Fuel line question

Kurt Halverson

Kurt Halverson

PCS Northland Chapter President
Hello Everyone,
I am working on replacing the fuel pump on my 1977 Lifeliner. The fuel line that runs from the pump to the carb is a 3/8" metal line. The old one was in pretty tough shape, so I bought a new piece of line to replace the old one. Because of all of the bends, I am having a hard time lining up the line to the pump and the carb. My question is: Can I just have a short length of metal line come out of the pump and carb, and then run a rubber hose in between? That would make life a whole lot easier! My main concern is how the heat would affect the rubber hose. What are your thoughts?
Thank you,
Kurt
 
You never want to run any rubber in the fuel line on the pressure side of the fuel pump. If the rubber were to leak, and spray fuel on the engine, you would have one heck of a large fire instantly. A replacement steel line that has the proper bends may be available from Inline Tube for your car. It isn't listed in the on line catalog, but that doesn't mean that they don't have it. It might be the same as a 1976, since the engines are similar.
 
It would be easier to invest in a tube bender if you don't have one already. You can get cheap hand held ones at a tool store.
 
Thank you for the suggestions! I do have a tube bender on loan from the parts store. I may just have to buy another stick of tubing and try again to get the shape closer to the original line.
Thank you,
Kurt
 
I ordered a SS line from Inline for my 73 M-M a couple years back and it was a perfect fit. I'd say it's the same line from at least 71 to 78.
 
That is exactly what I was thinking. One reason to buy the preformed line, is that it will not cause you any stripped thread problems because of being out of alignment. This can be a major problem with the carburetor inlet nut. Very easily stripped, and very difficult to replace, because of scarcity.
 
As others have said go with pre bent line if possible, a cross threaded conector can cause bad problems, I had one come loose from the carb on my 66 Superior when the engine was hot, we all can guess what happened next!! Luckly fast thinking saved this car with only some minor damage to the hood paint and vaccum lines.

This would be a good time to remind everyone to check the connections to make sure they have not come loose.

Also, if you do need to run rubber line for some reason you can do it, but make sure it is gas hose, it is formulated specifically for this, and the fuel will not eat through like standard rubber. I have used this many times and am very happy with the results.
 
with the bend it your self don't fight the connections. some time it's necessarily to remove the carb to make that connection. then with the line tight in it you can make that last small adjustment. and bolt it back down. but there is no substitution for the pre bent lines from the source stated. they work.
 
I agree always use the metal line, if your having a problem bending it and you have the extra room, just route it a bit further from the engine with as few bends as possible to help disapate the heat. If you have room, I would also install a fuel filter that has a return in it to route fuel from the engine compartment back to the tank. My 73 Lincoln had this and with todays alcohol and oxygenated enriched (crappy) fuels, I didn't have any vaporlock issues in the Arizona desert. just an idea, and always two good fitting wrenches on your lines when installing and removing them.
 
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