C2 fuel line replacement

[Randy S.]

Re 66 small block

I need to replace the rubber fuel line between the fuel pump and steel fuel line on the frame. Bubba has been in there and straightened out the steel fuel line on the frame and routed the rubber fuel line under the A arm.

My concern is rebending the fuel line back to the original 70 deg bend (approx) toward the engine. I am not sure I can get a tubing bender in there and space is limited because it is an AC car and the compressor complicates access.

Has anyone had to bend the fuel line? What are my chances of collapsing the line if I have to bend it without a tubing bender?

Randy

[Jim L.]

Re: C2 fuel line replacement

The odds of collapsing the fuel line if you don't use a bender are about as great as the odds of it work hardening and fracturing; neither failure would have pleasant consequences.

Personally, I wouldn't try to re-form that line. I'd make a new one. However if you want to gamble, find some kind of bender to use, even if it's the screen-door spring variety.

Jim

[Gene M.]

Re: C2 fuel line replacement

Randy,
Use a tight fitting spring around the line where bend is as Jim says and stick a big phillips screw driver in the end of the tube to leverage on. Go slow. Have the rear fuel hose clamped with a small pair of vise grips to stop gasoline flow prior to removing front hose.

If it cracks it's old and brittle and should be replaced anyway. I assume it's a steel line and not stainless and that is why your concern.

[Randy S.]

Re: C2 fuel line replacement

Gene and Jim.

Thanks for the tip about the spring. Good idea.

But I better have a plan B in case the steel fuel tube fractures or kinks. I just glanced thru a couple of catalogs and looks like I would have to buy the whole long fuel tube to replace it if it breaks. That would tie up the car a long time for that repair.

My immediate concern is the rubber fuel line looks brittle and cracked and even though it is incorrectly routed maybe I should just replace the rubber line now and schedule the steel line repair for an end of season repair.

Randy

[Bill I.]

Re: C2 fuel line replacement

Randy, I agree. Although it's not correct, get rid of that fuel line before it gets you. Bill

[Randy R.]

Re: C2 fuel line replacement

When bending small copper tubing, you can wrap solder around the tubing to reduce the chances of kinking. Steel tubing is harder so the solder might not work very well but wrapping the tubing with steel wire might work. I would practice on a length of brake or fuel line purchased at an auto supply store.

Good luck,

Randy