TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:14 am

Hi, All:

I'm going to be replacing the fuel lines on my '69 Beetle. I've read through about a hundred fire threads here, and my head's spinning. Assuming I'll be using the recommended German braided 5mm/5.5mm fuel line, is a 3/8" clamp what I want?

Like, say, these? http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/16047/10002/-1?parentProductId=2111530

Or, what size am I looking for?

I want to go with the "fuel injection hose clamp" type, with rolled edges and more surface area than standard worm-gear clamps.

Many thanks!!!

Bo

Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:32 am

I used those clamps that you linked.

Im running the stock German braided fuel line.

I like those clamps because they dont "cut the hose" like the worm gear type.

Thats a nice price, and will work for your needs.

Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:33 am

3/8 inch ought to be about right. by the way your fuel line is more commonly referred to as fuel hose. the fuel line is more commonly referring to the rigid tuning.

you don't need the solid band clamps with braided hose, as the braiding prevents the extrusion of the rubber hose thru the holes of non-solid band clamps.

For the best hose life, use SAE 30R9 hose or similar lined hose. the unlined hose does not resist todays government mandated corn, lobby sponsored, higher priced, lower mileage, oxygenated fuels.

the 30R9 hose is the new standard.

also be sure to safety wire the carb and fuel pump fittings as needed. there are several Samba write ups on how to do this.

I have had one car catch fire and two develop fuel leaks form the old carb or fuel pump fittings coming loose or falling out. this is a serious safety concerns on our aged VW's.

It is very important to safety wire these fittings. do a search, read the posts, look at the photos and DO IT!

Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:45 am

Those will work depending on the Hose size 5mm stock hose or 7mm fuel injection hose .

http://www.airheadparts.com/vintage-vw-parts/fuel-hose

Wed Nov 06, 2013 10:56 am

Thanks for the confirmation, guys.

I swear, these fire threads have got me freaked out. But, I've now got a fire extinguisher in the car (ABC for now, but eventually Halotron) and I'm all about changing the hoses and safety-wiring the inlet tube on the carb. Oh, and moving the fuel filter out of the engine compartment. I've also got plastic terminal caps on my battery and am picking up a sheet of rubber to lay over it (between it and the seat springs, as a bit of overkill).

I'm sure there's still a way for my Beetle to catch fire, but I'm trying to hit everything I can to prevent it. Better safe than sorry.

Bo

Wed Nov 06, 2013 11:00 am

widerberg wrote: Thanks for the confirmation, guys.

I swear, these fire threads have got me freaked out. But, I've now got a fire extinguisher in the car (ABC for now, but eventually Halotron) and I'm all about changing the hoses and safety-wiring the inlet tube on the carb. Oh, and moving the fuel filter out of the engine compartment. I've also got plastic terminal caps on my battery and am picking up a sheet of rubber to lay over it (between it and the seat springs, as a bit of overkill).

I'm sure there's still a way for my Beetle to catch fire, but I'm trying to hit everything I can to prevent it. Better safe than sorry.

Bo

That is perfect prevention sir!

I relocated my fuel filter where the line comes out of the frame horn by the trans axle. :)

Wed Nov 06, 2013 11:31 am

The fuel filter should be mounted somewhere between the tank and the pump...I put mine down by the transaxle...others insist upon putting their fuel filters between the pump and carb, and this will work, but be certain to safety wire the hose on the carb fitting to a carb screw...engine vibration and the weight of a full filter can, over time, loosen the barb that is pressed into the carb itself...somebody has been threading these barbs into the carb for a few bucks when he rebuilds them...can't remember the name...and don't use those crappy chinese plastic gas filters either...use the metal filters...FYI there was never a fuel filter in the engine bay from the VW factory...and always use hose clamps of your choice everywhere the hoses slip onto a gas line or fitting. :D

Wed Nov 06, 2013 11:48 am

Don't forget the safety wiring, shown here in Glenn's photo:

My own safety wiring is not as neat looking as his.

Wed Nov 06, 2013 11:58 am

Cusser wrote: Don't forget the safety wiring, shown here in Glenn's photo:

My own safety wiring is not as neat looking as his.

Speaking of safety wiring, which I plan to do, how do you all do this? Do you loop the wire under the bolt on the carb, just "lasso" it, or do you drill a hole through the head and thread the wire through there?

I'll be picking up a cheapo pair of safety wire pliers from Harbor Freight. Probably won't last, but I think it'll do the job. Just not sure how best to connect the wire to the carb bolt.

Bo

Wed Nov 06, 2013 6:45 pm

I have put all my safety wires under the screw head, with the screw loosened, then tighten it down. I keep the washer under the wire.

I would not simply lasso the wire around the bolt head, as it may come loose, get it under the head and tighten it down.

yes you could drill a hole thru the head that would be great. little hard to do with a slotted head, better if you use a hex head with no slot.

A nice place to add a fuel filter is under the car near the tranny where the fuel line exits the tunnel, there is some hose on that line, between the tunnel and the engine that is a great place to put a filter. No near by ignition sources.