Check those fuel pipes ....
Check those fuel pipes ....
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Discussion

crackedfinger

Original Poster:

1,569 posts

259 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
quotequote all
Glad I caught this one leaking before it was too late, the flexible pipe at the engine end looked in fine condition but just started to spray fuel onto the exhaust and number 8 spark plug. Never jumped so fast to turn off the car....

The car's only done 30 odd K, but the car is a 96 - do these pipes have a shelf life?

Pasco

6,652 posts

258 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
quotequote all
crackedfinger said:
Glad I caught this one leaking before it was too late, the flexible pipe at the engine end looked in fine condition but just started to spray fuel onto the exhaust and number 8 spark plug. Never jumped so fast to turn off the car....

The car's only done 30 odd K, but the car is a 96 - do these pipes have a shelf life?
Speaking of fuel pipes what is the replacement spec and where is the best place to buy it smile

lewis_sharman

5,956 posts

221 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
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People tend to recommend their replacement every 2 years, just to be on the safe side wink

Johno

8,593 posts

312 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
quotequote all
This is what I use

Plus you'll need these

However, with braid it is a bugger with flanged pipes to fit the correct end fittings. The only one I haven't done is the one over the bellhousing as I couldn't get hands in to do it.

Take care cutting it, always make sure you tape it and then cut it with a new junior hacksaw blade. Mind the wires, tidy the ends up and then twist the fittings on carefully.

Many will prefer using standard rubber pipes, but I know you'll prefer a little bling where you can get it Pasco. I did and they do look ten times better, harder to work with, and you do have to make sure the fittings are on properly and they don't rub on stuff, but overall worth the extra IMHO.

Edited by Johno on Sunday 19th April 21:49

Pasco

6,652 posts

258 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
quotequote all
Johno said:
This is what I use

Plus you'll need these

However, with braid it is a bugger with flanged pipes to fit the correct end fittings. The only one I haven't done is the one over the bellhousing as I couldn't get hands in to do it.

Take care cutting it, always make sure you tape it and then cut it with a new junior hacksaw blade. Mind the wires, tidy the ends up and then twist the fittings on carefully.

Many will prefer using standard rubber pipes, but I know you'll prefer a little bling where you can get it Pasco. I did and they do look ten times better, harder to work with, and you do have to make sure the fittings are on properly and they don't rub on stuff, but overall worth the extra IMHO.

Edited by Johno on Sunday 19th April 21:49
Thanks for that Bro thumbup

GreenV8S

31,018 posts

314 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
quotequote all
Braiding is worth while for hoses that are at risk of mechanical damage. For anything else it's a backwards step since it prevents any damage/aging of the hose from being visible. It's also very easy to get a braided hose fitting that looks fine but isn't actually secure, and I've even seen fuel hoses that were literally only held in place by the braiding (the hose clamp missed the rubber completely).

I view braided hoses in the engine bay as form over function and not a good idea.

Edited by GreenV8S on Sunday 19th April 22:22

Barreti

6,689 posts

267 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
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I got my new rubber fuel lines from the local engineers supplies place.
I took the old hoses in, just in case they were something special, but they aren't, just standard stuff to fit an 8mm internal diameter

Its 5/16 fuel hose and 8mm copper tube which is the same as the microbore from a plumbing supplier.
The bit from the tank to the pump is bigger but I think. I can't remember for certain but I could check if anyone is interested.

GreenV8S

31,018 posts

314 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
quotequote all
Barreti said:
The bit from the tank to the pump is bigger but I think. I can't remember for certain but I could check if anyone is interested.
On my V8S it's 5/8" from the tank to the pump, but with a reducer taking it down to 1/2" just before the pump. Then 3/8" out to the filter and onwards. I expect that the Griffith / Chimaera are similar, but ymmv.

crackedfinger

Original Poster:

1,569 posts

259 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
quotequote all
Bought mine from this web site while back:

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinest...

Went for the braided with vain hope it would last longer in the heat for the tight bend, and they sell the bigger pipe for the tank to pump, you don't need much for that bit!

350Matt

3,897 posts

309 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
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Your best off using the silicon hose with the fuel resistant (red) liner, this'll take +220°C and tends to age very well

Johno

8,593 posts

312 months

Sunday 19th April 2009
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GreenV8S said:
Barreti said:
The bit from the tank to the pump is bigger but I think. I can't remember for certain but I could check if anyone is interested.
On my V8S it's 5/8" from the tank to the pump, but with a reducer taking it down to 1/2" just before the pump. Then 3/8" out to the filter and onwards. I expect that the Griffith / Chimaera are similar, but ymmv.
I'd agree Pete, however it depends who's fitting them. If you understand the mechanics of what you're using and fit them correctly they serve to protect the hosing against mechanical damage.

The routing of these pipes across the bellhousing, along the back of the gearbox etx means there's all sorts of places where they can rub.

Anything fitted poorly is going to be a liability from wheels to braided hoses, doesn't mean you shouldn't use it, just make sure you understand it before hand.

I replaced mine earlier this year with 70k+ miles on them and 8yrs old and they were fine, no cracks or deterioration, so I'm hardly worried about them deteriorating if I were to change them in another 5yrs or so.

Other cars will vary of course.