79Cruzer

In my zest to change the fuel filter yesterday, I managed to twist the fuel line out of shape trying to remove the filter. Never did get it out yet and it now leaks all over the intake manifold!. I now have to replace the line between the pump and the carb. When I put a new line on, should I use teflon tape (what plumbers use on pipes) to seal the connections or should I just screw the new line in? Is there a problem with using this tape? Since I've haven't bought the new line yet, can you get these in flexible stainless steel lines?

motown 71

I replace my line last year and used the teflon tape.
I used brake line from the local parts store, they had a tube bender in their tool loaner program. Very Easy.

79Cruzer

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure about the teflon tape but it seemed like a reasonable idea! I would rather buy the one piece replacement or the flexible hose to speed up the process and be ready for driving in the next week or so if the salt gets washed off the roads here in the meantime.


[Modified by 79Cruzer, 8:10 PM 3/24/2004]

killain

Just my 0.02, But I would get the original replacement. 80% of these cars end life on fire and in a junk yard. Telflon will give out under use of gasoline. A tiny tab of gas resistant permatex is a better idea.

red79c3

you should NEVER use teflon on any kind of fuels as it will get eaten away over time and can then cause leaks. if you want to use something you can get a 3M product called "thread seal" its good for all fuels. I use it all the time in my engine room on the yacht that i work on.

79Cruzer

killain. Thanks for the advice. I'll do the original replacement and be done with it! You're so right about fires. Long story short..... I just installed my new seats today and fired up the car to listen to some tunes and dream of getting this baby back on the road in the next few weeks. After a few minutes, I smelled gas so I shut the car off immediately and popped the hood. What I found was gas all over the intake!!! I knew I had twisted the gas line a bit when I tried to get at the fuel filter off so I knew the line would need to be replaced, but I didn't know it was leaking until this afternoon. I'm pretty lucky on this one and it would have been a bugger to have the new seats go ablaze at the same time!


[Modified by 79Cruzer, 8:27 PM 3/24/2004]

mark79,80

Seal on fuel lines is made by the flare pressing against the fuel filter
fitting on the carburetor. Teflon tape does not help with the seal.
Would purchase the correct pre-bent fuel line. It is available from
the major corvette parts vendors and the pre-bent tubing suppliers
such as Classic Tube.

The line may also not seal if the inside of the fuel line fitting becomes
distorted or the threads are stripped. These fittings can still be
purchased new from GM or from a carburetor parts supplier. May also
check a used carburetor to see if the fitting is good as the last time I
bought the fitting from GM it was around $20.

79Cruzer

Looks like I've got what I need now. Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll go with the original part replacement and all new fittings. Although I like to keep the costs down for the car this one will get the best treatment. :)


[Modified by 79Cruzer, 8:41 PM 3/24/2004]