Hey everybody! I finally got my Camaro. It is a 1989 RS I am the second owner and just started tuning it up. My problem is when I went to put in a new fuel filter, the lines were seriosuly corroded and despite my efforts not to crack the line.....I failed. I broke it just off the filter on the tank side of the filter.
Question: Can I replace that portion with rubber hose or am I asking for trouble? Anybody know what size I need? Thanks for your help!!!
Al

 

If you still have the end that connects to the fuel filter in tact, and enough hardline off that to attach a rubber hose to, yes, you can 'fill in the blank' with rubber hose - a few inches of it won't hurt anything. Just be sure to use FUEL INJECTION HOSE rather than regular carb fuel hose - you'll know the diffference in the price, FI hose is about $3 a foot, reg hose about $1 a foot. The FI hose should also have FUEL INJECTION printed on it. The hardline size is 3/8ths - so you'll need 3/8th INSIDE DIAMETER hose. And of course clamps.

If there is not enough hardline/coupler left to connect to the fuel filter, then you'll need to get the correct size couple, and you can use a hard brake line. You should actually be able to buy a 3/8ths size brake line with the right coupler already on one end, and already flared on the end to hold the coupler. Check places like NAPA or CARQUEST - they carry short pieces of line like this usually in a rack by the counter. Test fit to the fuel filter at the store to make sure.

Otherwise, you can get a hard 3/8ths brakeline and buy a flaring tool and use your old fuel filter connector (or a new one the right size), place it on the hardline, and flare the end yourself. Then cut as needed, and connect to your hardline in your car with the fuel injection hose/clamps.

 

there should be a point where the fuel line changes from steel to flexible rubber. if its corroded that bad, you could buy some rubber fuel line (probably 3/8s diameter) and replace the entire section.

 

Thanks! Let me give this a try. I post and let you know how it works out.