What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

[Charles P.]

Okay I am like most people here who prefer originality. In this case when I replaced my original fuel pump on my 73 L-48 about 2 years ago with an NOS AC embossed model I didn't replace the proximate rubber fuel lines. Well this morning I awoke to the smell of fuel in the garage which I traced to the FATTER of the two rubber hoses leading into the fuel pump. It had failed and was leaking at the entrance to the fuel pump.

I removed the top hose that connects to the steel line running along the frame rail and immediately fuel started to pour out which left me standing there with my finger over the flared metal line while I plotted my next move. Not fun. All the while I have those images of burned up classics looping through my mind.

Is there a trick to replacing this hose that will stem the flow (i.e. remove the gas cap etc,which I didn't do but thought about afterward) That will reduce the flow during this operation? Honest to goodness it was flowing out seemingly under pressure everywhere and tank was 3/4 full!

[Arland D.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

A gentle tap on a golf tee works very well for a very short term temporary plug. A carefully whittled twig can work in a pinch but that's a long story related to cross country driving.

[Bob H.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

Since you are replacing it, vise grips will also work

[Charles P.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

I was thinking about that but back by the tank. Didn't do it because I thought it might damage those hoses. Do they make a proper rubber plug for temporary us on/in flared lines?

[Duke W.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

You can use a small C-clamp to pinch off the hose and it shouldn't damage the rubber. Pinch off both the old hose and new hose.

Place a container under the car to catch spilled fuel and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Pull off the old hose and block the pipe with your finger. Then quickly press on the new hose

I take it you also have a vapor return line, and you should replace that hose, too.

I don't think most guys understand how critical that rubber fuel hose is. If it fails, THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE FUEL TANK WILL DRAIN OUT because the bottom of the tank is higher than the fuel pump inlet.

And because that hose is subject to engine compartment heat, it will deteriorate much faster than the hose from the tank to the frame pipe at the rear.

So, everyone, how old is your fuel pump inlet hose?

Duke

[Terry M.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

There is all manner and price of tools for the job, but of course one has to have something on hand when the job begins:

http://www.toolfetch.com/Category/Automotive/Vehicle_Specialty_Tools/Hose_Clamp_Pliers/KD145.htm?nogs=1

You can get this kind of tool from Snap-on or Harbor Freight -- your call. One is wise to consider the possible damage to old fuel lines, but as Duke suggests new fuel lines periodically are a very good thing.

Back when I used an old spark plug to block the fuel line, but that was then. I have more tools now and fewer spark plugs lying around.

[Paul J.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

The procedure's the same for any fuel line. Crimp the line to prevent any flow, then undo the clamp furthest away and install the new line on that end. Then remove the end closest to the tank and slip your thumb over the end to prevent any flow until you can slip the new line on.

You can crimp the line with vice grips as mentioned above, or kink it, or install a golf tee and squeeze it in with your thumb.

There is no threat of fire if there is no flame present. You should be more concerned with inhaling the benzene vapors.

As for any temporary plug, you'll lose less fuel by using your thumb, which you would have to do anyway when you removed the plug unless you want to make a mess.

[Charles P.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

The hose was very far gone. I'm glad it happened overnight because it would have been a bummer to have this happen on the way somewhere without proper tools. I will get a set of those crimp off pliers since they are probably much gentler then vise grips. Duke is right, check those hoses! Not a very good pic but a close up showing the advanced cracking. The white core fiber is exposed at the bottom of the pic where the leak and pressure clamp was.

[Duke W.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

Everyone should check that hose annually. If it passes a visual, squeeze it with your fingers along its entire length. It should be supple like a new hose. If there are either hard spots or soft spots, replace it!

Duke

[Harmon C.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

I made up hose plugs with T-Handles out of all sizes of round stock. They work fine on gas or vacumn lines. Make the two rods you weld together different sizes. Have a game plan before you pull a hose off and need to plug the hole with your finger and think up a plan with gas running down your arm.

[Clem Z.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

those original hose were not ethanol proof either.

[Bob H.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

The gas kinda burns when it reaches your armpits! Don't ask how I know.

[Chuck S.]

Re: What will stem gas flow during hose replacement?

I was thinking about that but back by the tank. Didn't do it because I thought it might damage those hoses. Do they make a proper rubber plug for temporary us on/in flared lines?

I agree that using vise grips or clamps, while it definitely works, may cause damage on any but new tubing. It could be argued that if clamping will damage the tubing, it should be replaced anyway.

In a pinch (unintentional pun), you can make a "rubber" plug using a short piece of properly sized rubber tubing as a coupling (assumes you some leftover scrap) and a properly sized allen wrench. Insert the allen wrench into the end of the improvised tubing coupling and push the tubing onto the pipe end. This will also works for vacuum piping to eliminate excessive miss while timing. If you have leaks, the parts aren't properly sized.