1985 6.9 idi, replaced lift pump and cracked the steel line that lead from pump to filter inlet. There is a small block heater on this line. Anyone know where I can get one? Do I need to, or can I just get some steel tube and bend a piece without the heater
J

 

I am sure that others will chime in here, but I believe that what you think is a block heater is really a fuel heater, which has been eliminated by many here. I have only owned 7.3's so I can't say for sure, but I think you could eliminate it.

 

Thanks! Yes that is what I meant, fuel heater. Do you know the size of that steel pipe? I will have to get one and bend it/flare it.

 

If it's a low-pressure line(on the 7.3 this is), just replace as much as needed with a piece of hose and two hose clamps.

Works just fine.

 

I don't know the size of the line, but(assuming its cracked somewhere not on the very ends) you can just cut it wherever you want with a copper pipe cutter and run a diesel-rated hose between the two pipe ends left.
Those cutters are cheap and next time the lift pump fails you'll have a flexible line to work with.
Also installing a squeeze bulb in the spot of that hard line is a good mod for purging air if you loose your prime, and the check-valves inside help a lot in keeping air intrusion at bay.

-Joshua

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I will cut the heater out of the line (since the leak is right at the top of the heater) and replace this spot with flex line suitable for diesel fuel with a primer bulb on it and see if that works. I am assuming the steel line has a fair amount of pressure in it, but you all suggest that the flexible line will work and I don't see how the 8-10 lbs of pressure will be too much for regular fuel line.

 

Yup its a low pressure line for sure. I have a gauge on my filter header and get no more than 8 psi with cold fuel and an electric pump rated from 9-11psi with the engine OFF. Once its on she never sees over 7psi and usually less.
I was getting half those numbers with any of 3 mechanical lift pumps so you won't have to worry about over pressure.

 

I have this hard line from a 7.3. Has the fittings on each end with the "olives" square cut orings. Let me know if you're interested.