3.2 Fuel Lines

[TT Oversteer]

Nearing the end of my '89 3.2 rebuild and getting to the details such as fuel lines. I know these are a common weakness that should be addressed on older lines. As I look at the existing lines I wonder if there is a way to evaluate their condition. They look fine and are soft enough to flex lightly when pinched with finger pressure. I don't see any cracking or signs of deterioration. I will probably just replace them despite their ridiculous cost as I am deep into ridiculous $ for this project already. I just hate to buy such pedestrian parts if not necessary. Thoughts?

[johnman001]

It's just my opinion (and it's free), but I have taken my rubber fuel return lines (complete with ends still attached) to my local hydraulic hose distributor. They were able to install high pressure, modern fuel compatible hoses directly to my factory fittings (after cutting off the factory hoses) and swaged them with crimp rings. I've been working with hydraulic hose shops for a very long time now and they seem to enjoy custom work especially if when done with your project, take it up and show them their hoses installed in your car.

The very last thing you want is for your newly rebuilt engine to experience an engine fire because you didn't replace the 24 year old fuel lines.

[David W]

The lines are easily replaced use your exsisting ends make sure you mark their orentation when you remove them you need to find a auto store that swedges new hose ends. What i did was buy fuel injection hose and cut the swedges off I then fitted all the end and marked their clocking with tape. looked factory and cost 40 bucks
David

[David W]

Look like john beat me to it

[Smoove1010]

Be careful about having a local shop do the crimps - there are numerous stories/posts about the wrong crimps causing early failures. If cost is a concern, there are many posters who've used oetiker or FI clamps to secure FI hose to the old fittings, apparently with success. Here's a bad-crimp story:

New fuel hose busted-fire narrowly averted

A little more light reading:
Low Cost 3.2L Fuel line replacement
Fuel lines sent to Amazon Hose Tampa for rebuild
Notorious Carrera 3.2L rear fuel line leak revisited (long)

I went the route of fabbing my own with AN fittings and braided hose - still not cheap, but it looks way cool, and seems so far to be holding up well.
carrera fuel line, (BAT and AN fittings)
Fuel Line Replacement

I wouldn't (and didn't) do major engine work without replacing these lines if they were the originals, or even just old - just my opinion though. Good luck.

GK

[Deadeye]

Search for Len Cummings. I think he calls himself "BoxsterGT" on this site. He can put new hose on your fittings w/ the proper crimps.

[burgermeister]

I like 5/16 and 3/8 (if you can find it, the metric version of the bigger hose would be better - 3/8 is a tight fit) FI rated hose with FI hose clamps (or oetiker clamps). Just grind the crimps off & replace the rubber hose. Total cost is <$100. Hose clamps are more than adequate for the 35psi the 3.2 fuel system sees... 35psi * 0.11 in^2 (area of 3/8 tubing) is a whopping 4 pounds of force trying to remove the rubber line.

[BoxsterGT]

I have 7.5mm and 9.5mm German Multi-Fuel hose (the good E-85 resistant stuff) in stock.
I can sell you any length up to a 20 Meter roll, and all the Metric fittings you might ever need.

Please email me for details. Go to my user name & pick "send email".

Len

[michael lang]

Just a question out of curiosity but if you're spending all this money on a rebuild, why spend a little extra on getting the correct line from the supplier? If I'm wrong on this then I apologize it just seems to make sense to me to get the correct line so you take away the element of a fire hazard especially since this line is so important.

[BoxsterGT]

Here's a Re-Hose of an original 3.2 "Tee" center section using the latest E-85 resistant hose from Germany............



done recently for a Pelican member using his fittings & center section. Please email me for info. No PMs, no PMs, no PMs.

Len

[kyhunting]

Len what does the "Re-Hose cost? Thanks David