In anticipation of my current needs I purchased a preformed carb to fuel pump fuel line for my 72 Cutlass. (L34 - 4bbl carb). I don't remember who I bought it from, but likely ILT . Anywho, the bends on the pre-form aren't anywhere close to what they should be especially on the fuel pump end, and I don't want to screw around with attempting to bend it as I'll likely just end up crimping it where it shouldn't be.

Unless anyone has a solution that's workable for these aftermarket wonders, I think the only solution is to cut it and install a short piece of rubber line. Thoughts?

Also much as I don't want to install an inline fuel filter, I'm thinking the best place to do that would be before the fuel pump. Anyone else used that location?

 

I've done the before the pump filter, it works fine. However changing it laying on your back usually results in fuel running into your armpits because of the gravity feed of fuel running everywhere causing a mess.

 

I installed a fuel filter between the fuel line on the frame and the fuel pump. You just need to use enough fuel hose to make sure that it doesn't kink. When I had a Quadrajet on my 71 98 I removed the fuel filter in the fuel inlet of the carburetor because those threads are so prone to failure.

 

Thanks for the input guys!

If I install one, I want it to be rather inconspicuous. This isn't a DD so chances are I'll never change it again in my life. Fuel tank is new and I blew out the lines so they don't have any junk in them. Next owner can find it and curse me...

Jesse, I have a rebuilt 7042250 and the threads are perfect. Hoping to keep them that way. As mentioned to Eric ^^ this won't be doing a lot of turnpike cruising or DD. Knock on wood, I've never had any of those threads on my QJ's fail.

 

I had a similar problem with my fuel line on my 65 442. I bought my fuel line from ILT. I attached the one end loosely to the fuel pump then with the carb. Removed attached the other end loosely to the carb. Then mounted the carburetor and tightened the lines with flared tube wenches.

 

Wouldn't that put a lot of stress on the lines and make taking the line out very difficult for filter replacement? I really don't want to take my carb off to try and fit this thing. It doesn't even look like it has the right length of tubing, but they say it was reproduced off an original. My fuel pump is original and the pump to carb fitting doesn't come close to what they have on the end for that attachment point. I can put one end (pick one) in, but not the other.

 

My car has been sporting a fuel hose and inline filter since the early 80s (dunno where that metal fuel line went?). Never any leaks or no under hood fires.

 

This seems to be a common complaint about metal carb fuel lines no matter the source. I'll admit I've experienced it too. I usually do what Bfg suggested. Keeping things loosely connected before finally tightened. Sometimes you have to do this as a system and not per each part being fully tight.

I don't know what to think about the stress debate. I read some comments earlier this month about this in another post.

These cars were assembled with some stress in the metal lines and fittings then, why not now? Maybe they were working with parts that fit better.

 

I 'sort of' took a page out of your book. Only difference is I decided to fit one end in properly and see where the other end was out of whack. After about 30 minutes of 'tweaking' the metal line in a small vise to adjust the angles I finally got it to a point where it fits both carb and fuel pump without putting any stress on the fittings or metal line. The biggest challenge was the angle at the fuel pump. I just decide to get brutal and use some force to achieve that angle. Wish I had a mini pipe bender but I got it so it fits in there pretty easily. My assembly pattern now is :

1. Thread fuel pump loosely about 3-4 turns
2. Line up and thread the carb fitting 3-4 turns
3. Flare wrench the 2 fittings till tight. I'm considering using some thread tape on the fittings but they shouldn't need it.

 

The flared ends seal the line, the threads ensure the contact and have no other part in sealing. Thread tape is useless.

 

Thx Eric. I wont use it. Can't wait till this engine fires up again. Still waiting on some other parts from RA to arrive. A few other minor things and she'll be out the door and rolling this year!!!

 

Woohoo, been a long journey.

 

Yes sir! Check your PM inbox.

 

Glad you got the fuel line to work. Make sure you take care of your Quadrajet, the fuel inlet is prone to failure.

 

I bought the stainless line from ILT for my 71 Supreme with the quad. Same problem the line was off about 3/4 of an inch at the carb. About 20 trips to the vice in very small increments I got it to fit perfectly. It looks nice but was a tedious install!

 

Thread tape on fuel line fittings is beyond useless, it is DANGEROUS; can lead to leakage and fires.

 

Has anyone used PTFE hoses?
seem to be a better option to using rubber.

 

Interesting product. Too late for me, I already installed the solid fuel to carb line. Might be something I'll look at on my other cars though. Thanks for the video link.

 

i think i'm going to try it since i broke the steel line when replacing the fuel filter. Is 6AN the same size as the steel line? I think the steel line is 3/8.

 

6 AN is the correct size to use with 3/8" fuel line.

 

Thought so. Thank you.

 

I recently bought one from Super Cars for my 70 W31. I find the easiest way to put them on is to attach to the fuel pump first just finger tight. Then I undo all the carb bolts and completely remove them so i can attach the fuel line to the carb with no interference. Then its easy to maneuver the carb back in place and put the carb bolts back in. This way you have a little leverage. One last thing is i put a slight dab of grease behind the flange so its easier to tighten them up without the fuel line fastener grabbing the flange and twisting it (I had this happen and noticed my fuel line was bending as I tightened it). Anyways that's my 2 bits on repro pump to carb lines. Al

 

That's a good idea. I had leaking from the carb end yesterday when I tried to fire the car up.

 

Will i be able to get a good seal if the hose end doesnt have a flare? The flared end in the pic goes on the hose and doesnt go to the carb or fuel pump.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f...6-bl/overview/