Fuel line repair 1973 911T

[Tom73_911_T]

Car: 1973 911T 2.4L

Folks - this short fuel line coming from the electric fuel pump has developed a leak about halfway up its length:



From the looks of these fittings going into this t-connector, it doesn't looks like the individual short line can be replaced:



Is that indeed the case? If so, can anyone tell me the diameter of that fuel line?
I'm thinking of cutting off the lower portion, inserting a short piece of stainless hard line, then attaching a piece of fresh rubber line to run down to the pump.

[E Sully]

If you private message or email BoxsterGT he can make those lines for you.
Pelican Parts Technical BBS - View Profile: BoxsterGT

[Tom73_911_T]

That's the person from Auto Sport Engineering, right? I figured he could probably make the line, but it doesn't do me much good if those lines can't be separated from the t-fitting. That would mean the entire assembly of three lines would have to be replaced as one complete piece, which would be a big job.

[Porboynz]

Why mess with leaking fuel lines? That T connector has seen better days for sure. A few metres of fuel line, a brass T connector and a few hose clips will solve the problem or get a replacement crimped set made if you can be bothered. Those are the return lines so the pressure is minimal. Its 5/16 or 8mm from memory. I can go out to the garage and check if you need.

[Tom73_911_T]

It's not a matter of being "bothered," it's a matter of the time involved. Since no one has stated whether those connectors are removable or not, I'm going to go with the assumption that they aren't, and reassess the situation.

[Daves911L]

Probably less time involved to replace the fuel lines (all of them), than to deal with the insurance mess after your '73 goes up in flames! After 41 years, all of those lines are an accident waiting to happen.

I think they are available from various vendors (including Porsche) as replacement items complete with the made-up connections where necessary. Not inexpensive items, but perhaps money (and time) well spent?

A an aside, if you want to do just a quick fix, you can cut that crimped ferrule off and just replace the line onto the leg of the existing T, using a hose clamp. If it was off the car and dry, a die grinder would make short work of it. But it sounds as if you are looking for a really quick fix, so running a die grinder on a steel ferrule in the presence of fuel would be a very bad idea! Alternately, I have had success breaking these with pliers. Start at the end with a needlenose and worry a little break in the metal, then progressively work the crack along the length. Eventually you will destroy it enough to pull it free, but it takes a while.

DG

[E Sully]

The connections are crimped, and the lines should all be replaced at this age. The car is 41 years old. Chance of a fuel leak and fire with magnesium engine and tranny means total loss. The only way to stop a fire involving magnesium is to smother it in sand, it burns too hot to be put out any other way.
It would take a few hours to replace that section. Just replacing a small section seems penny wise to me since the rest of the lines are just as old and will crack and leak eventually also. I have replaced all the fuel, evaporative emission, and brake lines on my '73. Not a lot of fun, but it wasn't too bad a job.

[BK911]

You can reuse that T if you are really cheap. Dremmel off the outer portion and pull off the hose. Then use proper hose clamps with the new hose.

Like others have said, replace ALL your fuel lines. They are all in similar condition and just waiting to leak on your exhaust. Dont forget the ones up front at the tank. I always replace fuel and brake lines on every "new" car I get unless I KNOW they are good.

[Tom73_911_T]

Perhaps I should explain the "time" situation. The car is stuck on my lift right now and needs to be off of it within a week because of work I am having done on the shop. I can replace the lines later - right now I just want to be able to start it and move it.
Daves911L - I looked at the Pelican site for a replacement setup, but they only carry the various sizes of fuel line. I made the poor assumption that no one else would carry a correct replacement... I will check some of the other vendors.

[tobluforu]

This might help, not sure..
does Pelican or Porsche sell these fuel lines

[Tom73_911_T]

Thank you, tobluforu! That (line size) is exactly the information I needed. I am going to cut the crimp connector and replace just the short line for now, using a hose clamp. Then in Spring, I will contact Auto Sport Engineering and have them make me a correct 3-line setup with crimp connectors, and replace the whole thing.

[BoxsterGT]

The hoses in question are 7.5mm ID and the "T" fitting w crimps under discussion looks like this......



I use only original Cohline E-85 rated hose & fittings imported from Germany.

I am happy to help. Please email me only.

Len at Autosportengineering dot com



PS- I can also supply just the fittings & hose if you prefer to do this yourself. However, local hydraulic shops do not have the correct crimp sleeves or crimp jaws to properly assemble these hoses.

Ask me how I know.

Len

[BoxsterGT]

For a "temporary" repair you can use Norma clamps & E-85 Hose......




....but I must emphasize the word "temporary".

Len

[Tom73_911_T]

Thanks, Len. I will definitely contact you when I am ready to do the correct fix. And I will have you make up the whole assembly - there's no point in screwing around piecemealing it together. This temporary fix being the exception...

[porschetub]

Originally Posted by Tom73_911_T

Thanks, Len. I will definitely contact you when I am ready to do the correct fix. And I will have you make up the whole assembly - there's no point in screwing around piecemealing it together. This temporary fix being the exception...

Those are the correct fuel line clamps if you don't go back to the swage collars,perfectly good solution and more practical IMO ,if you use them wrap some strips of Densotape over them to stop road grime rusting the threads.
Buy fuelhose by rating ,brandname and price ,I have seen cheap low pressure rated hose on EFI for example..........very worrying

[Porboynz]

Do be sure to post a photo of the finished temporary repair, should be interesting. You will most likely end up replacing the T and all 3 hoses, because as soon as you disturb those lines to cut the leaking section out the others will start leaking. Maybe cost all of US$50 for parts in the land of the free and take maybe 60mins to replace everything. Your call, must be nice having it up on a lift instead of wiggling about under a 911 on jack stands.

[RichardNew]

Now that we have Len's attention and we're talking '73.5 cars I have another question.

Do you do the original lines for the Webers? I would like to get rid of the bling and got back to OEM.



Richard Newton

[BoxsterGT]

Hi Richard-

All my experience is with the later models with high pressure lines for the SC and 3.2 Carrera. When they began failing it was a big deal. At the same time Porsche began dropping these fuel components from their inventory or raised their prices to the roof.

I saw a need and had most of the fittings & hose in stock. The low pressure stuff for the carbs was pretty much covered by every local shop, so never had a single request until now.

I can send you the good hose and the sleeves, but don't know how they are retained. My only way would be to crimp them, but the originals are not crimped?????

Best to email me to discuss this further.

I should explain, I am retired from 40+ yrs at Auto Sport in Stow. My son Mark runs the shop now, and I come in once in a while to give him grief. I am trying to build a cabin up in the woods of NH, and spend a fair amount of time there. I am back at the shop one or two days a week. This is partly why I am difficult to reach.

I am happy to help. These wonderful cars must be preserved for generations to come.

Len at Autosportengineering dot com

[jjeffries]

Mr. Newton, i enjoy your writings and agree those ersatz Aeroquip style fittings are bloody 'orrible! Very Mecum Auction Chevelle. Best, John in CT.

[RichardNew]

Thanks. The ironic part is they work really well. They just look like crap. At least to people who know.

Thanks for the kind words on my writing. I attached a link to a column I did for Vintage Motorsport last year. It's about hoses. I really should be ashamed of what I have on my car. Ok, I am ashamed.

Richard Newton
Hose and Fittings