TR2/3/3A TR3 Fuel Line - where to buy?

[PatGalvin]

Does anyone know where to purchase 5/16th inch tubing for a TR3 fuel line? I'd like to bend my own as I plan to install an electric fuel pump under and near the tank. I just have no idea where to obtain this? Unlike brake lines, FLAPS don't carry rolls of this stuff. And what material to use? Steel, aluminum, or CuNi? I kept the old fuel line as a template. If anyone has done this and has lessons learned, I'm also interested. Body is off frame so I have full access to install. Thanks

Pat

 

[TR3driver]

Plated steel brake line will work fine; in fact I believe that's what the factory used.

Don't know if there is any truth to it, but I've heard that copper will hasten the breakdown of gasoline and lead to gum formation in the carb. But that was a long time ago, so perhaps it's not true with modern fuel. The folks that market Cunifer line in the US say it's fine:
https://store.fedhillusa.com/5168mmtubingandnuts.aspx

I wouldn't use aluminum, just because it cracks easy from vibration. But a little poking about on the 'net turns up several stories of it being attacked by E10, so that would be another reason not to use it.

 

[tdskip]

Hey - Pat I just opened a thread on Cunifer as well. Am considering using it on brake lines. Supposed to be very nice to work with.

 

[TR3driver]

It is nice to work with, much easier to bend than steel. But since it's softer, it's also more vulnerable to abrasion. You need to be careful not to do stupid things like

This made almost no noise at all, just a light brushing sound kind of like the noise disc brakes make. But less than 100 miles later, the line was worn through!

 

[PatGalvin]

I installed the Cunifer brake lines from major LBC parts supplier. It was really easy to work with as compared to steel. Much easier to flare.

I learned a lot as the kit absolutely didn't fit so I cut and refit several lines. And had to make a few trips to AutoZone and buy steel lines for lines that were too short or where I biffed the install. Was an expensive lesson.

You'll get really good at this by the time you're done!

Pat

 

[JohnnyMead]

Pat,
I replaced the section of fuel line from the tank on my 3A with CuNi from Moss. I originally used steel, but I could not get a good seal at the tank with the locally obtained compression fitting. The CuNi from Moss actually had the correct profile ferule fitting and it worked.
Where are you thinking about placing the fuel pump?
John

 

[PatGalvin]

Hi John
I don't know exactly where to mount it. It is a little boxy Facet solid state pump, similar to what Moss sells. I think I can mount it just below the tank off to one side, maybe up high against the wheel well? Anyone have any good experience where to mount a little Facet fuel pump?

 

[JohnnyMead]

I've thought about that as well. What about along the frame rail? Seems to have a few advantages:
-minimizes the number of fittings (could substitute for the union fitting)
-easy access (under the tank is tough if you have the driver side outlet)
-no hot exhaust to drip on in case of a leak.