Fuel leak is back...so is cold weather.

[R22tech]

I posted several months ago about a slight leak on the fuel line at the point where the rubber hose meets the metal flared fitting, specifically at the crimps. I temp. fixed it by installing an alligator clamp around the metal fitting and just tightening the $hit out of it. It has worked for probably 7 months, but now it is getting colder and I suspect the metal is contracting causing the problem to resurface. Yeah, I know, just replace the line...try $500.00 plus without labor! My tech looked at it awhile ago and said, off the record, my repair was fine unless the leak showed up again. So my question is, can I just refit and tighten the clamp again or is there another way of remedying this problem without having to replace the line. The leak is very, very small.

[Roland Kunz]

Hello

I would renew the rubber hose as it maybe have slight cracks inside and will bulb up or leak. This normaly happens when you absolute are not needing it. ( murphys law )

You need a little saw and then you slice the pressed steel end down until you hit the tube. Then use a vice grip and remove the rest by rolling off.
Cut the rubber hose away and replace it with new stuff and very solid and wide crimps.

Grüsse

[Bill Douglas]

An idea. Can you snip a bit off the end of the rubber so a new fresh part is slipped over the metal (so you are loosing the bit that may be perished or cracked) and maybe tighten it with a couple of alligator clamps.

[APKhaos]

Hey R22... best shot is to locate a local operation that fabricates aircraft fuel lines. One that does military stuff is even better. They can build a stainless braided line assembly for around $100.

There was a post on this subject recently - the owner found a fabricator over near Andrews AFB near DC which did a great job. Beats the daylights out of $500 to replace with the same failure-prone OEM line!