New Fuel Filler Hose - Am I About To Die? | FerrariChat

New Fuel Filler Hose - Am I About To Die?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by donaldh2o, Nov 11, 2003.

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  1. donaldh2o

    donaldh2o Karting

    Nov 10, 2003
    143
    Irvine CA
    Full Name:
    Don
    The new fuel filler hose for my 1976 308 GT4 arrived today.

    It goes between the filler pipe and the pipe on the gas tank. The procedure, I'm told, is to longitudinally cut the old filler hose, pry it loose, clean off the ebris from both filler pipe and gas tank pipe, lubricate the new hose with Vaseline, slide it on and tighten the clamps.

    It sounds easy, but I don't think I can do it. I have a severe dread of death. I have this picture in my head of this horrendous explosion coming out of my garage and my arms and legs scattered around the neighbors lawns.

    "Cheap Do It Yourselfer Killed Repairing His Ferrari!, details at 11"

    My thinking to prevent the explosion is to fill the gas tank to overflowing to eliminate all gas fumes (gas does not explode but fumes do). But the problem with this idea is the old filler hose is so badly deteriated that more gas goes onto the ground than into the gas tank. Maybe rig a temporary wrap of tape that will last long enough to fill the tank?

    Another thought is to push a towel with a string attached down far enough to plug the tank. Like a Molotov cocktail?

    I'm scared to death to do this - maybe pay the local Ferrari guy to install this would be the right thing to do.

    Anyone ever done this?
     
  2. NC348

    NC348 Karting

    Feb 18, 2003
    154
    Houston, TX
    Full Name:
    James I. Movich
    exactly which activity during this procedure do you believe will cause this explosion?

    unless you are using a 5 HP grinder, risk is minimal. using some steel wool, or 3M pad, or sandpaper will not give a spark, if the spark is your worry. (or you are much faster with it than me)
     
  3. rexrcr

    rexrcr Formula 3

    Nov 27, 2002
    1,572
    Kalamazoo, MI
    Full Name:
    Rob Schermerhorn
    Risk is almost negligible. If it's really dry, just don't shuffle around, and touch the engine block before the fuel filler to dissipate static electricity.

    I wouldn't think twice about the explosion risk.


    Best regards,

    Rob Schermerhorn
     
  4. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,402
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    I concur with NC348....just take your time, and don't get any debris or particles into the gas tank, and you'll be fine. If you were working with any type of electrical device or anything with a flame...I would agree that it is dangerous. But other than some fumes I don't think you'll have any problems.
     
  5. Dom

    Dom F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 5, 2002
    8,475
    I did it on my Gt4. No problems. Didn't blow up. Access is a *****, though.

    BTW, update your profile, and include a pic please!!!

    Dom
     
  6. Dopplemax

    Dopplemax Formula 3

    I replaced line number 26 on mine this past weekend. Took about 2 hours to get to everything and about 2 minutes to actually replace the line. Don't worry about igniting anything when cutting the old hose off. Stay away from everything electrical, keep a fire extinguisher nearby and have someone help. (Firewatch!)

    No problem.
     
  7. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,648
    Land of Slugs & Moss
    Full Name:
    Han Solo
    Be sure to do the operation in a WELL ventilated space. A moderate flow of fresh air through the area should prevent acumilation of fumes. Stuffing a clean rag into the tank 'neck' should keep debris out while cleaning and prevent fumes from 'wafting' out ...................and put your cigarette out before you start.;~}

    DJ

    P.S. I did mine without blowing up too.
     
  8. Sean F.

    Sean F. F1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2003
    3,059
    Kansas
    Full Name:
    Sean F
    Well if you blew up there really are not worries. You won't feel a thing.
     
  9. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

    Jul 21, 2002
    2,559
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Philip
    I did mine on my B a couple of weeks ago. Actually, it was just a question of loosening the clamps and giving it a twist to break its "hold" and then it could be pushed and pulled to get off.
     
  10. 4re gt4

    4re gt4 Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2002
    2,279
    Roseburg, OR
    Full Name:
    Hans E. Hansen
    Donald: I'm assuming you realize this, but just in case.......

    Take off the wheel and the fender liner. The hose is in plain sight. If you try to do it thru the engine compartment, you'll still be doing it this time next year.

    As just mentioned, try giving it a twist before cutting. It might come right off.
     
  11. kdross

    kdross Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 10, 2002
    887
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Ken
    First, do not use Vaseline. It is oil based and will destroy the rubber. Use a water based lubricate instead. Second, disconnect the battery while changing the hose.

    Ken
     
  12. Doody

    Doody F1 Veteran

    Nov 16, 2001
    6,099
    MA USA
    Full Name:
    Mr. Doody
    ROTFL!

    there was a news item today someplace i saw that some poor soul was cutting 55 gallon drums in half with an acetalyne (sp) torch. unfortunately, one of the drums was apparently still sealed up and previously contained paint. so, lots of paint fumes still in it. boom. he's still alive, but the jury's still out :(

    do be careful.

    doody.
     
  13. 4re gt4

    4re gt4 Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2002
    2,279
    Roseburg, OR
    Full Name:
    Hans E. Hansen
    Although when working with hoses my lubricant of choice is silicone, I doubt Vaseline would hurt a hose that is intended to carry gasoline.

    While you are taking off wheels and fender liners, check the 3 little hoses on the top of the other gas tank. These nearly always get neglected, and if they haven't been previously replaced, I can guarantee that they are leaking!
     
  14. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

    Jul 21, 2002
    2,559
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Philip
    Second that, did those too.

    Also, check the lower ones connecting the cross over pipe -- they seem to get neglected or some clown substitutes heater hose type material which will degrade. The OEM piece (priced about $10/inch!) has glossy coating on the inner surface. Silicon hose would be as good but the bits I had to hand were about an inch too short.
     
  15. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2003
    1,505
    Cape Canaveral/Atlanta
    Full Name:
    Walt P
    Find gas filler hose at a parts house for use on the tank bottom hoses at about 90 cents an inch. I just found some today.
     
  16. Ken

    Ken F1 World Champ

    Oct 19, 2001
    16,078
    Arlington Heights IL
    Full Name:
    Kenneth
    Whenever I'm working on gas lines or gas tanks, I disconnect the battery. One I made a nice spark with a wrench by my gas tank and I think that was warning enough for me to not be lazy.
     
  17. John Miles

    John Miles Rookie

    Nov 4, 2003
    21
    Um, and gasoline isn't oil-based, and won't?

    Time to get out the ol' K-Y...
     
  18. Ksullender

    Ksullender Formula Junior

    Sep 3, 2003
    887
    USA
    Just don't leave your ash tray on the air intake!
     
  19. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    12,661
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    Welding 101 teaches you not to use a torch on a container previously filled with combustible material (certainly do not use it on presently filled with combustible material.

    I also changed mine in 30 minutes with the liner off, wheel off, from below, and no BOOM.

    Never heard vaseline destroying a hose that is meant to be impervious to gasoline.
     
  20. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,017
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    Vaseline s/b ok for fuel related lines. I just keep a tube of RadioShack's teflon lube gel around. It's inert so can be used with coolant, fuel, vacuum, etc. hoses.

    BTW, many silicone hoses are NOT rated for petro fuel applications. The silicone absorbs the gas, swells & breaks down! Check the specs first!
     
  21. rivee

    rivee F1 Rookie

    Jan 20, 2002
    3,731
    Nowhere important, USA
    Full Name:
    John
    Are you worried about a spark when cutting off the old hose?

    I don't think aluminum will spark by scoring it with a knife anyway.
     

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