubing at a plumbing supply store
at a reasonable price. I'm about to go shopping for this, too. I'l let you know
what I find. The pre-bent lines are not cheap either. I'll be making my own.
:seeya
[Modified by NHvette, 9:39 PM 10/2/2003]
If you're good with a flaring tool - you can cut the line and splice it
back together with a union. I wouldn't use a compression fitting here - flares only.
People here (CF) have used the braided line with no problems - but I question the
safety. Maybe - run stainless steel tubing for the straight parts and braided hose to go
around the corners. I think that would look good and minimize the flexible
hose which can get pricey.
You should be able to find straight stainless tubing at a plumbing supply store
at a reasonable price. I'm about to go shopping for this, too. I'l let you know
what I find. The pre-bent lines are not cheap either. I'll be making my own.
:seeya
[Modified by NHvette, 9:39 PM 10/2/2003]
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Re: Fuel line replacement question. (VetteNut72)
Just be careful how far you go when replacing the fuel line.
This is where it has taken me so far :crazy:
This is where it has taken me so far :crazy:
Dave,
Thanks for the suggestion I think I will look into buying the straight tubing and then use the braided line for the tight spaces. Are you going back with larger fuel lines? Does anyone else have any suggestions on going back with larfger diameter lines?
Thanks for rthe info and suggestions.
Wade
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Re: Fuel line replacement question. (BlackRat)
I will be running dual 3/8" Stainless lines when I do my frame swap for TPI. I have about 100' of straight 3/8" SS tubing at my disposal.
Steve :steering:
Steve :steering:
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk, CT
Re: Fuel line replacement question. (stpman)
Summit Racing has aluminum fuel line which is legal in all race classes. The 3/8" is about $20 for 25ft. The stuff bends easily by hand and, with a little care, does not kink. I was able to replace my lines with the body on. The only thing to be careful of is sharp burrs where you have to push the line through tight places. You can cut through the aluminum if you get heavy handed. I've used this tubing on both my '69 Coupe and '70 GS455. Sure made things a lot easier.
Race Director
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14,376
Likes: 1
From: Check this riff........
Re: Fuel line replacement question. ('69CoupeDude)
I started with that aluminum, but it just seemed to weak for me. But then again I am paranoid when it comes to fuel. I converted mine to Fuel injection and needed to replace the return line. I just left the old one there. I ran braided line all the way back with the only problem being right in front of the rear tire. At this point I am just hoping there is no nasty edge that its rubbing on, but even if there is, I am hoping the braided line will hold tough. Ever try to cut that stuff? I had to use a air powered cutting wheel.
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