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Wed May 23, 2018 12:20 pm

Why does Jbugs sell 1/4 or 6.35mm inside diameter fuel line for my 73 bug when on here from the forums people are saying to get the 5MM (5.5)?

Wed May 23, 2018 12:29 pm

I believe it’s 5mm. I’ll be corrected if I’m wrong.

Wed May 23, 2018 12:36 pm

It is 5mm, I don;t know what the OP is looking at but when I go to jbugs website and select 1973 beetle fuel hose this comes up:

https://www.jbugs.com/product/N203551.html

The larger size ID is for later high pressure fuel injected models I think?

Wed May 23, 2018 12:46 pm

The 1/4 inch will work, but it needs a hose clamp to be secure. dont use it without a clamp, use a fuel system solid band clamp, not the type with perforated bands.

also be sure to get lined fuel hose that is resistant to todays government mandated oxygenated fuels that can degrade unlined hose. One such hose is a hose that meets SAE 30R9 specification, it has a fluoropolymer, Teflon like inner liner. SAE 30R7 does NOT have a liner. SAE 30R9 will be printed on such rated hose.

also see link below regarding engine fires and safety wires.

Good Luck, Bug O, With a Leak Tight Fuel System!

Wed May 23, 2018 1:14 pm

Great help thanks

Wed May 23, 2018 1:20 pm

I'm using 1/4" hardline on a 2180 with dual 48 IDAs.

You'll be fine.

Sat Jun 02, 2018 8:49 pm

I want to replace all the fuel tank vent lines just want to know what size hose I need and how many feet to buy.

Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:06 pm

Part of the confusion is that the hardlines are by design about 1mm larger in dia than the flex line so that the hoses stretch (creating a natural seal fit) to fit over the hardline.

So 5mm hose is paired with ~6mm hardline. You can use a 1/4"hardline, but there is no self sealing from the stretch so you have to use a clamp.

Sun Jan 05, 2025 9:16 am

Can someone tell me what diameter this vent line should be on my 73 standard beetle?

I've read online that it is either 5.5 or 3mm? It looks like it should be 3mm but any confirmation before I order would be appreciated.

Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:17 am

The vent hoses are 4mm ID. See here:
https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/etka/volkswagen/1200/32u/025100/

Mon Jan 06, 2025 9:29 am

The metal fuel lines are 6mm OD. The rubber hoses are designed to be ~10% smaller - hence the 5.5mm factory spec.

Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:25 am

5mm is too small for the 6mm hard lines, has a tendency to stretch and split the ends of the hose. 5.5mm fuel hose is avlaibale in stock looking cloth wrap.