I've recently inherited my grandpas corvette and have begun making repairs. I've started replacing hoses where leaks are occurring, etc. I noticed I have a bad leak from this hose, but I'm not entirely sure what the hose is or if anything needs done prior to removing it.. both images are the same hose, image from below and up top. Thank you for the help!

 

That looks like the hose between the hard line and the pump.
If so, then you need a special 'S' hose.

https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...it-front-70-82

 

There are two there, two different sizes. Change them both. You won't regret it at all.

If ones leaking, .............

 

Hi A,
When you get ready to change those hoses be prepared to catch some gas in a container.
Depending on how much gas is in the line from the gas tank, and how much gas is in the pump, some gas may come spurting out when you pull the hoses off.
Make sure the bands on the clamps don't have any sharp edges on them that may cut the new hoses as you tighten the clamps.
Regards,
Alan

 

I recently changed these hoses on my 74'. I was concerned about pulling off that "s" hose and having all the fuel drain out of the fuel tank. To solve that problem I went to the back of the car and found the rubber line coming down from the tank and going to the rear end of the steel line that runs forward to where the "s" hose attaches. At the rear I simply got two small scrap pieces of wood and a "c" clamp and pinched off the rubber hose a foot or so from where it is attached to the steel line. Note also: There is a temptation to not buy a new "s" hose but to just use rubber fuel line hose from an auto supply store. Do not do this, order an "s" hose from any of the big corvette suppliers like Paragon.

 

Excellent advice!

 

This was great advice. I made sure I ordered a new "S" hose, thank you for your input!

 

For what this is worth:

When you look at your photo...you can see the smaller hose as a Corbin clamp on it that does not requires a screwdriver to remove it.

When you get these two hoses....they will come with these Corbin tension clamps and I always use them and never have fuel leak from these hoses.



Just be aware that you should do this in a very well ventilated area that has nothing that can create a spark.

I always disconnect the larger rubber hose from the fuel pump and I put an old spark plug in the old hose so it stops the fuel from leaking all over the place. Fuel will drain out of the fuel pump so be prepared to catch it. I then remove the smaller hose which is your fuel return hose and allow the fuel from the reservoir in your fuel pump to drain into a catch pan. I attached the two new hoses to the fuel pump and while dong so...I take the old hoses and pull up on them and get them to up high so I can correctly route the two new hoses into their respective positions. I position the Corbin clamps on the two hoses at the fuel pump.

I pull off the old return hose from the steel line on the frame and slide the new hose onto the steel line on the frame and then position the Corbin clamp where it needs to go.

Then I remove the larger hose from the steel fuel line and QUICKLY slide it on the steel line and then slide the Corbin clamp where it needs to be.

I also have the Corbin clamps on teh new shoes but pulled back a bit so I know I can get the hose on the lines where they need to be and then squeeze the tangs of the Corbin clamp together and slide it up on the hose to where it needs to be.

DUB

 

I have never trusted those cheap, factory, Corbin, spring-loaded clamps. Seems like the pinch part was always in a bad spot to get pliers in there to remove.
Changed all of them over to stainless-steel, worm-style clamps that accept a socket / nut driver. Then I can clock the clamp anywhere or flip it over for a leak-free connection.

 

We call those JC clamps.. Because Jesus Christ is always said when removing. However the quality of worm clamps has gone in the crapper so I've gone back to using them although the tool you can get makes them a breeze to use.

 

Yes, definitely two grades of worm-style clamps: "Those" and better. And the price reflects.

 

You can also buy the "fuel injection" type clamps that wrap around the those and yet will not "pinch" nor "tear" the fuel hose since they clamp all the way around. You can typically find them at your generic parts store....

 

Clearly there are two different views on the Corbin clamps. I guess I am lucky and never have a problem with them failing...and this same design of Corbin clamp is used on the C4 LT-1 coolant system hoses and they also have never caused me a problem.

As for installing these Corbin clamps and removing them...they do not seem to cause me any problems.

The fuel supply hose in this thread is not under any pressure where these clamps are being used....and the return line is questionable at best also.

I do use the 'fuel injection' hose clamps in some areas.

What many people do that they may not know is incorrect is that they tighten the clamp to death. AND I am sure many of you have removed a hose clamp that is shown in the photo in POST # 8 where the previous person tightened it so much the rubber actually got cut and made its way into the slots of the band of the clamp.

I guess we all use what we like and works for us.

Actually.... if I had it my way... I would use JIC fittings for everything possible and not have one clamp.

DUB

 

Just being cautious, but as you seem new at this stuff-some good advice has been given, but wear some eye protection when working on those fuel lines. Never know when a hose gets a crack and shoots out some gas or an end suddenly pops loose and flings gas in the air. do the job outside, not in the garage if you can again-caution when working on a fuel line.