Fuel lines

[swalve]

Hi! I've got a 1997 Grand Prix GTP, and the undercar steel fuel lines are starting to get real rusty, and are going to need to be replaced this spring.

I am not good at forming new rigid lines (even brake line is a challenge for me), and I don't relish paying for a new set of lines from the dealer.

So, I'm thinking braided lines with those -AN fittings, but those seem pricey too. Is there a type of rubber line that can handle the pressure and elements at that length? And where's a good source for it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chris142]

International Harvester used plastic air brake line on every Scout, Travelall and pickup they built. The lines in My 73 seems to be holding up well.

It's rated for 150psi+. Although not rated for fuel it works. I'd look into that.

 

[Kestas]

Stay with metal, it's safer. You can buy inexpensive tube benders for brake and fuel lines. You can also get creative and use pipes (or anything round and rigid) to bend the desired radius. I use compression fittings instead of flared ends to make the splices for fuel lines.

 

[Donald]

You can get a kit of a few different size pipe bender springs, that go over the tubing and allow you to bend the tubing, but not crimp it.

 

[mechtech2]

Fuel line rated hose will work just fine.
It is an emergency measure, though.
Steel is safer, and legal.

 

[swalve]

What about the braided -AN stuff? Is that not safe/legal either?

 

[Steve S]

It is a pita to make up steel lines I have done it on a regular basis when working ,buy the lines made up.Shop around for price.

 

[Papa Bear]

If they aren't leaking I'd just oil spray them and keep driving.

 

[eljefino]

If you go rubber you need fuel injection rated rubber hose that's real expensive.

I forget the rating, but carb'd low pressure ends in -7, and FI in -9.

Someone jump in.

 

[andyd]

Papa Bear X2. The roads are salted to the max around here. I routinely drive cars that are 20 yrs old or even older. Ive had plenty of brake lines fail, but NEVER a steel fuel line. Fuel injection hose runs about 75 cents an inch

 

[SHOZ]

There usually are nylon fuel line repair kits at the auto parts stores.

 

[johnd]

I have a friend that is really good at bending lines. His trick is he follows the original line bends with a straightened out coat hanger and then bends the tubing to match that. Wish I'd thought of that on my own.

 

[Kestas]

I usually follow the old line after it's removed from the vehicle. I can usually get it close enough so all it needs is a little tweaking when I go to install it.

 

[swalve]

Originally Posted By: andyd
Papa Bear X2. The roads are salted to the max around here. I routinely drive cars that are 20 yrs old or even older. Ive had plenty of brake lines fail, but NEVER a steel fuel line. Fuel injection hose runs about 75 cents an inch


This car has never seen a garaged night in its life, in Chicago. I agree that it should last longer. Last fall I replaced the brake lines which had rusted through. The fuel line sure seems like it's in trouble.

Thanks everyone for your assistance!

 

[Kestas]

My experience with fuel lines and brake lines varies with different vehicles. I don't think it's unusual to have lines rust through in 11 years.

 

[JakeR22]

Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
If they aren't leaking I'd just oil spray them and keep driving.



Exactly. They'll last longer then you think.

Don't do braided the length of the car, not safe and fumes emit through it.

If you really want to open that can of worms, try to get new lines from the dealer.