fuel line repair - opinions

js86944 · 08-08-2010, 06:42 AM

Yesterday was the day I attempted to start the car and of course there had to be something that broke while the car sat. It is a fuel line leak from the feed line into the damper. The line from the FPR isn't leaking but it does come in these kits and might as well replace it.

I've found the following kits to make the repair and wanted opinions on which is better, ease of installation, etc.

Porsche 944 Compression Fitting Fuel Line Kit

944 / 951 STOCK REPLACEMENT FUEL LINES at LINDSEY RACING - Your Porsche Performance Parts Center

Thanks

wild man · 08-08-2010, 07:47 AM

There is no way I would recommend simply fixing that line. It was the FP toFF line that was giving me trouble.t the fact it after ever time i cut more line off of it and put the clamp on it, it just kept spring a new leak. I had driven about 3 miles, using1/4 to1/2 tank of gas, not knowing that it was pissing all over the place, the first time I "fixed" it. Problem ended up being, was that the line was completely deteriorated (was hard to tell, reaching in over the axle & hub trying to cut it clean and clamp it. This happened not long after I purchased the car. It was a blessing that I did count!

zedsn · 08-08-2010, 09:35 AM

I took a dremel with a cutting wheel and gently cut the crimp on connectors and them purchased a hose kit and used stainless clamps to install. Been a couple of years and still works fine. If I remember correctly the hose size is metric. You could go you a hose place if you have one in town and they might have the correct diamiter fuel injector hose for you.

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

Both kits are fairly equal in that they use bite rings for the hardline connections. This is the best way to go about it and one should cut the hardlines in the wheel well if you have enough hose. This way if the connections leak or start to leak, they are not leaking right next to the exhaust manifold.

The Rennbay kit is what i usually recommend as i have experience with the Aeroquip line. I have made my own lines using the same parts supplied, but its more cost effective to buy through Rennbay though as its expensive when buying in low quantities (my friend and i needed enough for 5 cars, so we just ordered in bulk). The only gripe i have which i am not sure pertains to the LR kit also, is the return fuel line is a very tight fit on the fuel pressure regulator, especially if you have a Bosch 3-bar with the black powder coat. This is simply because there is no good inbetween size hose really between metric and SAE.

Pops944 · Pops944's Garage

I installed the Lindsey kit last fall. It's a daily driver, all winter included. No problems. No leaks. Installation was fairly simple and clean. I opted to install the heat shield at the same time.

wild man · 08-08-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zedsn

I took a dremel with a cutting wheel and gently cut the crimp on connectors and them purchased a hose kit and used stainless clamps to install. Been a couple of years and still works fine. If I remember correctly the hose size is metric. You could go you a hose place if you have one in town and they might have the correct diamiter fuel injector hose for you.

That's exactly what I ended up doing, using a different tool though. Got some fresh line, and put the original connectors on it using the clamps that I had. It's been working great ever since.

js86944 · 08-08-2010, 04:33 PM

TD, the Rennbay kit seems like the better choice mainly due to cost. Is the tight fit on the FPR return line just a nuisance or will it be an issue during installation?

Pops944, what all is involved in the installation of the LR kit? If you could describe what the steps you took to do your install, it would help me out a lot in deciding.

I will be going to the hydraulic shop tomorrow morning and see if I can put something together there and avoid shipping costs. TD, I've got an idea of what to look for at the hydraulic shop, but since you have put your own together before, what all did you have to purchase and was it worth it? Thanks.

js86944 · 08-08-2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild man

That's exactly what I ended up doing, using a different tool though. Got some fresh line, and put the original connectors on it using the clamps that I had. It's been working great ever since.

I've done this before on a power steering pressure line on a Hyundai and it worked great plus the cost was only about $10. I am unsure about going this route on the 944. How easy was it to cut the crimp near the wheel? Did you have to undo the bracket that holds all the lines for better access?

Pops944 · Pops944's Garage

I put the car up on jack-stands; removed the passenger front wheel, then the fender liner. With the Lindsey hoses for length reference cut the existing fuel lines; install the compression fittings followed by the new hoses. Then replace fender liner and wheel. You can view the complete installation procedure from Lindsey's web sight. Really rather simple. Only "problem" was the existing mounting bracket for the hoses was in the way, but a little modification and all was good to go.

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

The return line is just a little bit of a pain to get on as its a very tight fit. Its a little of a tight fit with the stock 2.5 bar regulator, but the Bosch 3-bar has a powder coat on it from the factory and that slight difference is all it takes. It helps to put a drop of ATF on the barb to help slide it on.

My friend and i purchased a few feet of Aeroquip line for the feed and return and the fittings were all from Parker (Push-Lok). I would just buy from Rennbay as the cost is basically the same and you wont need to bother assembling the lines yourself.

nize · nize's Garage

from what i remember when i was researching replacement fuel lines, both lindsey and rennbay lines had a clamp-fit on the opposite end which made them less secure than an AN-style compression/screw fitting.

the only company i know of that has AN fittings for the 951 fuel lines is pauer tuning;
http://pauertuning.com/index_files/FuelLines.htm

they cost more but you get what you pay for.

DannoXYZ · 08-10-2010, 07:44 PM

I highly recommend the PauerTuning fuel-lines. They use true compression-fittings for 360-degree seal on the hose. All the others use Z-band hose-clamps that doesn't seal as well. You also want to inspect the pressure-rating on the hose used. I've seen a lot of externally-braided lines that look cool, but the plain rubber-hose inside wasn't reinforced; ended up squirting fuel out the side of the hose in numerous places after a couple months.

BoxsterGT · 05:37 AM

Heres an option.........

I make a crimped hose assy & special fitting to accept a Metric flare.........

All you need is a Metric flare tool, a tube cutter and the usual hand tools.

Everything is Metric and everything fits.

The price is $75 with shipping and carries a lifetime replacement guarantee.

Please do NOT pm me, send eMail ONLY.

Len at Autosportengineering dot com

choinga · 08-11-2010, 10:30 AM

I used the lindsey kit as well - first thing i did after buying my car a year and a half ago. It was pretty simple to do - you just have to torque down those compression fitting a lot tighter than you think...I had mine on tight and started the car for the first time and gas came pouring out of the fitting. Lindsey has a good write up on their site on how to do the job as well - make sure you leave yourself enough room when you cut the hard line...its a lot easier to move some hose around than to find yourself a half inch or so too short.