'72 oil tank line problem

sballard · 08-16-2009, 05:58 PM

I've had my car for about 5 years, and one of the toughest jobs I've done is fitting the oil tank and assorted oil lines under the the right rear fender. The biggest problem is fitting the top two oil lines that run between the oil tank and the fittings on the fender wall. These are the top two hoses which lead to the oil breather and the air intake. I assume that they carry mostly vapors. These line are very thick (about 6mm wall) and it is almost impossible to fit the two lines so close to each other AND fit hose clamps around them.

My question is 1) do I really need hose clamps on these hoses since they just carry vapors and maybe a little spillage from the tank? and 2) can I use thinner-walled hoses since they don't appear to be pressurized? This would make my job MUCH easier.

tobluforu · tobluforu's Garage

Are these the lines that connect to the air cleaner? If so I don't see an issue as in the case of my 72, I never see any residual oil in the lines at all.

sballard · 08-17-2009, 07:16 AM

Yes, one of the lines goes to the air cleaner and the other line goes to the crankcase breather port on top of the engine. I agree, I don't see much oil in the air cleaner either. I guess I'll just leave off the hose clamps and see what happens. I don't think I could ever get them, back on anyway.

Gogar · 08-17-2009, 07:21 AM

I suggest you get some new hose, cut each hose an inch or two too long, then remove the oil tank and attach the hoses to the tank first, and use clamps..

Maybe tape off or stick a cork in the open end of the hose, and reinstall the tank.

Then, with the tank installed, you can get a fix on how long to make the hoses. In fact, you might want to cut them about 1/4" long anyway. If you have a nice set of tin snips or something you can cut that hose more easily than with a utility knife or something.

Then, with hoses cut to a proper length, put the clamp on and orient it in a way that you'll be able to tighten the clamp with it installed.

Then dab some motor oil on the inside of each hose, and on the fitting in the firewall. Put it on there, and PUSH!!!!

The stiffness of the hoses will actually help put pressure in the direction of those firewall fittings.

whiteSC59 · 08-17-2009, 07:36 AM

when you figure this out, post some pics as installed or during the actual work. im doing a backdate on an SC and need as much info as possible. subscribed, thanks.

sballard · 08-17-2009, 10:55 AM

I went back to the Pelican Parts online Porsche catalog and it shows that hose clamps are used on these hoses. So they must be preferred. I can only assume that the hoses I have are too thick.

Gogar- I was thinking the same thing. I will get some new hoses (with thinner walls) and see if it will give me the room to fit the clamps.

My knuckles are just one big scab today...

sballard · 08-17-2009, 06:58 PM

Well I got the tank and line back in and I never want to do that again. A serious knuckle buster. I'd love to see one of the experts do it.

I managed by leaving the tank unsecured and putting on the top hose then the next to the top hose. Then I secured the tank and the lowest line (from the oil console). A right-angle ratchet mini-screwdriver was a lifesaver for the hose clamps as was a 1-1/2" open end wrench (to tighten the line from the oil console). Oh, and bandaids were a help.

I know some people like the idea of the oil tank in front of the right wheel but they probably wouldn't if they ever did this this job.

whitesc59 - sorry but I was just too dirty to pick up my camera while I was doing this. Frankly, I wasn't sure that I would get it in tonight. I can be more descriptive if it helps or take some photos of the setup. The diagrams in the Pelican Porsche Parts Catalog link would be very helpful to you. Let me know if I can help.