Need HELP...major fuel line breakage

[Justonian]

Noob here. I've actually been doing minor repair work on my '74 914 for about the last 2 years or so. Anyway, yesterday I started the car up and noticed the fuel gauge going nuts and decided to look underneath the car and lo and behold, fuel is pouring out right about the passenger side jack plug. So I took the rocker panel off hoping I could see something, but all I found then was that the jack hole was rusted all the way around it (so I have that project to look forward to), but I still can't see the fuel lines. They seem to be up on the body of the car.

So, how do I find a way to get to the fuel lines???? Any help would be appreciated. Or if a master mechanic has time to call me - 2 08 - Six Nine Five - 1683. Thanks in advance guys.

[MrKona]

Justonian,

Sounds like you've got a "fun" time ahead of you with your rust repair. But onto the fuel lines. Jack up your car, secure it with jack stands, and stick your head under just in front of the passenger rear tire. You'll see plastic fuel lines coming out of the rear firewall. Off of these lines should be rubber fuel lines leading to your fuel pump. Sounds like you have a busted rubber fuel line.

Have you ever replaced your rubber fuel lines? If not, you should replace all of them with high-pressure rated fuel injection hose. All of them, meaning all the rubber fuel lines from the rear firewall to the fuel pump and engine.

This would be a good time to investigate the fuel lines in the front of your car as well, between the bottom of the fuel tank and the front firewall. It's easiest to do this with the fuel tank out of the car, but if you can't do that, there is an access hole underneath the car where you can access them. You need very small hands. Come to think of it.. I can't remember if you can access everything from this little hole.

You definitely want to replace all your old fuel lines to be safe.

[Justonian]

Thanks I'll be purchasing a few items here rather shortly - one, a hydraulic jack, two, a jack stand. And I will do you as you say and inspect and replace the fuel lines - something I've known I needed to do, but was busy with all the 'little' projects I have with this car.

There's a thread here about the rusted jack port which shows a picture - amazingly similar to mine, with the exception the rust is 'limited' to around the jack port itself. I know I'll have to cut and weld, but is this something I'm going to have to manufacture?

Thanks again

Justin

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

A number of retailers sell jack receivers and the plate around them, ready to weld in and paint. We used to, but we had issues with our suppliers.

Check http://www.restoration-design.com ; try phoning them until you get through. Evidently service is fine once you get ahold of someone, but....

--DD

[Justonian]

Thanks Dave - they have exactly what I need You rock!

And I found the leak - I put the car up on ramps and for a day, the leak miracously stopped, and then came back with a vengeance. It's coming right out of one of the rubber lines coming from the fuel pump. They should all be replaced this weekend.

I'm sure in the coming months, you'll hear a lot more from me