FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Can anyone tell me if it's ok to run rubber fuel lines from front to back or do  I need to run steel lines ?

Also, if I need to run steel lines, where do I get them from ?

Also, whether I go rubber or steel, I also need clips to hold it on...any ideas on where, what, how ect ?

Cheers
Mark

afaik you shouldnt use rubber and were it is needed you should keep it as short as possible, copper unsure and steel is definately a go

Yes i would use the steel tube known as bundy tube, comes in different sizes and available at repco or other parts retailers.
The rubber hose manufactured to day does not last long and i have used several brand types and they all start to perish within 6 months. I would upsell on jobs with new fuel hose etc. only to go out to the next service 6 months later and find the hoses covered in cracks. Clips could come from a later model holden such as HQ on.
I think you can still get these new repro.
Cheers
Scott

Sorry for the hi jack but soon I will  soon be doing this too and was planning to go up a size in pipe.
What does everyone do with the tank pick up and outlet when going to a bigger fuel line?

You can buy black eurothane/plastic fuel line in any lengths you want, it is a bit easier to work than steel pipe, but you need to make sure it is well clear of exhaust pipes. It doesn't kink and it doesn't rust. It used to be standard fitment on Aussie Chryslers from 1972 onwards and a lot of American cars of the same era. AFAIK it is available through Repco.
Cheers
Jock

Hi GUys,

I agonised over fuel lines, and I did a little bit of research.

1) using flexible line from front to rear is not legal in NSW.. or at least highly un-recommended, despite some cars having this from factory I don't believe it's very safe.

2) steel bundy can be used but it is very difficult to bend, i have a supplier somewhere here for a guy in NSW (punchbowl I believe).  
I have since found stainless steel (wouldnt this be just as hard to bend/flare?)
at VPW, you could probably try your local reputable speed shop too.  It won't be cheap.

or you can use copper, but as GOA350 suggests it deteriorates over time, and you must fix it down say every 300mm or more to eliminate any possible movement, as it is very soft and may fail otherwise.

3) use rubber flex joints at all joins, sharp bends etc or connection to any vibrating object eg fuel pump.  make sure you leave your filters in an easy to reach position and put one before the fuel pump.  in my case I have 2, one before the lift pump and one after the hi pressure pump before fuel rail.

4) if you are going for EFI, then be sure to use Hi pressure EFI rated fuel hose not std fuel hose,  I used this throughout my install anyway.

5) stepping up from 5/16" to 3/8" line.  you can get adaptors from places like Enzed, or if they cant make you one, then go to Earls and get a dash 6 weld -on (steel).  weld it over the old take off, then use an earls hose end to attach a hose, then a compression fitting over the hard fuel line.

luckily I had Marty Dean weld in 2 1/4 BSP fittings to my large tank so the take off was using 2 right angle outlets from ENZED.

on my previous set up, I used the Earls method described.

you don't have to use Earls but I found their stuff of significantly better quality than say ENZED stuff which can be pretty agricultural.

the downside is you pay for quality.

as Jock said beware of exhaust etc.

have fun , it's a reasonably big job.

Cheers

Ed

PS if going for 3/8"line, the best clamps are..

Rubber P clamps from commodore engine bays used to hold A/C lines down. go get em from your local wreckers. the new alternatives are very expensive and none that small.

I have made a few small lines up with bundy line and a tube bender and it is quite difficult to shape.

If you are prepared to have a few attempts and a bit of patience you should end up with an ok job.  Its not much fun though.

Dave

Thansk everyone for your help.....I guess it's like everything in life...if it's worth doing, it's worth doing properly.   I suppose I was just hoping to save some money and time.

Looks like Bundy or steel it is then !

I'm guessing 5/8 is the original size ?

I'm running triple CD 150's and a Holley mechanical fuel pump.

Mark

a little big.. it's 5/16"

;)

Cheers

Ed

Aahh...Yeeah !

Never was good at imperial measures !

Thank god metric was invented !

Cheers ED !

Mark
An alternative is to take your old fuel line to a brake specialists, and they can make you a new fuel line in the bigger Bundy tube (Bundy tube is steel tubing which has been copper coated, simple explanation anyway). Brake specialists bend this tube all the time.

Good Luck
John M

THanks John...not a bad idea......I still have my old line, but didn't really want to put it back on...rather new stuff...who knows whats caked on inside the old line given it's been sitting in my shed for over 4 years.

Cheerss
Mark