How to deal with plastic fuel lines ?

prebordao · 10-12-2009, 02:13 PM

I'm about to replace the WUR in my 74'. In it the line connecting the WUR to the Fuel Distributor is plastic.
How to make it go into the fitting ? Warming it with a hair dryer maybe ? (Making sure there's no gas around of course...)

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 10-12-2009, 02:27 PM

"Plastic" is a one-size-fits-all term. Is it neoprene? Is it fuel-safe? Is it original? If not original, is it at least the real thing, or was it retrofitted? (I don't know what '74s had in their engine compartments.)

Anyway, I wouldn't worry about a hair dryer setting off gasoline. Awhile ago, I watched a Saab 900 burn to the ground and the only thing that exploded were the tires. And yes, a hair dryer or judiciously applied heat gun is a good persuader.

prebordao · 10-12-2009, 02:39 PM

For the record, they look to be original as they're all alike and I remember reading somewhere that early CIS cars had plastic lines... Black shiny plastic, not rubber or neoprene.
I'll go for the hair dryer.

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 10-12-2009, 03:01 PM

The hair dryer, or even a pot of boiling water, if it's not too far from the kitchen to the driveway, should work fine. A spritz of silicone lubricant will help if that's not enough.

sc_rufctr · 02:58 AM

I haven't had much luck with the plastic fuel line on my 78.

I found to get them soft enough to go onto the barb the line had to be heated to a
ridiculous level. That had the effect of making the line too soft to push onto the barb
without kinking it.

I ended up replacing the fuel lines near the firewall with Dash6 Lines and fittings.

Hope you have more luck than me.

If you want a photo of what I've done just ask.

4sd911 · 10-12-2009, 03:59 PM

Do not heat the line. There is a special tool to hold the line while pushing the line onto the connector. The factory manual shows this tool, SP tools makes or made one like it, I have one, in there old catalog it is part number 85400, their web site doesn't show it.

prebordao · 10-13-2009, 01:45 AM

I'll have a look in the manual

Paulporsche · 10-13-2009, 05:38 AM

Sorry I can't be more specific, but someone posted several years ago a homemade tool for doing this. It had 2 blocks of wood w/ half a hole drilled in each (actually 1 block, drilled and then sawn through the hole) which held the line in place and rigid while it could be pushed onto the connector.

prebordao · 10-13-2009, 05:42 AM

That's a good idea and easily done. I had a look at the manual, saw the tool, but was thinking of holding the line with some pliers... it didn't occur that the tool could be easily replicated...

The power of the Pelican !

T77911S · 10-13-2009, 06:01 AM

i had to repair one once. i sprayed a lube, like wd40 i think, and then slid the line on. i did not put any fuel pressure to it until the next day. when i slid it on, it was pretty easy and after i got it on, i could twist it pretty easy. the next day i could not move it.
it was the same banjo fitting and same line so it was the correct size.

i may have used a synth lube or maybe even skin so soft.

i used the skin so soft when i replaced the top seal on my 914. it helped it slide on then it evaporated

prebordao · 10-13-2009, 06:07 AM

Guess I'll try the WD40 approach first. If it works, it's the simpler one.

imaircooled · 10-13-2009, 06:15 AM

PJR,
I'm about to replace all the fuel lines on my 74 and would like a picture of the line you are talking about. If you get a second could you snap a picture and attach here? No big deal if you don't.
Thank you

prebordao · 10-13-2009, 06:18 AM

I'm talking about the line that goes from the WUR (regulator near intake #2) to the the fuel distributor.
Will you be replacing them with plastic lines ?

Ray_G · Ray_G's Garage

Since I am going to have to replace all mine I have read, and read and read on this subject, but have not done this yet. But anyway here is the thread for the home made tool, it is down in the post.
Pressing nylon fuel lines onto barb fittings

T77911S · 10-13-2009, 06:35 AM

i put mine on by hand with out a problem. i was worried about it because it was so easy and was easy to twist after i got it on, but i could not pull it off. i waited until the next day. the next day it was "welded" to the fitting, it would no t twist. i just can t remember for sure what i put on it as a lube. if the fitting will twist, i would not use it.

the synth stuff was a mobil1 spray lube

Tim K · 10-13-2009, 09:26 AM

Similar idea to the 'block' used in the link, at work we use a brake line flaring clamp to hold the plastic fuel line and then push the fitting in with a hydraulic press (overkill).

Btw, where are you guys getting your plastic fuel line?

Tim K

356RS · 356RS's Garage

I made my own tool last year. It will do 5mm OD to 8mm OD by changing the clamping blocks.

prebordao · 10-13-2009, 10:32 AM

Impressive piece of kit

Tim K · 10-13-2009, 10:55 AM

Mark,

What source do you have for the plastic fuel line?

Thanks,

Tim

356RS · 356RS's Garage

The Black fuel line is Cohline and I buy it in 20 meter rolls from John Hervey @ "SpecialTAuto.com" John also carries most of the CIS fittings. The clear plastic high pressure for MFI is from "Parker Parflex" and I have to buy 100' or more at a time.