Wiggles

Had to replace my fuel line from pump to carb since it was badly kinked at the carb end (not repairable - too close to the nut area to patch up) and full of varnish and road sludge. I got 2 feet of braided stainless -6AN hose and some 3/8 brake line inverted male, pre-flared. I brought my old steel fuel line to the auto store with me and the flared ends and nuts matched up exactly.
Its the poly armour and looks alot like this - http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znet...X-508/image/2/

After using a tube cutting tool and a tube bender to get the proper 90 degree curves on both ends, I hooked everything up. The problem occurred right after I turned the car over, gas began to drip out of the carb fuel line end, then I looked underneath....lots of gas coming out from the pump end. I made sure everything was properly tightened and such.

I know some would say, "use teflon seal tape" or something, but since the threads and flared ends are a perfect match, I shouldn't have to. What can I do to prevent this leakage? Help!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, its leaking from the flared areas, not where the tube is joined with the hose...those hose clamps are holding it on properly on both ends.

camaronewbie

Might the fuel lines be bubble flares instead of standard flares? In which case you'd have to get bubble-flared tubing or make double-flared ends in order for it to seal?

I don't know what type they are supposed to be, it was just the thought that I had - there is quite a difference between bubble or double-flared vs. standard flared. A standard flare ends like the end of a trumpet, whre a bubble flare is rounded on the end (thus the bubble name).

Apeiron

You're sure your lines are 45 degree flare? Not 37?

Wiggles

1. I checked and the original fuel line has the bubble flare (what looks to me like a fat lip) as does the new brake line that I used.

2. I wasn't aware that even existed, but now that you mention it, it makes sense that my setup requires a 37 degree flare; the 45 degree angle I currently have is not forming a tight seal internally thus causing fuel to leak consistently on both ends.



Can anyone provide me with a link or part number to purchase the proper -6 AN 3/8 fuel and/or brake line inverted male that are flared to 37 degrees?

Wiggles

I decided to post this so that it may help others in case they run into this problem:


I figured it out over the weekend....there were a few issues as to why there were major leaks - 1) When installing new fittings, make sure the hose (especially braided stainless steel which is quite stiff) is not already connected to the fitting...otherwise you'll thread it incorrectly and it won't form a seal. You'll essentially be fighting the hose while attempting to thread the nut inside the inlet. 2) Make sure you really tighten the nuts; they seem to require quit a bit of strength compared to other nut and bolts I've encountered. 3) Inspect the pre-flared ends for any imperfections before purchasing...the flared end that was in the fuel pump was not a complete circle on the lip; it was a slight "D" shape and not sealing inside.

After recutting and bending another fitting, I hooked up the fittings on carb and pump first, then hooked up the braided line, and turned over the engine. I had a slight amount of moisture in the beginning, but after further tightening the nuts, they were completely sealed with no leaks.

Being an amateur doesn't help, but I've learned from my mistakes and move forward. I hope this helps anyone who crosses paths with the same issue.