Help/Advice: SS Fuel Line Install

[Spoolin98]

Hey guys/girls,
I'm in the process of installing a ss fuel line in my 2g. I have a few questions and I need some advice from people who have already done this. First off, I followed Black84DSM's write-up on how to make the ss lines.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218391
When I was tightening down both ends of the fitting, the ss line backed out about a mm or so, then it stopped. I gave the ss line a good tug and it didn't come out, is this ok? In the write up the ss line did not back out at all.

Now on to some more questions...
I already removed the stock line, now I'm figuring out how to run the ss line. This is how I am planning to run the line.

 

[Spoolin98]

Sorry for posting different picture in multiple posts, but I thought it would be easier for people to respond to my many questions. Next, I’m having trouble with one bracket that holds the stock lines; it’s not like the rest. You can’t unscrew the bracket and remove it. Here is a picture of it; it is right before the subframe (removed). Any idea of how to remove this and reinstall it? Or do I have to break it and buy a new one? Any ideas on how I should route the ss line if I can’t put it through this bracket?

 

[Spoolin98]

Here are some more pictures of how I plan on installing it and running the line. I plan on using a clamp to secure the ss line where the ziptie is and right where the ss line makes its first bend off the pump. I am going to put rtv in the clamps to keep the lines from chafing, unless someone else can give me a better idea? I can get the ss line and the 2 hard lines next to it in the clamp, but they wont stay solid, they move too much. Sorry for the bad angle pictures, it hard to take pictures squeezed under a car. Tell me what you guys think, any advice from the experienced?

 

[project_tsi]

The SS line backing out a mm or so is nothing to worry about. As long as it doesn't come out 1/4 in or more, I woulnd't worry about it at all. Its still in there plenty good.

As for running the hose by the non removeable OEM holder, you can buy some rubber insulated hose holders that use self tapping screws to hold up the hose. This is way I ran my line, using these rubber insulated hose holders.

Othewise, your setup looks good, very nicely done.

 

[project_tsi]

Go down about 1/4 of the page and you can see some of my fuel line setup.

http://dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208602&page=4

 

[DSM90AWD]

Any ideas on how I should route the ss line if I can’t put it through this bracket?

Have you looked to see if that bracket was secured from the inside of the car?
Most SS Installs I've seen the person didnt' bother to re-use the stock brackets, instead just getting some of THESE and routing them separately.

BTW, on a side note, make sure to flush the fuel lines out before permanantly installing on the car. Alot of crap can build up on the inside from all the cutting / end installing which you dont' want to contaminate your fuel filter/injectors with

 

[Spoolin98]

The SS line backing out a mm or so is nothing to worry about. As long as it doesn't come out 1/4 in or more, I woulnd't worry about it at all. Its still in there plenty good.

As for running the hose by the non removeable OEM holder, you can buy some rubber insulated hose holders that use self tapping screws to hold up the hose. This is way I ran my line, using these rubber insulated hose holders.

Othewise, your setup looks good, very nicely done.

If you look at the first picture on my 3rd post, you can see the ducktape is wrapped around the line. If you look closely, you can see a tiny bit of ss line showing between the ducktape and the fitting, thats how much it backed out. I put the ducktape right up against the fitting before tightening it down to see how much it backed out.

As for running the line using rubber hose holders, what do I do exactly? I looked at your photos, very nice, but not too helpful in my situation of routing the line. See heres the problem, if I run the ss line in the factory removable clamps, then when I come to the nonremovable clamp I have to move the line. I either need to route it around it or over it (not inside it). I'm not sure what to do here. Should I just not run it in the factory clamps, and run it along the side of the factory lines with clamps and self tapping screws? I don't want to do that though, I like the look of it being in the factory clamp.

Thanks for your help bro, I appreciate it.

 

[Black94DSM]

It's great seeing people use my install as a helper. Looks like you are doing very well on the install. Good luck with finishing it all up.

 

[project_tsi]

The link above that John provided is what I was reffering to, the rubber insulated hose mounting clamps. As you can see, they are very simple and straight forward to use.

I would do what John mentioned to see if the OEM line hanger attaches inside the car, and if not, then I would simply use a mounting clamp like I mentioned and run it right next to the OEM clamp. Its easy and it works great.

 

[Spoolin98]

Have you looked to see if that bracket was secured from the inside of the car?
Most SS Installs I've seen the person didnt' bother to re-use the stock brackets, instead just getting some of THESE and routing them separately.

BTW, on a side note, make sure to flush the fuel lines out before permanantly installing on the car. Alot of crap can build up on the inside from all the cutting / end installing which you dont' want to contaminate your fuel filter/injectors with

Yeah, I looked all over the passenger side floor, Its definitely not screwed through. I think its just a welded on stud or something? I have tons of those clamps sitting around, thats what I planned on using in other sections to secure it. I might just end up routing it outside the stock brackets, but I already cut the stock ones up to fit the ss line, oops! I guess I'll be heading to a junk yard for some to replace them with. I defiantly will flush the line before installing, I had that in mind, but thanks for the tip. I was hoping to find a hydraulic shop that can pressure test the completed hose to see if it leaks before installing it.

 

[Spoolin98]

It's great seeing people use my install as a helper. Looks like you are doing very well on the install. Good luck with finishing it all up.

Thanks Bob, it was a really helpful.

 

[project_tsi]

Oh BTW, your not supposed to use any type of tapes when installing the SS braided line. There is a link from Earls or Aeroquip explaining why, but your not supposed to do it. Yes, I know its a bi*** to get the SS line in the fitting but it can be done, make sure all the SS lines are cut neatly and cleanly, and use plenty of lube (I used oil) on the SS line and the fitting and you can work its way in place. It may take a few tries to get it right, but once you have it, it is cake.

 

[Spoolin98]

The link above that John provided is what I was reffering to, the rubber insulated hose mounting clamps. As you can see, they are very simple and straight forward to use.

I would do what John mentioned to see if the OEM line hanger attaches inside the car, and if not, then I would simply use a mounting clamp like I mentioned and run it right next to the OEM clamp. Its easy and it works great.

Yeah I used those clamps before, they come in very handy. It doesn't attach in the car, so thats ruled out. Looks like I might be heading to the junk yard to replace the plastic I chewed up to fit the ss line in, and then running it along the stock lines like everyone suggested. The only reason I was thinking the stock brackets would work is because me and my buddy did that on his 1g, but he ran a ss fuel line along with complete ss brake lines throughout the car, his brackets worked perfectly. Well, you live you learn. Thanks again everyone! I'll keep you guys posted. Im really leaning towards running it outside the stock brackets.

 

[Spoolin98]

Oh BTW, your not supposed to use any type of tapes when installing the SS braided line. There is a link from Earls or Aeroquip explaining why, but your not supposed to do it. Yes, I know its a bi*** to get the SS line in the fitting but it can be done, make sure all the SS lines are cut neatly and cleanly, and use plenty of lube (I used oil) on the SS line and the fitting and you can work its way in place. It may take a few tries to get it right, but once you have it, it is cake.

I didn't use tape to put the fitting over the ss line. I used tape after I put the fitting over the ss line, so that when I was screwing the other fitting in, If the tape moved down I would know the ss line was backing out. Know what I mean? Its better explained in Bob's write up.

 

[project_tsi]

No I understand what you did with the tape.

 

[Spoolin98]

No I understand what you did with the tape.

Ok cool, just checking...

Once again, thanks for all your help guys.

 

[project_tsi]

Not a problem bud. Let us know how it turns out.

Also, I really wouldn't be too worried about having the fuel system pressurized like you mentioned. The AN fittings are self sealing as you know, and don't need to be over wrenched on to seal fully.

 

[redeclipse7782]

I had a problem with my AN fitting connecting to the MM fitting on the top of the gas tank, it was leaking like a bastard. I took an o-ring from a fuel injector and put it inside the MM fitting where the AN fitting screws into it and it sealed right up, hasnt leaked since.

 

[project_tsi]

I had a problem with my AN fitting connecting to the MM fitting on the top of the gas tank, it was leaking like a bastard. I took an o-ring from a fuel injector and put it inside the MM fitting where the AN fitting screws into it and it sealed right up, hasnt leaked since.

Ah I see. I really don't know fully what your talking about, b/c I cut off the stock line comming out of the tank and installed a -6an bulkhead fitting w/ nylon washers. God I love these bulkheads.

 

[Spoolin98]

I had a problem with my AN fitting connecting to the MM fitting on the top of the gas tank, it was leaking like a bastard. I took an o-ring from a fuel injector and put it inside the MM fitting where the AN fitting screws into it and it sealed right up, hasnt leaked since.

Thanks for the advice, I was worried about fittings leaking. My plan was to use permatex 2 thread sealant on all the threads to prevent leaks. I'll keep that in mind if it starts to leak, or maybe I'll just throw an o-ring in there right away just to be safe.

 

[1stGenRocks]

i wouldnt use sealeant on them.

as for the bracket it looks like it should just pop off the stud. wiggle it around and stick a small prybar under the edge right at the stud and it should come loose.

 

[Spoolin98]

i wouldnt use sealeant on them.

as for the bracket it looks like it should just pop off the stud. wiggle it around and stick a small prybar under the edge right at the stud and it should come loose.

Why wouldn't you use sealant? I have always used sealant when dealing with fittings with no negative results.

As for the bracket, its easier said than done. I tried it, but I don't want to try too hard because of the hard lines being connected to it, I really don't want to break a hard line, that would not be fun to fix.

 

[project_tsi]

Don't use any type of sealers on AN fittings!! They are self sealing fittings with 37* flares. You tighten them down, then give them a small snug and that is it, they are sealed!

 

[Spoolin98]

Don't use any type of sealers on AN fittings!! They are self sealing fittings with 37* flares. You tighten them down, then give them a small snug and that is it, they are sealed!

I used permatex 2 thread sealant on the threads of the blue fitting before tightening it down onto the red fitting (end of the ss line). Is this bad? Whats the negative side of using thread sealant? Is it actually going to harm something, I can only assume it will help assure it doesn't leak.

 

[krnbk2]

I used permatex 2 thread sealant on the threads of the blue fitting before tightening it down onto the red fitting (end of the ss line). Is this bad? Whats the negative side of using thread sealant? Is it actually going to harm something, I can only assume it will help assure it doesn't leak.

I think what everyone is saying is when installed correctly AN fittings will not need any kind of thread sealant so instead of trying to make sure they dont leak, just make sure to install them correctly and.. well, they wont leak