Replacing the fuel lines

[WinstonWolf]

I might need to replace the fuel line from the tank to the copper lines running towards the engine bay. I'd expect to have to drain the tank for any pipes upstream of the pump, but I was wondering if there are any tips involving creating a vacuum in the tank?

I can have the new pipes ready to go and swap them quickly but I'd rather not drain the tank if I have to as it's pretty full.

Hopefully they're just loose downstream of the pump as it's not been fired up for a few months...

Last time I tried to drain the tank I ended up bathing in petrol on the garage floor and I'd rather avoid this if I can

[Loubaruch]

There is a small fuel hose from the tank filter to the bent metal tube that curves over the rear suspension arm. If this has never been changed chances are its in a pretty poor state. The only way forward IMHO is to drain the tank. A fluid drainer from Machine Mart etc. makes this a simple task.

You may find this helpful:

http://www.bertram-hill.com/tvr-griffith.html

[Belle427]

Or you could attach a long length of 8 mm hose to the fuel pump and apply 12 volts to it.
Quite easy to pump it into a large fuel container.

[WinstonWolf]

Belle427 said:

Or you could attach a long length of 8 mm hose to the fuel pump and apply 12 volts to it.
Quite easy to pump it into a large fuel container.

That's a brilliant idea and far less likely to soak me in fuel. Thanks

[jazzdude]

When I changed mine I must admit the draining the tank part was the bit I dreaded.

Get it up high enough, have a couple of 10 litre tanks handy and a wide funnel and it was pretty painless, to be honest. Just pulled the hose off the fuel pump and let it drain into the large funnel. When the first tank was full it was a case of putting a thumb over the end of the fuel hose, changing the tank to an empty one and then letting that fill too.

To get the hose off, hopefully, like mine, the screw head of the jubilee clip is facing down. Drill a small hole underneath, push a screwdriver into the hole and pull the hose off.

[WinstonWolf]

I replaced the hose a few years ago, I'm hoping it just needs tightening as it's not been run for a while. Don't worry I'll replace if I'm in any doubt but I want a plan of action in place before I go out to the garage again