Rusted Fuel Feed Line. Replacement? or Fix?

[jayinmadison]

Looking under my car, the fuel feed line is thickly rusted over to the point of flaking off. I am considering replacing the entire line from fuel tank to engine. Has anyone else run into this? Does it make sense to replace? Where can I find a new fuel feed line?

 

Thanks!

[YoungCR]

The specs should be listing on realoem. You'll have to bend the lines for sure. If you buy genuine lines they are pre-flared so that saves some work.

I'd do as much reading on whatever threads you can find, I'd guess this would be a good weekend project.

[patsbimmer1]

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/no-recall-for-corroded-general-motors-brake-lines-103014.html

 

The NHTSA just finished up a 4 year recall investigation into rusting brake lines on GM vehicles that is relevant to this.  Conclusion is, wash your car more and this doesn't happen.  

 

Replacing the fuel line won't be too bad but can be slightly tedious.  I'd recommend replacing the whole thing instead of cutting and patching a spot.  You'll be better off in the long run this way.

[YoungCR]

Yup I agree with Pat, if you patched a section using compression fittings and it's near a source of heat, they loosen and leak every few months.

[GunMetalGrey]

I replaced both the feed and return lines on my e30, you can buy them pre bent and ready to install from either the dealer or any of your favorite online retailers. I went through hell and high water to actually get mine delivered, for many different reasons. 
Well, maybe I bought the last ones, as they are showing NA now... which may explain why it was hard to get.

[GunMetalGrey]

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES36497/
http://www.ecstuning.com/ES36527/
Just kidding

[YoungCR]

Sweet. Maybe it's brake lines that just don't come pre-bent. Good prices too.

[jayinmadison]

Thanks for the links, GunMetalGrey, and the responses. This is the first I've found the pre-bent gas lines. And yep much cheaper than I thought. 

 

@GunMetalGrey, do you have any install tips or online resources that you could point me to? 

[patsbimmer1]

Tip:. Don't light any matches or plug/unplug anything.

[jayinmadison]

Is this the general method? Saw this posted on another forum:

 

"Also don't forget to depressurize the fuel system: Pull fuse 11 (I think that's what it is.) and start the engine, the car will consume the remaining fuel in the line and die on it's own, next pop open the gas cap."

[6670charger]

I ran into this with an E34 wagon I had in Germany. The rear lines around the tank were all rusted and leaking. Ended up junking the car. Trying to bend the lines and get them right is impossible, and when you bend them, they flatten which certainly restricts the inner opening in the tubing. Hopefully you can find prebent lines. If not, good luck.

 

Eric

[straight6pwr]

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES36497/

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES36527/

Just kidding

 

if i had an e30 i'd buy a set of these while they are available, even if i didn't need them. hell of a deal.

[Bobdudeman1988]

When i bend lines i fill them with salt. Keeps them from kinking and flattening. Then rise out with brake cleaner.

[B C]

I hate brake/fuel lines.

Plan on just replacing all of them.

[Earl]

I don't know how I do it but I have gotten really good at bending lines. You need to just go slow and apply even pressure