Hard fuel line

[drooartz]

I'd like to replace the hard line that runs from the fuel pump in the rear (I'm switching to an electric pump) to the engine bay.

What do I use? What sort of line is needed?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Just use some brake line tubing.

 

[drooartz]

Do I need any sort of flare or ridge on the ends for clamping on the soft lines?

 

[Jim_Gruber]

For lack of knowledge on the right tubing to use 9 years ago I used copper tubing from an icemaker. Soft enough to be easily bendable and can be clamped easily. No flares simple 3/8 or 5/16" tubing and a clamp. Maybe not proper but it's worked for me for last 9 years without a hitch.

 

[Atrus]

I used brake line tubing and just hose clamp'd it on.

I couldn't get the right flare on the new tubing to fit it to the tank, so I kept a few inches of the old hard line and nut, and then spliced it into the new hard line with tubing. Run the new hardline up into the engine bay, splice to filter with soft line clamps, then softline to pump and to carbs.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks all. Will most auto parts stores have brake line tubing long enough (I rough measured at around 8' or so) or will I need to go somewhere else.

I'm going to keep enough of the original line to run from the tank to above the rear axle. It's already there and has the proper end needed for the tank.

 

[Atrus]

I ordered my line and filter from Summit.

 

[spritenut]

I too use 1/4" od copper icemaker tubing.
But keep the nipple end in the tank, all metal and rubber fuel lines are 1/4"
Icemaker tube comes in 10' rolls. More than enough for a Sprite.

 

[smaceng]

I bought 1/4" dia. tube from Fedhillusa.com. Looks just like the brake lines and is easy to bend. I plan to put a flare on the end, just because it will prevent the flexible tubing from slipping off.

 

[Roger]

Excellent choice - I have used that too. Copper was much used for fuel lines in the early days, though it does have one problem. It must be supported at frequent intervals or vibration will work-harden it and it'll crack.
Ever so easy to anneal, though, and get it all soft and pliable again.

 

[drooartz]

Thanks all again for the info. Just picked up 10' of 1/4" copper tubing. Should be getting it all installed next week.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Drew,

Make sure you properly support the copper tube. I had mine crack under the car. I simply spliced in a piece of rubber hose and resolved all of the issues.