as the topic says, i broke the metal fuel line to the carb on my 87 Z. problem is, i still cant get the smaller bolt out of the fitting, its in there really bad. when i first tried to get it out i soaked it in liquid wrench for a few days, then after a very long time the bolt finally stripped out. i then got a vise grip wrench on it and the bigger wrench slipped and the whole line turned and snapped. now i have this problem of replacing the line. sorry for the story, but are there any different types of replacements i can use? i hear to replace the metal line it costs around 100 bucks. thanks

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1987 LG4 Camaro z28

Performance
KN airfilter, flowmaster 80 series and catco high flow converter, 180* thermostat

System
Panasonic CQ-DF200U deck, fosgate speakers (hpc1369, frc2246), fosgate 400a4 amp

 

I'd use a short piece of similar line and a compression fitting. You'll have to use a flaring tool as well. Be sure to use a tubing cutter and not a saw of any sort (you don't want to chance sparks when you're playing around a fuel line). You could buy the tubing AND the tools, and still come out with cash to spare for what you were quoted.

 

Parts stores sell rubber fuel line. That and a couple of worm clamps ought to work. If the metal fuel line that is on there now is deformed(jagged edges, bent, crimped,etc.), you could probably buy a small diameter tubing cutter.

Is this an aftermarket carb or a stock Quadrajet? A few years ago when I was replacing a fuel filter on a carbed Z28 I twisted the fuel line right where it meets the carb. I had to use rubber fuel line from the pump right to the inlet on the carb. I think I had to get a new inlet though? It's been a while, so my memory is a little fuzzy on the particulars. If your engine uses high fuel pressure, you'll need high-pressure fuel line. Make sure you check for leaks, and that the line doesn't rub against any hot or moving parts.

I just saw the previous post. Yes, metal line is better. Some places may carry prebent lines, so that may be worth looking into. I'm still a little unclear on what you broke or stripped. Sorry.

[This message has been edited by coach (edited September 17, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by coach (edited September 17, 2001).]

 

thanks for the replies. my carb is the stock quadrajet, and i twisted the metal line a few inches from the inlet on the carb. it started to leak so i got a pair of scissors and broke the line. after breaking the line i took my car into the house to work on it. i was doing all this work to replace my intake manifold. anyways, i was thinking of using the fuel line in that spectre "engine dress up kit" in place of the metal line. would that work? any drawbacks? does metal cool better?

 

I've never worked with braided line before. I think it would look cool,though. I'm looking through the Summit Racing catalog and they carry braided line, and kits. There are other performance parts catalogs around like Jegs, PAW, etc.; but I only have experience with Summit. I've talked to a rep from Jegs before, and he seemed knowledgeable. But I've only bought from Summit and have generally gotten good service.

Anyway, Summit has a braided fuel line kit for around 38 bucks. It goes from the mechanical pump to the carb. The one for the Q-jet is part# SUM-G3129. You may want to give them a call and talk with a technical rep. Tell them your story, and see if that is the right kit for you and if you need anything else(special tools, hose, etc.). The catalog that I have is an older one, so the part# or price may have changed.

You can reach them at 1-800-230-3030(order), or at 1-800-517-1035(customer service).

 

You could get a line from a junk yard. That would be the chapest way to go. Also, I think that engine dress kit is only braided covers for stock hoses and lines. but you could get a junkyead fuel line and cover it with the braided sleeve and it would look cool.

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1983 Firebird
TH700R4 Auto
Small Block 400
LG4 ECM, Intake, Carb, Distributor, etc.
Soon to be non-computer.
Clarion Head Unit 45X4
2 Pioneer 400W 12" Subs
Third Gen Performance
"A four cylinder is half an engine."
"Ponies can run, but birds can fly..."

 

Summit does sell braided line kits. I think they are just rubber line covered in that braided covering, but they do sell the kits.A fuel pump to q-jet kit is $37.95, PN SUM-G3129.

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'86 IROC 5-speed
305 LG4
edelbrock performer rpm intake
edelbrock 600 cfm carb
msd pro billet hei distributer
'95 3.23 rearend
hotchkis rear suspension
PST front polygraphite suspension
"speed kills. buy a f@&d, live forever."