How to Replace Gas Line
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Longmont CO
How to Replace Gas Line
I'm new to the forum, haven't had time yet to figure out how to post pictures. I've been reading the forum for the past year and really enjoy following the progress of everyones Vette's. Yesterday I received a new 4 post Bend Pak lift (an xmass gift to myself), so I'll keep you posted on how difficult it is to install. Now for my question. As luck would have it I found my '71 leaking gas. I traced the leak to the rubber line between the tank and metal line on the passenger side. The tank is full and I just plug the line to stop the leak. I could feel the end of the fuel line closest to the tank but can't tell how it is connected. Does the tank have to be dropped to reattach a new line? Is there an alternatives to rubber? I'm sure glade the line went in my garage, but I wish it happened after I installed the lift.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,374
Likes: 788
From: Redondo Beach, California
I'm in the house now, but I've looked at my 68 quite a bit and it looks pretty easy to replace the rubber hose between the tank and the gas line. However, I have removed my spare tire carrier (the tub). The tub is pretty easy to remove also. I 'm pretty sure my 1970 has the same tank to tank/fuel line arrangement. Anyhow, take your tub off. You'll have to do it anyway I would guess.
If your car's not running, I think the biggest problem will be safely getting rid of your gasoline in the tank to take the line off. I'll probably be removing my tank. If I do there's a grocery store nearby that sells dry ice. I'll drain what little is left in the tank...that should be safe enough, and then drop big chunks of dry ice in the tank the night before removeing it. If the tank still has some fuel in it, the tank will be full of C02 gas not oxygen when I remove it.
If your car's not running, I think the biggest problem will be safely getting rid of your gasoline in the tank to take the line off. I'll probably be removing my tank. If I do there's a grocery store nearby that sells dry ice. I'll drain what little is left in the tank...that should be safe enough, and then drop big chunks of dry ice in the tank the night before removeing it. If the tank still has some fuel in it, the tank will be full of C02 gas not oxygen when I remove it.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Arvada CO
Welcome..Another local Colorado person...
I never did my gas tank so I'll just say a quick hi and let others chime in..
Lots of folks from our area on the forum that are very friendly & willing to lend a hand in time of need....'C1Vette' lives in your town and always looking to help others out. Nice guy.
Congrats on the new lift...
I never did my gas tank so I'll just say a quick hi and let others chime in..
Lots of folks from our area on the forum that are very friendly & willing to lend a hand in time of need....'C1Vette' lives in your town and always looking to help others out. Nice guy.
Congrats on the new lift...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
All right, the gas lines - I replaced mine three month ago. The steel lines are impossible to replace without taking the body off - but there is another option if you can live with the 'not so original' look:
The steel line from the pump back to the passenger side rear wheel is straight and easy to replace, I cut the lines right before they curve upwards and disappear between frame and body. From here back to the tank I use fuel resistant rubber hose (one piece back to the tank) instead of tubing. This workes just fine, since these lines don't see any high pressure I guess hose is not problem.
You can access the lines at the tank from under the car, reach in that area from behind the pass side wheel (where the bumper is)... there are only two or three clamps holding the tubing to the frame. Remove the gas cap, in there you'll see hose clamps. At the tank there is a 1-2" section of hose (to allow movement I assume) ...
It's not that bad of a job, not as much pain as you might think.... unless you really want the original line...
Email me if you have more questions or if you need photos.
The steel line from the pump back to the passenger side rear wheel is straight and easy to replace, I cut the lines right before they curve upwards and disappear between frame and body. From here back to the tank I use fuel resistant rubber hose (one piece back to the tank) instead of tubing. This workes just fine, since these lines don't see any high pressure I guess hose is not problem.
You can access the lines at the tank from under the car, reach in that area from behind the pass side wheel (where the bumper is)... there are only two or three clamps holding the tubing to the frame. Remove the gas cap, in there you'll see hose clamps. At the tank there is a 1-2" section of hose (to allow movement I assume) ...
It's not that bad of a job, not as much pain as you might think.... unless you really want the original line...
Email me if you have more questions or if you need photos.
Last edited by MYBAD79; Dec 15, 2004 at 07:31 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 2
From: North side of Houston Texas
The timing of this post is perfect. I got on CF this morning specifically about this very subject. I haven't looked specifically where mine is leaking, but it's dripping onto the right rear muffler. Not a good situation to be in. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend...
Cheers!
W
Cheers!
W
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
The rubber line from sending unit to hard line is not too hard to replace. You do need to remove the spare tire tub. Then get a few 5 gallon cans and siphon the old fuel out. THen you can replace that rubber line. If it is the return line it is a bit harder to reach. Take the tub out and reach up and replace it. Shouldn't have to drain the tank for that one, might have to bring the level down a bit if it is really full.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Port Orchard Washington
If you are not experienced with this repair (rubber line replacement) I recommend removing the spare tire tub. The gas tank can stay in. The tub comes off rather easily and provides plenty of access and allows for detailed inspection of the tank and frame area (while I'm at it syndrome...).
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro Tennessee
I had this problem too. Fuel leaking onto the muffler!!! This is not too hard to fix. Drain out as much gas as you can first, then remove the tire carrier, loosen the two bolts holding the tank and I used my floor jack too lower the tank.The rubber hoses are easy to replace 