610StaWag Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 I have tried all the major auto parts stores and online parts companies but I have been unable to find metal fuel line material to make a new fuel line for our 1973 Datsun 610 Station wagon. I assume that aluminum tubing is not safe for use on a stock street car, Is copper tubing OK and safe to use?Is it possible to get stainless steel tubing that can join to the stock 1/4" ID "rubber" flexible hose? last week my carb guy said the carb was filled with 'varnish' again, he didn't know of any fuel filter that can stop 'varnish', What is the cleanest brand of gas? I am in southern California. Yes, I did have the tank cleaned by a radiator shop yesterday. Now I want to make sure the fuel line is new. I will be picking up a new fuel pump next week. 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 Carbs don't fill up with varnish. 'Varnish' is a dissolved fuel additives (dispersants and detergents) in your fuel that really don't pose a problem unless left for long periods allowing the fuel to evaporate... leaving these deposits behind. The best cure is to drive your vehicle regularly to not allow this to happen. Anything small enough to pass the fuel filter is not going to clog your carb. Change you fuel filter more often and drive your car. If it's running, you don't need a 'new' fuel pump. Your original is better than any you can buy. 1 Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 Lots of options out there.. quick google came up with this: http://www.eastwood.com/fuel-trans-line-tubing-25-3-8-w-6-oe-fittings.html?fee=7&fep=1268&SRCCODE=GA220010&adpos=1o2&creative=83580269100&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAjwiMe8BRD0ts3Vtv-ohWgSJAAZurk1teFK4Hlbl8IzDnghJEUQcPWLto9TsFGiNEV8IjeoORoCqpHw_wcB 1 Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 Here is one I made from two lengths from any part store and a union: 1 Quote Link to comment
Lockleaf Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 O'Reilly sells lengths like draker shows and the unions for them. You may have ask them for hard metal brake line, but it's a universal use material that bends nicely and will work fine. 1 Quote Link to comment
shacks510 Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 Aluminum is fine for a street car, and is the easiest to work with. 2 Quote Link to comment
Dguy210 Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 Amazon sells steel fuel line in rolls. Cheap too. 1 Quote Link to comment
Charlie69 Posted July 23, 2016 Report Share Posted July 23, 2016 Here is one I made from two lengths from any part store and a union: Nice job bending that line Draker. Wish you were closer. 2 Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted July 24, 2016 Report Share Posted July 24, 2016 And you don't need a bunch of fancy tubing benders either. I use different size tubing to get the radius I want and just roll it over the tube until the bend is right. Flaring a fuel line is not absolutely required, but I would do a bubble flare on either end just to make sure the fuel line never pops off. 3 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted July 24, 2016 Report Share Posted July 24, 2016 I use a can of peas.... 3 Quote Link to comment
Dguy210 Posted July 24, 2016 Report Share Posted July 24, 2016 I use a can of peas....So you're saying we should give peas a chance? 4 Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 "...can of peas, my ass, that's a Ritz cracker and chopped liver!" - The Godfather 1 Quote Link to comment
Cheetahking Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Whirled peas...... Quote Link to comment
hosestop@msn.com Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Try E-Z bend tubing from Brake quip it will bend around a plastic hammer in a 1.5" radius with out a kink (25ft. about 60 bucks 3/16 size) . I use 5/16 fuel on SR swaps for street cars bends easy ! Quote Link to comment
UnderControl Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 Running 3/8 aluminum from speedway motors. Super easy to work with and no issues. Be sure to properly secure the lines and you shouldn't have any problems. Only thing I would do differently is that I would have gotten a tubing straightener to make for a cleaner install. Quote Link to comment
Stoffregen Motorsports Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 I use 3/8 for fuel and 3/16 for brake, some 1/4 and 5/16 for various fuel return, breather and emissions stuff. I only use good steel tubing, except when I use stainless. I don't have any problems getting the bends right. 1 Quote Link to comment
nvestor88 Posted June 6, 2017 Report Share Posted June 6, 2017 Is the size of the metal fuel lines 3/16? What type of metal is best? Copper or aluminum? Looking to replace the fuel line on mine. Quote Link to comment
distributorguy Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 The only reasons to replace fuel line are rust, kinks, or other physical damage. Fuel is full of cleaners, so the lines are self-cleaning, at least internally. If you ask for steel brake line, you can get it any any auto parts store. Or run a larger size, as most 4 cylinder cars use 5/16" ID (3/8" OD). I suspect if you use a factory fuel pump you'll need the smaller size or you may never get the pump to prime (or at least it could take a LONG time.) 1 Quote Link to comment
Charlie69 Posted June 26, 2017 Report Share Posted June 26, 2017 I use a can of peas.... I thought you used can spinach!!! LOL Quote Link to comment
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