Advice on removing fuel line

[verdeboyo]

hello again members and happy xmas to you all.
Can anyone help me with a little advice. I need to replace the pressure fuel line. I haven’t actually started the job yet, but just needed to know some useful stuff.
I only need to remove the first section, from the Fuel pump to the tunnel.
Firstly, how easy is it to get to from under the car (obviously when jacked up – so don’t get funny about how low my old girl is.Lol)
Can I also get to the other end from in front of the rear seats (by removal of gear linkage cover plate).
I do hope someone can help with a little pro advice – gratefully received for sure.

Gotta go get myself a double Jim Beam - I know, Jack Daniels is better, but it was a pressie.

[mthomas58]

I've got my car up on jack stands now with the gas tank removed to repair a tank leak. I can post some pics of the high pressure line from the pump to the tunnel if that would be helpful.

I've got the rear up on stands at the torsion bar covers. Next I jacked the front up at the two jack points on the tub at the front fenders. You can raise the nose as high as you like for access to the fuel line.

Cheers!

[David]

Here's a thread from a few years ago: Replacing pressurized fuel line from pump on 78 SC?

[boyt911sc]

Verdeboyo,

David's intructions sound pretty good to me. But I would like to mention something that was not clearly stated in David's procedure or I mis-read it. I would suggest that you remove the transmission mount bracket and support the unit. It is nearly impossible to work with this transmission mount bracket in place when installing or removing these fuel lines. HTH.

TD

[David]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

Verdeboyo,

David's intructions sound pretty good to me. But I would like to mention something that was not clearly stated in David's procedure or I mis-read it. I would suggest that you remove the transmission mount bracket and support the unit. It is nearly impossible to work with this transmission mount bracket in place when installing or removing these fuel lines. HTH.

TD

That's a good point and it may not mention tying a string to the end of the old line to pull the new line back through.

[Jim Sims]

Did this job last winter (both tunnel lines) on my '76. Also replaced every fuel line in the car. Engine and transmission were dropped as was the front axle splash plate. There is a sheet metal strap bent over the lines to retain them against the side of the tunnel which has to be accessed from the parking brake/heater control opening. If this strap isn't released it may cause difficulties during line removal and re-installation. I also removed the driver's side floor board, shifter and shift coupler cover for more complete access for the job. I suspect the lines could replaced with the engine and transmission in place but the front transmission support has to be removed (and transmission supported) as already mentioned. The outside back of the tunnel is a very congested area and there are hard rubber/plastic bushings retaining the fuel lines - bushings at the front of tunnel also. These bushings were very hard, tight and tough to remove; they came out in pieces. If you're in the tunnel this is also a good time to replace the three plastic/rubber bushings the horizontal throttle rod slides in; in my car these bushings were crumbling and filled with hardened grease. Note that some of the tunnel fuel lines have been NLA from Porsche.

[frankc]

I am currently in the process of replacing all fuel (and brake) lines in my car. The job will be much easier in my case as the motor/gearbox is out as well as the steering rack. I have some pictures already, but will post more as the job progresses (hopefully getting back to it this weekend or next week as I'm off work).

Here's a related link I started a while ago...

Should I replace theses brake and fuel lines?

[verdeboyo]

A big thanks to all you guys. Your advice will def be listened to here. I have heard about the 'tying a piece of string to one end', and that was as much as I could get from anywhere else.
I only need to replace one line, the pressured line from the pump, so as soon as shops open up again in 09 I will pick one up and get stuck-in.
Thanks again for your very helpful advice. And to frankc, 125shifter and mthomas58 for the links

[verdeboyo]

me again 125shifter
Don't mean to be a pain here, but I looked at your old thread about the fuel lines. My car being a right hand drive, would the pressure line be on the same side as on your passenger side (my driver's side).
Does that also mean they run side by side throughout the length of the tunnel.

I'm gonna be honest here - embarrassingly honest!
I was drilling two small 3mm holes in the tunnel for mounting fire extinguisher,thinking I would avoid any hardware and drilled straight through the fuel line (my passenger side). I did try avoiding going in too deep, but then all of a sudden fuel was seeping through the two holes, just seeping. I would prefer to replace the one affected line as I have not had any problems with leaks - until now!!

I'm thinking, Porsche would place fuel lines in the same place for left and right hand drive models. It would be of great help to me, thanks again to all.

Thousands o miles away but one big family - porsche family!!

[verdeboyo]

hi mthomas58
a few pictures could help a lot. When you have a little free time could you take a few. I am under the impression that they run side by side in the tunnel too, that's prob why I hit the thing twice with the drill - I know - bloody idiot!!!! (see small screws plugging the seepage)
Well, it's the only stupid thing I have done - and the last for sure!

[David]

The lines should be the same, but it'll be easy to tell once you're under the car since the pressure line connects to the fuel pump.

[burgermeister]

This is what I ended up doing:

Fuel lines in Tunnel?

Worked like a charm, and a lot less work ...

[frankc]

Verdeboyo,

I currently have complete access to both the front and rear ends of the tunnel. If a picture of either of these would help, let me know. I'll be documenting my fuel line replacement (with photos) shortly.

Frank

[crashmy911]

Just replace them both while your in there. ANy local line place can make you up some lines too. No need for porsche tax to come intoplay. I think I paid twenty bucks for both lines!

[verdeboyo]

hi Frank
A picture of the front end of the tunnel would be great.
Thanks so much for all your help on this one.

[verdeboyo]

Everyone
It may look like I'm kissin' butts 'ere, but you guys are 'OK'
And if I were a local boy I would be meetin' up and buying a round of drinks for sure.

Thanks again
George

[verdeboyo]

crashmy911
While I'm under there, you are right, I might as well sort out both lines.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by verdeboyo

crashmy911
While I'm under there, you are right, I might as well sort out both lines.

Verdeboyo,

My son did some welding without realizing that the fuel lines were tacked closed to the tunnel walls and completely damaged both delivery and return lines. I spent close to $200 to replaced them. Crashmy911 replaced his fuel lines for about $20 and I was sketical at first. But he did it with no problem and I would have done same too. The fuel lines and fittings were done by local shop.

Remove your transmission shifter and you'll find that the fuel lines are threaded to one side of the tunnel. Mine were at the driverside (left hand drive vehicle or US model), yours will probably the same.

Tony

[verdeboyo]

good morning Tony
That is very helpful indeed. Ihave my brother coming round today, to inspect what needs to be done.
The info you and the other guys have given - well, you do not know how helpful it has been to me!
When I could smell the fuel I found myself running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.
I have also been advised by members to replace both while under the car, so might as well.

thanks again
George

[mitche]

Sorry for the hijack of this thread but I have one question....
Is there an easy way to remove the fueltank, 911 -79?

regards
mike
Very wintery Sweden