Fuel Leak question

[ossiblue]

The engine is a 76 2.7 S with CIS
Today I discovered a leak at the barb where the plastic fuel line to the fuel distributor attatches to the fuel filter. Apparently, a small hole opened where the end of the barb was--about 1/4 inch from the end of the line. I removed the line, cut off the bad end, and reattached the line. I made sure the line completely covered the barb, in fact, the end of the line butts up to the housing of the connector.

Here's my problem. The line still leaked from the end (definitely the end, not a small hole or crack in the plastic), even though it was difficult to push on, and it's seated completely on the barb. I made a temporary fix by slipping a short piece of rubber fuel hose over the line, reattached the line, pushed the hose up to butt against the fitting, and clamped it tightly with small hose clamps. It doesn't leak now, but I know this isn't how it should be. I know the plastic line, alone, should make a leak-proof seal. Does anyone have an idea what I may have done wrong, or why the line still leaked?

Any help would be appreciated.

[oneblueyedog]

If someone in the past used a knife to cut the old tubing off, that can nick the barbs and get a fuel leak. Use a soldering iron to melt through the plastic pipe on those barbs.

Alas you may have to get a new fitting.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by oneblueyedog

If someone in the past used a knife to cut the old tubing off, that can nick the barbs and get a fuel leak. Use a soldering iron to melt through the plastic pipe on those barbs.

Alas you may have to get a new fitting.

Thanks for the reply. However, the fitting hadnt' been touched before the leak started, and the line was removed without cutting the end so I am sure the fitting was not nicked.

Is it possible the plastic line is so old that it lost its "memory" (insert joke here) and no longer contracts tightly around the barb? Anyone have experience with this?