rust-proof replacement fuel line

[Megunticook]

After blowing several rusted out brakelines I finally replaced all the steel lines with rust-proof nickel-copper alloy. My fuel line is rusted pretty bad so I'd better jump on that before it becomes a safety issue.

Question is, what sort of replacement fuel line is rust-proof? Is there some sort of grade of plastic that would work? What diameter is the line itself? It doesn't have threads, does it? I mean the line from the tank to the filter, not the line into the carb.

Thanks.

[Speed Dragon]

You should be able to buy hard plastic fuel line, lots of Fords use it so replacement line should be available in bulk from good parts stores.

[bherder]

I replaced both of my fuel lines a while back (Two tanks) and just used rubber fuel line. I did take care to use a lot of plastic zip-ties to make sure the lines were way up under the frame and not rubbing against anything.

I suppose that provided you're gonna use a small piece of hose with hose clamps on either end, you could use 5/16" OD copper tubing. Easy to work with and sure won't rust.. ;)

Speed's idea is a good one also.. Not quite sure how you connect the hard plastic line to nipples though ... How do they do that one Speed?

[Speed Dragon]

Speed's idea is a good one also.. Not quite sure how you connect the hard plastic line to nipples though ... How do they do that one Speed?
Use barbed nipple fittings (wow that sounds wrong :( ) that are a tight fit, then heat shrink it I believe.

Here's an article I found on this stuff from '88, apperently when Ford came out w/ it. It's actually a nylon of some sort it seems.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3165/is_n5_v24/ai_6388612

Here's a few places to buy the stuff you'll need.

http://www.ronmorrisperformance.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=rmp&Product_Code=9130

http://www.eldonjames.com/frames/matframeAutoPartsSelector.html

[bherder]

Ah-HA!!! I knew if I read far enough, I'd find the real reason... ;)

"The assembly, he adds, contains 50% fewer assembly plant connections..."

I can only assume that it's not 'better' but CHEAPER and faster. Just like those freekin' cheap-assed 'quick connect' couplers that Chrysler (And everyone else for that matter) has been using for the AT fluid lines in the last 20 years....

Plus you gotta wonder... If the nylon lines are conneted to nipples and secured by heating them and 'shrink-tubing' the ends... When they finally DO go bad (Because EVERYTHING 'mechanical' fails, sooner or later) how big of a PITA is THAT going to be to replace it? :D

Mmmmm.... If it was up to me, I'd rather have steel/rubber fuel lines that I can replace fairly easy... If steel/rubber lasts 20-30 years, new (UNLESS 'Made In China') ought to last that much more....

Just MY thoughts..... :D :D :D

[Chump]

You can also use stainless steel tubing/fittings for the fuel lines.

[Megunticook]

thanks--once I get the gauge work I'm in the middle of finished up I'll look into replacing the fuel line. I just know I'm going to start smelling raw fuel one of these days, and look down to see a little "drip drip" happening.

I remember a rancher I used to work for had an old jeep that had a fuel leak in the tank (he was too cheap/lazy to fix anything unless it was broke so bad it wouldn't run--then he'd patch it together with duct tape and baling wire). I had to drive it a few times, but I sure wasn't too comfortable doing it. Seems a little dicey to have raw fuel dripping out around hot exhaust/engine components!

[acton mike]

I would replace the lines with neoprene fuel line.

The lines are under suction and so you do not have to worry about them blowing out

it is flexible, easy to work with and relatively inexpensive and will last a long long time

just be sure when you are buying the neoprene hose that you do not buy hose that is rated for fuel injected engines - much more expensive it is and un-necessary

[Megunticook]

Thanks for the suggestion...I'll look into it.

[RAM MAN]

I just bought some Stainless steel pre bent fuel lines from in Line tube for my RR

http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163852&highlight=stainless

you might want to ck out

http://www.inlinetube.com/