replacing fuel lines, got some questions?

[vintage_car]

Has anyone replaced the fuel lines with something other than that hard plastic that runs inside the cabin. And re-routed the lines to ouside the car instead of through the cabin. If you have shoot me an email or just poist here how you did it. I'm re-doing all of this to hopefully completely eliminate that vapor smell. I've got a new tank with no cracks, relocating the fuel pump to under the car and want to run the lines out there as well but need to make sure it is safe and won't be harmed by the weather or road. I'm in Mid-TN area so it doesn't get too cold for too long here. Thanks for any help

[2002Targa]

What year is the car? If it's one of the later ones, use the hard line that's welded to the underside of the body, it comes out on the framerail right under where the brake fluid res would be.

[BigDog]

Unless you're dead set on using a return line, which I can't find a need for, there's already an external line provided for your use as a primary fuel source...

It runs along the driver's side under the car and pops out at where the front frame rail bends "up". This is a "hard line" which was originally used as a return for the fuel system. Use this as a supply line, and you're good to go, just get the old plastic crap out from under your carpet.

From there, you can do what you want, use rubber, braided stainless with fancy fittings (which I did), or whatever.

The problem you'll find is that it's a nice way to clean up the car, but I"m guessing the source of your gas smell is other. Check the filler neck for cracks, and make sure all your weather stripping is good.

Good Luck.

-------------

BigDog

'76 2002

[febler02]

Do you have speakers installed in the back window/behind backseat?

If so, they act as a good way to move lots of gas fumes into the car. My car was pretty good at moving gas fumes in the car when I cranked the stereo up until I put these covers on.

If you do have them, there are some cheap plastic covers that most audio installers have which protect and seal them up from the trunk.

Fred E

[Paul7002]

under the hood - fumes get sucked back in through the vents/heater box.

Exhaust leak can also get sucked in through the shifter hole if not well sealed.

Make sure any holes in the fire wall where lines or wires pass through, or used to pass through, are sealed.

[vintage_car]

1974 is the year of the car. The gas tank has a crack in it and the vapor line that went to the filler cap had a screw through it. These have been patched up for now. I never even thought of the speakers! Do you have a picture of these boxes? Can I just build a couple boxes and seal them up? I'll look for the return line. The original fuel pump was removed and a carter 4040 (i think?) was put in its place in the trunk. The weatherstripping up front around the hood and around the trunk have been replaced with new and cut back on the smell. I know I have a small exhaust leak where the header meets the mid pipe but I don't smell exhaust, just fuel, so the shifter area must be sealed good. I'm thinking of boxing in around the rear shock towers, the sides, and the back of the trunk and putting in carpet. I'll hinge the area around the towers for access. But I thought that would clean it up some from the nasty undercoating the PO sprayed everywhere. It might help seal up some missed holes too.

[Guest Anonymous]

...or filled with crud. Check it out before using.

I have read may opinions about the plastic fuel line that runs through the cabin. Most would initially think that its a bad thing, but others say that the plastic line "self-seals" when exposed to heat.

Like others have said, I don't think that the line itself is usually the source of fumes. It's usually a combination of old fuel tank, connections, aftermarket pumps, and old hacks that source the fumes.

[Mike Self]

exposed to heat--my welding instructor caught my '69 on fire while showimg me how (not) to weld the rocker panel. The fire was right next to the fuel line, which collapsed and sealed itself even while the upholstery next to it was burning. Unless the OEM plastic line has been physically damaged or punctured, it's not the source of your gas smell.

BMW could have never stood the liability of having a flammable fuel line running inside the passenger compartment of their car...and in nearly 37 years of 02 experience, I've never heard of a fire resulting from that fuel line failing...I'd suspect the rubber connector back at the gas tank, and the vapor wafting into the pax compartment via speaker holes or the like...

mike

[vintage_car]

Well the PO must have removed the metal fuel line, b/c all that is there is the clips that used to hold it. So the plastic line is my only option. I agree that the fumes are coming more than likely from the combo of the gas tank and probably the fuel pump. The lines don't look to good on it and I know the gas tank was cracked and probably still have some vapors leaking. So I'll seal up the speakers, replace the gas tank and relocate the fuel pump to under the car and see how that does.