• Hi Guest!
    If you appreciate British Car Forum and our 25 years of supporting British car enthusiasts with technical and anicdotal information, collected from our thousands of great members, please support us with a low-cost subscription. You can become a supporting member for less than the dues of most car clubs.
    There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Subscribers don't see this gawd-aweful banner
Tips
Tips

Fuel Line

Share this page

C

Cutlass

Jedi Warrior
Offline
My 66 BJ8 fuel line is probably what started out on the car, but was also probably butchered beyond recognition in the ensuing forty years. It was attached to the pump by a length of rubber hose, cut in the engine compartment to accommodate an in-line filter, also with rubber hoses. There remains only one fitting, that which was brazed to the end of the line closest to the carbs, to which the braided hose connected. The line itself is 5/16" od steel. So here go the questions: What were original fitting arrangements between the line and the pump, and what is the correct routing? I know the line runs along the passenger frame rail, but that's about all I know for sure. And, if making new lines, is steel the preferred choice? Stainless steel? Thanks in advance.
 
Cutlass,

The fitting brazed (or more likely soldered) to the end of the line near the carbs is probably original. I'll let others give you the routing info for the BJ8 but if you are in the market for a new line I suggest contacting Doug Reid Doug Reid advert. as he makes them up like original.

Cheers,
John
 
Hi Cutlass, the fuel lines terminate in banjo fittings that mount directly to the pump.the lines then run inboard down the passenger side of the frame where they cross over to the drivers side of the car attached to the back of the front crossmember then up to the fitting you have mentioned. A special flex cable completes the run to the front carb's banjo fitting.--Fwiw---Keoke
 
Thanks. I figured that the rat's nest of rubber hose around the fuel pump could not be right. Now to choose the material and gather up some fittings.
 
Clarke Spares has the soldered on fitting for the fuel line to petroflex hose. https://www.clarkespares.com/

Both fuel lines do a large 180 degree curve before terminating with the banjo fittings at the fuel pump. Attached is an image of a BJ7 setup. The fuel pump is different than the BJ8 and this picture shows a fuel filter but it gives you a peek at the routing (assuming the routing is similar for the BJ8)

Cheers,
John
 

Attachments

  • 244968-fuel_line1.jpg
    244968-fuel_line1.jpg
    77.4 KB · Views: 158
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gifCutlass

That rats nest of rubber hoses can leave the fuel tank and its sender ungrounded.Add a positive ground by connecting the sender body to the car chassis in the boot.All filters should be added just before the carbs.---Fwiw---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
 
Thanks all. I do not intend to re-use all those rubber hoses. My guess is that during the life of the car, the fittings were damaged during removal to change the pump, and the quick fix was to cut the line and splice in the hoses. That's just one of the shade tree fixes I've found during this experience.
 
John: May I assume that the in line filter shown in your photo is your mod? If so, that seems like a good place to put the filter, because it can filter the gas before it goes into the pump, and it's hidden from view as well.
 
Hi Cutlass,

The photo is not from my car but yes, the fuel filter between the tank and pump is a mod. I find this a good place to put the filter too, as you say, the pump is protected and the filter hidden. It's just more difficult to get to for changing. And as Keoke points out, having the rubber hose section between the tank and pump can cause grounding issues so a wire from the sender mount to ground may be needed or ground the fuel line before the filter with a P clip or wire.

Cheers,
John
 
I don't find that agood place to put the filter cuz I don't like getting dirty on the side of the road when it plugs up.Plus it does not protect the carbs from debis in the fuel ines and they are a prime source too.Additionaly, if you have that much garbage in the tank its time for a replacement or a Renu--Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
Two can play this game /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif .. if you have that much debris in your fuel line it's time for replacement! If I want to change the filter, I just unscrew the rear seat pan. If I get some 'bad gas' with debris (which is what I'm most concerned with since my tank and lines are clean) I'd rather it did not go through the fuel pump. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

Cheers,
John
 
OH the fuel pump has its own filters, but those at the carb are not capabile of stopping debris.I have gotten bad gas on trips and I simply have the attendant drain the tank at a different station and refill.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
Just checked my SU pump, and the banjo fittings are not the threaded variety. They are the push-on rubber hose type. Is it possible that the later models used petroflex lines connecting to the pump, or has someone replaced the threaded fittings? If so, any idea where I can get the proper fittings?
 
No Cutlass,the later models did not use a flex line.Yes A PO did change the Banjo fittings on your pump. I will look in my stock I may have the fittings. Yep I have a new set Check the Outside diameter of your line and let me know what it is---Keoke?
 
By the way, as I'm writing this, we're watching a re-run of the Eagles Farewell I tour. Between Healeys and the Eagles, this is a good day.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The od of my line is 5/16ths inch. Of course it's been butchered at both ends, so will be replaced.

[/ QUOTE ]

OK The fittings have a 0.320" bore which is correct for the 5/16" line. Go to "Bonaco Inc" first and look at theirs they fit up with threaded fittings which might be an easier way to go.Let me know your decision they been in my bin at least 15 Years.---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Just an update. I found 5/16" steel line at McMaster-Carr in 25' rolls. One is amply sufficient. Tight turns require a tubing bender, readily available. I did decide to use petroflex lines at the pump, in part to allow for an in-line filter, which I was strongly advised to put downstream from the pump, to prevent cavitation in the pump in the event of filter clogging. I'm just about finished, just need to solder the brass fittings on the new line. Is silver solder required here?
 
Hi Cutlass, Silver solder is the best to use if you have the capability to use it. Next best is Silver bearing solder from a Hobby shop. Yes I recommend putting the filter just ahead of the carbs.Glad you got it sorted out----Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Back
Top