Fuel pipe replacement

[TopVpowerRoadste]

It's me again calling for the S experts' help.

I need to replace the 'fuel inlet pipe' (the pipe which connects the accumulator and the fuel filter). It is the pipe which has the biggest union.
Below is the crapy fuel pipe on my TVR:



Any idea where I can buy this and any reference?

Once again many thanks for your help.

Best regards,
Geoffrey

[greymrj]

Need to be careful to get the right spec for modern fuels (you should also consider changing the tank to pump pipe if not already done). Most local suppliers will let you have something they THINK is OK but I would give Neil Perry at ML Performance Parts (01823 660238) to get something which WILL be right! He knows his TVR's.

[TopVpowerRoadste]

Would genuine Ford Sierra part de suitable?

On 26th August Andy of TVRpower kindly forwarded my mail for spare parts request to Neil (ML Performance Parts) and up to today no reply received. So I'll give ML performance Parts a miss.
Any other suggestion of supplier?

Many thanks,

Regards,

Geoffrey

[greymrj]

I know you are not in the UK but I would still give Neil a ring, he really is a good guy to know, that is why they forwarded your email to him.

[TVRees]

TopVpowerRoadste said:

.... Below is the crapy fuel pipe on my TVR:

Looks like someone already replaced yours.
Here's a photo of what I think is the original, as fitted to my car.



I would imagine that it must be possible to get one of these made locally in Belgium with some nylon tube.
There are loads of banjo hose tail fittings on eBay, for example.

Or even something like this ......

[TopVpowerRoadste]

Hi TVRees,

Yes, that's correct, I have the same pipe on the other side of the fuel filter.
As Greymrj suggested, I'll try to get in touch with neil of ML Performance Parts.
In Belgium, not many people have ever heard of a TVR. This is the reason why I rather order spare parts in the UK. So that I'm sure the spare is the correct one.

Geoffrey

[TVRees]

Hi Geoffrey, OK, I understand.
However, I still suggest to look around locally. After all, you have the dimensions, etc. required to make a new (and possibly better than the original !) hose.

[greymrj]

Obviously you have to be a bit careful with this. This is the high pressure side of the pump and the pipe needs to be flexible enough, of the right material for modern fuels, and strong enough not to expand under the pressure or to blow off the end.

I agree someone in Belgium must be able to make one up, using your own unions. But if there is nobody you trust then go to Neil Perry.

[TopVpowerRoadste]

Tvrees and Greymrj,

Thanks for your messages.

Could you possibly give me details of the original fuel pipe:
- the inside diameter;
- the outside diameter;
- the lenght.

Have you heard of TVR Parts online.com?
They provide nice pipes:

http://tvrpartsonline.co.uk/product/power-steering...

Many thanks for your help.

Best regards,

Geoffrey

[TopVpowerRoadste]

I've found someone locally who could do a pipe for me but with HYDRAULIC pipe (inside 9mm, outside 13mm) and resistant to 200 bars.

Like this one:




Is HYDRAULIC pipe suitable for petrol?????

Thanks for your advice.

Best regards,

Geoffrey

[glenrobbo]

TopVpowerRoadste said:

I've found someone locally who could do a pipe for me but with HYDRAULIC pipe (inside 9mm, outside 13mm) and resistant to 200 bars.

Is HYDRAULIC pipe suitable for petrol?????

Thanks for your advice.

Best regards,

Geoffrey

I hope so Geoffrey, because that's what I fitted to the fuel pump inlet on my SI

So far it seems to be holding up ok on a few test drives to Spa Classic, SCH, Buxhall fete, Essex, Kev's Peak District Tour, a little run out with Han & Anita, several TVR Club meets, 3 return trips to Oulton Park for the Gold Cup weekend, several miscellaneous runs here & there, and a tour of N. Wales.

Yep, it seems to be holding up ok Obviously I shall have to test it some more, to be certain.

Edited by glenrobbo on Tuesday 8th September 15:30

[TopVpowerRoadste]

Hi Glenrobbo,

Thank you for your reply.

What inside diameter pipe did you use? What lenght is approximately required?

Thks,

Best regards,

Geoffrey

[phillpot]

Hose for lead free petrol is usually specifically marked as such, not saying hydraulic hose won't be suitable but................

[glenrobbo]

I used 5/8" ( 16mm ) ID wire reinforced hydraulic hose, the bore marched the stub pipes on the accumulator outlet and fuel pump inlet. The length was the same as the old cracked and perished pipe it was replacing. I never measured it.

I figured that modern hydraulic fluids are quite aggressive, so this hose should be able to withstand unleaded petrol. You pays yer money and you takes yer chances.
Note that mine is an S1, and the pipe is routed quite close to the propshaft u/j and the exhaust, so i wanted something substantial.

Edited by glenrobbo on Tuesday 8th September 16:27

[phillpot]

glenrobbo said:

You pays yer money and you takes yer chances.

Or buy the right thing



when you find all that funny black stuff clogging the fuel filter..........

[TopVpowerRoadste]

My problem is that I cannot find a supplier which provides fuel pipes with the unions already connected to the pipe.

[Top Gear TVR]

if someone get the to and from fuel filter pipes made up somewhere - then i wouldn't mind a nice stainless braided set :-)

[TVRees]

TopVpowerRoadste said:

My problem is that I cannot find a supplier which provides fuel pipes with the unions already connected to the pipe.

Have you tried asking on the TVR Car Club Belgium or Holland sites

www.tvrcarclub.be
or
www.tvrcarclubholland.nl

[chiefyo]

[quote=glenrobbo]I used 5/8" ( 16mm ) ID wire reinforced hydraulic hose, the bore marched the stub pipes on the accumulator outlet and fuel pump inlet. The length was the same as the old cracked and perished pipe it was replacing. I never measured it.

I figured that modern hydraulic fluids are quite aggressive, so this hose should be able to withstand unleaded petrol. You pays yer money and you takes yer chances.
Note that mine is an S1, and the pipe is routed quite close to the propshaft u/j and the exhaust, so i wanted something substantial.

I'm with Glen and Steve Heath on this. To quote the good book top of page 72 " If you think that the fuel pipe is simply a piece ordinary fuel piping, be prepared for a shock. It is 5/8 inch internal diameter steel reinforced hydraulic piping" And this is exactly what I used on my 3C and the standard No on it rates it as fuel proof. So no black gunge after about 2 years use.

[phillpot]

Takes three years to break down......



My understanding is that it is the Ethanol added to modern fuel blends that could be non-compatible with some flexible hose that are not specifically designed to cope with it.

Steel braided hydraulic hose is designed for hydraulic oil at high pressure, no oil in my fuel tank and that part of the fuel system is not under high pressure!


Handy as Mr Heaths book can be it does contain the odd error, mistake, duff information and lumps of text cribbed from other sources (imho).