Fuel line replacement questions '83 QV?

Fellow F-Chatters,

I'm replacing my fuel lines and wanted to know what you guys have used or recommend in replacing the black plastic tie (cable/zip tie?) that holds the crossover pipe and fuel lines that run between R + L tanks along the fire wall. It measures about 1cm wide with the "buckle" measuring 1.5cm. It is NOT the retaining clip that bolts to the fire wall. Attached is a picture.

Also, do the tanks have to be loosened/dropped to get better access to the hard to reach nipples at the top of the tanks?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

-Wilson
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I just did this on my 328 yesterday - looks like the same setup. I used two black wire ties side by side in place of that wider clamp. For me, the fittings on the top of the tank were accessible by removing the wheel well covers without dropping the tank. HOWEVER, that will depend on the size of your hands/arms. The right side is a bit more challenging than the left but it wasn't a big deal. However, depending on your arm/hand size, I'd be prepared to drop the tanks. Since you have to pull the wheel well panels anyway you'll be able to figure out if that's necessary. One of the most difficult parts was getting a screwdriver (Phillips) on the hose clamps. I don't know if the clamps were oem or not but they did not have hex-heads on the screw.

 

Mike996,

Thanks for that advice. I actually did most of the right sided fuel lines without dropping the tanks but it was not easy (haven't done the driver's side ones yet). Hardest part was getting the high pressure FI return line to the top of the right tank.

Did you have to unbolt the 2 lines (fuel and aluminum crossover) that bolt to the firewall?

Thanks.

 

No, I didn't have to unbolt those lines. Also - I mixed up my left and right... the passenger side was easier than the driver's side as far as access - at least on the 328.

 

Removal of the deck lid and coils makes it an easier job.

 

Thanks for that advice Dan. I was a little hesitant to remove the deck lid as I haven't done it before and also working by myself makes it a one-man job. Will remove the coils though for better access.

BTW, I got all the hoses from Dave Helms, both the fuel line kit and the evaporative hose kit. The orange hoses from Scuderia Rampante are super and include 3 "new" 5/8" hoses for the cross over lines (#66, 67, 68 on TAV. 11).

Thanks Dave again for making a superior product!

 

No problem. I replaced all of my lines a few years back. It will definitely go quicker the second time around. When replacing the deck lid there are alignment holes (3) on each side you use for alignment. You can put small screw drivers or drill bits in them to keep the deck lid aligned when snugging down the deck lid bolts.

 

mcmaster carr supply has something kind of close.

 

Do the Dave Helms hose look the same externally? Want to keep the car looking original.

If anyone knows - same question for Dave's water system hoses.

Jeff

 

I believe Mark (MWR4440) found them. I will PM him and see if he can jump in on this.

""Do the Dave Helms hose look the same externally?""

Nope, nor did I want them to, OEM are still available for the show cars. Check Daniel's site as he photo'd most every set and has them all in stock. What models that are not shown can be made.

 

Yes I did. Scowered the world for the darn things.

I found the ones that are OEM to the Mondi and VERY Close to the 308s. Even same manufacturer for the "purist."

I'll post sourcing info tonight when I get home.

 

Deck lid? Nope. Would NOT do that for this job. Coils probably, but I did not.

Just remove the tires and inner fenders and plastic air scoops. It is all pretty easily accessable from underneath then.

It CAN be done from above with the deck lid in place BUT I WOULD NOT recommend it unless you are tall, lanky and have long arms and long fingers on small hands. Still lost a bit of blood on this one.

HINT: Loosen all the hose clamps and allow them to sit over night. Come back the next day and they have likely loosened somewhat and the chances of the hoses coming off w/o having to cut them off and risk screwing up a nipple goes up exponentally.

 

Thanks Mark (MWR4440) in advance for posting a source for the cable clamps.

Regarding keeping the car looking original, as Dave mentioned, the hoses in his kit do not appear OEM (no braided cover). Some have argued against having a braided sheath as it may conceal signs of cracks and hose wear. If you are planning to compete on the concours circuit, this may not work. As a number of the fuel hoses in the kit are Dave's proprietary Scuderia Rampante design, their orange cover will hardly be stock in appearance...but very cool! I would even argue that they would increase the value of the car (at time of resale).

In my case, safety and piece of mind were more important than appearance. This is especially true after reading about catastrophic consequences of leaking fuel not to mention the issues of personal safety in these wonderful machines. Ethanol in the fuel supply does not appear to be going away so any replacement hose not designed to address this problem will need to be changed frequently (beginning to sound like timing belts).

 

Lem,

Got them from Allied Electronics, Colson (Legrand) Part # 31913.

Look at the pic above. The ones I have have a single locking buckle instead if the two pictured (pics of Mondis show the ones I have). The pics on the web site were inaccurate and I run out of money and time purchasing them all until I found the right ones for the 308.

If mine will suit you I'll sell them at $1.00 a piece plus postage.

Contact me via PM if you want.

Mark

 

What is the harm in removing the deck lid? I found it easier to view the nipples on top of the tank as well as obtain better leverage when putting on new hoses and of course I removed the wheel well liner and plastic scoops and performed some of the work from the bottom. I did not completely remove the coils just loosened them to provided better access. Sure it can be done with the coils and deck lid in place it is just easier with them out of the way and not very time consuming to remove or reinstall.

 

No inherent harm at all to remove the deck lid. It would give LOTS more room to work, for sure.

I must admit that perhaps I am a wimp. IF you do not put that deck lid back on exactly correct, there is a GOOD chance that you MAY missaline it. IF YOU DO, it MAY NOT open after you close it and then when you pull the lever.

Then you have only 2 choices that I now of to get it open. Smash out a rear light or drill a hole in the luggage compartment to reach the cable to activate the two latches. THAT part scares me enough to do ANYTHING I can not to remove the lid.

Unreasonable fear; perhaps.

 

Agree that there no inherent harm in removing the lid but IMO, although access is better with the lid removed, it's not necessary to do the job and you are adding a complexity factor and additional work that doesn't need to be there. Yes, it may provide better access but just removing the well covers provides "sufficient" access.