Quick 'how to' replace fuel lines

[S2central.net]

Sorry - read Marks message again just there - are you saying that copper nickel is more or less flexible than copper ?

[mcandmar]

I think less. Interesting they use copper in competition cars, never thought of the shunt aspect.

The section that worries me is the final 90 degree bend from the strut brace down to the flexible fuel lines. There is no support after the bend so it has to take the weight of the metal flexible fuel lines and the forces of the engine moving around and vibrating. Ideally there should be a support bar running down from the strut brace with a rubber mount just above the connection.

[S2central.net]

In fairness - the choice of copper wasn't mandated by rules - it just had to run internally and be properly sealed at the bulkheads... If you had loads of cash then its Aeroquip of course, but if not then it was good old copper. Nice and cheap, good and flexible with fittings easily sourced.

Point taken on the top corner... But thats pretty much engine out job to get way up there... I'm planning on renewing the hardlines as far as I can before the rise up at rear engine to collect the flexy sections.

[Mikes2]

The problem with copper is that with vibration it can start to crack.

Kunifer is recommended as it doesn't suffer from this problem

[S2central.net]

Mmmm - thats a worry... I'll play safe and get some kunifer at ye olde motor factor tomorrow then.

[Fat Audi 80]

Kunifer found here: http://www.speedshopuk.co.uk/kunifer-tube-p-102.html

Wade compression fittings from here: http://www.cotswoldengineeringsuppli...ded%20Coupling

I will go with these once I have surveyed the car this weekend...

[Nuvo]

Steve, you want 5/16" not 3/8". Surely you can buy it per metre from somewhere?

[Fat Audi 80]

Steve, you want 5/16" not 3/8". Surely you can buy it per metre from somewhere?

There is a drop down box so that you can choose 8mm or 5/16

I need three runs of at least 2m!

Cheers,

Steve.

[Nuvo]

Ah okay I didn't realise you are replacing them all. You're a brave man, especially if you are tackling this on axle stands.

[Fat Audi 80]

Yes axle stands! I am going to do the fairly straight runs from bottom of tank to edge of engine bay only. The OP reckons 2 hours. Even if it was 3 sets of 2 hours, I am not bothered. I have to do the rear sub frame while I am under there. I have allowed myself three weeks of evenings and weekends to get it done...

Cheers,

Steve

[Error404]

Steve just thinking about thsi job, if I was you i'd do the rear solid brake lines while the subframe is out of the way, other wise its a major PITA - for the sake of an extra few quid and half hours work......

[S2central.net]

I agree with 404.

[Fat Audi 80]

Well I finally got under the car tonight for an inspection. It is generally bad news. Wherever the fuel lines have been clamped by the rubber hanger, the fuel line towards the centre of the car has corroded the most. It is hard to tell how bad it is, but the line is noticeably more rusty that the other two and has rust bubbles. Not good. Worse still, once I had most of the clamp undone, at the clamp nearest the right turn up to engine bay started weeping and dripping petrol. At the very least I am going to have to replace the three straight runs from the front to the back of the car. The good news is the lines in the engine bay are mint. The are still greeny brown in finish and look untouched.

On a seperate note, I would highly recommend people inspect their fuel lines every few years with a view to driving out the moisture and adding some grease or something to prevent this damage. The rubber hanger does the pipe no favours!

Photo's below:

[BRY]

Let Gt500 replace them. He likes doing it.

[Fat Audi 80]

Let me guess. No he doesn't!