Main Fuel Line Leak, 3.2 Fix?

[mfbarnes]

Finally fired her up last night after my first engine drop (86 Carrera, 3.2). Purred like a kitten, BUT I heard that ominous hissing noise. One of the fittings at the central Tee of the main fuel line is leaking.

I took off the intakes and removed the main fuel line, and then checked the archives for a fix. The way I see it, there are 3 options, in descending order of cost:

1. a new main fuel line assembly from Pelican for $495.

2. repair at a hydraulic repair shop.

3. removed connections and replace with high pressure fuel line and hose clamps.

I'm leaning toward number 3, naturally. Feedback?

TIA

MFB

[masraum]

#3 isn't pretty, but it works and is very cheap, like less than $10 (not counting your time)

#2 is more expensive, but still reasonable in the $75-150 range, and is pretty

#1 just seems kind of crazy (very crazy actually) unless you are a concours type, and then you seem crazy

[john walker's workshop]

pass on the #3 firehazard. the #2 can be one too, depending on the competence of the guy doing the re-hose job. i had one repaired hose leak because the crimped collar cut the hose. no fire, but sure could have been. too chancey for me. i just use new ones now.

[Jim Smolka]

I second what JW states about #3
#1 is great solution, but like all rubber lines, still prone to failure after time.
# 2 is possible if the hydraulic shop is good. It may be possible to convert The AN Fitting type system and then use SS flex gas line (Aeroquip).

[Rick Lee]

Where exactly is this leak? I had a pretty bad one just above the fuel pump. Could have done the quick fix with a hose clamp. But having sat at red lights while a leak pools gas under my car and then watching the guy next to me toss a cigarette out his window made a believer out of me in the proper fix. Replacing main fuel line through the tunnel was a major job and cost $$$. But at least it was done right and safely.

[BGCarrera32]

#3 is fine, you need a "gap-free" stainless ring type crimp clamp, then use SAE 30R3 3/8" fuel hose (9.5mm) close enough to 10mm, rated 225 psi...

You can get both from mcmaster.com

Another option is 3/8" H206 high pressure fuel hose available at Napa, but its like $6 a foot (a tad spendy if you ask me).

I'm converting the whole car to Aeroquip, and using what I referred to above between the fuel rails and the line your are referring to for simplicity. Cut your new line a 1/8"-1/4" longer than the old one for flexibilty and to account for age (shrinkage from engine heat). You'll have a tough time finding 10mm hose as 3/8" is so close, and finding the original cloth stuff is hard as well. IMO the cup clamp is overkill for a 50-60 psi system (might as well if you have the equipment but otherwise unnecessary).

-BG