Hi team thirdgen.

I'm replacing vacuum lines and I wonder if there is a need to replace the hard plastic lines- like the ones that run from the canister to the TB with hard lines? They are hard to find and expensive and I would like to replace with silicone type flexible hose.

Thoughts?

 

If you want to keep it stock looking, you can buy hard plastic vacuum line from a parts store and bend it yourself with a little heat.

 

Thanks. I'm not bothered by keeping it stock looking really.

 

 

I just use 3/8" rubber "fuel line" for all of my vacuum lines. It's more durable and cheap. They sell it by the foot at AutoZone/Advanced

 

Of course I'm running a carb'd 350, so maybe the requirements are a little different.

 

Nice poster, keep up the good work!

 

Guys nobody has directly answered my question. Can I use soft instead of hard vacuum lines and will this present any problems?

Thanks

 

Sorry, I thought I did. the line I was referring to is a soft line, no problems and it's been that way for years.

 

I'm sorry. Yes you can. I just wouldn't use a real soft line that could collapse.

 

That would suck lol

 

ba-dum-ching.

 

Thanks- that's great.

So why did they use hard ones in the 1st place?

 

My guess is for production reasons so they wouldn't get in the way, and would look neater in the engine bay?

 

Very good. Lol

 

thanks for the tip.never thought about that.

 

Iwas thinking the same thing... swapping the hard plastic vacuum lines that are located under the TPI plenum with regular silicone / rubber lines....

 

Can't speak for how it would work with the TPI setup, but that's all I have under my hood in terms of vacuum line and it's caused no issues.

 

Is 3/8 the right size for all the vaccum lines? My mecahnic pulled the plenum off to change the fuel injectors, and the vaccum lines broke in multiple sections. I want to completely replace them with rubber or silicone hose, but I need to know the right size.

Thanks!
Bill

 

It's either 3/8" or 1/4", honestly I can't remember. I'm leaning towards 3/8" though. If you find a replacement part online or something it should have that listed and you can pull the size from that.

 

I haven't been able to find ANY stock replacement vaccum lines online. If I could, I would be pursuing that option.

 

Does anyone know the size? I would like to order some silicone tubing.

Thanks!
Bill

 

You can buy it by the roll at the parts store. going to be a combo of 5/16ths, and 3/8ths I would imagine.

 

I am in the same boat. I think I might have a vacuum leak so I am in the process of buying new check valves and hoses. I plan on replacing everything I can get my hands on with silicone thick walled rubber hoses and some new elbow/T tubes. Just need the inside diameter and stuffs. Looks like 3/8ths and 1/4 win....

I found a forum on a hot rod site talking about why you should get silicone over rubber. http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/86-...ber-hoses.html is the link. I bought this kit

http://www.siliconeintakes.com/liqui...ose-p-592.html

and i will update once I get it. It comes with 4, 6, 8, and 10mm I/D silicone hose in 18, 12, 6, and 8ft lengths. The total kit costs 62$ or so with shipping. Choose USPS for shipping. SAVE THE POSTAL SERVICE!