Fuel line replacement tips
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Fuel line replacement tips
Hi I'm replacing the fuel lines on my truck to the rear tank and I was wondering if there was anything I should know first. The only problem I see is the steering box I can't get it off any help that you can give me is appreciated thanks.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
I'd be surprised if you actually have to remove the steering box. In many cases if you disconnect the line from both sides so that it's loose, you can snake and rotate it around enough to slide it out either from the back or front, whichever ends up being easier. On my '79, the fuel line is actually divided halfway down the frame and connected by a short length of fuel hose. This is done so that it's easier to remove the two shorter lines individually.
However, I've worked on older vehicles where the fuel line is one long piece from the pump to the tank. The factory installs the fuel line to the bare frame, then drops the body down on top. In that case I was still able to free it, but it took quite a bit of effort. In my case I wanted to avoid cutting the line in multiple places because I was having it duplicated. In either case, be careful when disconnecting the fuel line, as there will be siphon pressure built up and fuel will flow out (assuming it was running when you last parked it).
However, I've worked on older vehicles where the fuel line is one long piece from the pump to the tank. The factory installs the fuel line to the bare frame, then drops the body down on top. In that case I was still able to free it, but it took quite a bit of effort. In my case I wanted to avoid cutting the line in multiple places because I was having it duplicated. In either case, be careful when disconnecting the fuel line, as there will be siphon pressure built up and fuel will flow out (assuming it was running when you last parked it).
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Thanks for the replay the truck has been off road for over a year so I think I'm ok there. My line is 2 pieces but the shape of the line won't let me get it out between the box and the frame I'm thinking of having the new line cut and flared and using a short piece of fuel hose to join them.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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Just a couple of comments,
whenever I re-do fuel lines I try to avoid using rubber hose except where I have to. For sections that attach together I much prefer to install a threaded union, designed for flared line ends. Never an issue with leaks and avoids the eventual breakdown of the rubber lines. I generally install sections as I think appropriate for the particular build, not necessarily where the factory originally had them, and I also use straight lengths and bend as I want.
Also, if you do remove the steering box, thats a great time to check for the very common frame crack at the steering box. My truck was in great shape before I took it all down to re-do and I was surprised to see the cracking issue. This has since been repaired with addtional plate on both sides of the frame, glad I saw it.
whenever I re-do fuel lines I try to avoid using rubber hose except where I have to. For sections that attach together I much prefer to install a threaded union, designed for flared line ends. Never an issue with leaks and avoids the eventual breakdown of the rubber lines. I generally install sections as I think appropriate for the particular build, not necessarily where the factory originally had them, and I also use straight lengths and bend as I want.
Also, if you do remove the steering box, thats a great time to check for the very common frame crack at the steering box. My truck was in great shape before I took it all down to re-do and I was surprised to see the cracking issue. This has since been repaired with addtional plate on both sides of the frame, glad I saw it.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
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From: W. Central FL.
Buy some pieces of fuel line, some good fuel hose and some clamps. Cut sections of line and piece them together with hose and clamps. The center connection of fuel line ha been on my F250 for 37 + years and I just now replaced it while I had the bed off. Same for the soft hoses to the tank and to the fuel pump. It was still in decent shape, no leaks. But if you're doing a pure restoration, replace as original.
JMO
JMO
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Thanks I'm ok with using the regular fuel hose for connecting I'm more concerned with the routing around the box, which like I said I can't seem to get to come off and I didn't see any cracking on the outside of the frame I will take a better look next time I'm under there.
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