Anyone using braided fuel lines?

RodgerH · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 01:40 PM

I'm installing an in-tank electric fuel pump going to a bypass regulator mounted on the firewall with a return line going back to the tank. Both the supply and return lines will be -8.

I'm thinking about using either Russell ProFlex or ProClassic hose for both lines. The ProFlex has a SS outer braid and a CPE inner liner. The ProClassic has a nylon outer braid and a "extended synthetic rubber" liner.

I've read some discussion about fuel molecules permeating the hose and giving off a gasoline odor, but I think (hope?) with the relatively short distance (6 or 7ft. x 2 hoses) it won't be an issue.

Anyone out there running braided hose from the tank to the engine? What's been your experience? Any issues?

Rodger

MaSnaka · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 01:47 PM

I have always been under the impression that a hard line was required. I'm not exactly sure why though.

John

zrayr · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 02:32 PM

I am curious why you would want to NOT use a hard line? That would be the safest way to go.

Z.

RodgerH · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zrayr

I am curious why you would want to NOT use a hard line? That would be the safest way to go.

Z.

Good question....here goes.....

I would have approx. 2ft. of flex from the fittings on top of the tank down to where I could start a hard line, then approx. 2ft. of flex at the firewall from the end of the tube up to the regulator. Only leaves about 3ft. of hard line in the middle. (Remember these Cobras are very short!) With the extra fittings necessary to go from hose-to-tube then tube-to-hose, it doesn't look like it would be worth it to eliminate 3 ft. of hose. The additional fittings would also create more potential leakpoints...and expense (Have you priced -8 hose/tube fittings?

)

Rodger

jhv48 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 03:13 PM

I have the SS wrapped flexible lines and have had no seepage or weepage problems.

Do a search over at the FFR Forum and you will find the type of lines that did give a problem.

DocDirk · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 03:15 PM

The hardline that came in my kit was a bit small to feed my motor, so I used larger braided line, but for safety ran it through a conduit the length of the car from below the tank (after the pump) to below the regulator in the engine compartment, bent it gradually to about 45 degrees at the front to make the braided line feed conveniently to the regulator.

Worked for me very nicely but then I'm just a tinkerer...

Regards!

Dirk

zrayr · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 03:59 PM

seems like with a few bends in right places, a hard line could go nearly all the way to the tank. But I am not in the position to definitively say what is right for your application.

Z.

SuperHart · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 04:16 PM

Hard lines are usually safer and less prone to deterioration over time. A 3/8" hard line attached to the frame will be plenty, but some guys insist on using 1/2" hard line (you know, bigger is better routine). If you want to use -AN braided hose and fittings to connect to the tank and to the mechanical fuel pump up front, there are -AN braided fittings available to adapt braided hose to hard tubing. Since the Cobra wheel base is 90" you should have a significant hard line run of at least 84". In my opinion, hard line under the chassis is just safer but should always be routed in a protected position and secured with padded clamps. Of course, any hose used should be certified for use with fuel.

Karl Bebout · #9 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 04:42 PM

I've been running the braided stainless steel, over rubber, for at least 6 or 7 years, with no issues. Except for installing the fittings, is sure is easy to use.

RodgerH · #10 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhv48

Do a search over at the FFR Forum and you will find the type of lines that did give a problem.

I'm having trouble finding the discussion you're talking about. Could you direct me there...maybe a link? Sounds like the type of specific info I'm looking for. Thanks!

Rodger

RodgerH · #11 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperHart

Hard lines are usually safer and less prone to deterioration over time. A 3/8" hard line attached to the frame will be plenty, but some guys insist on using 1/2" hard line (you know, bigger is better routine). If you want to use -AN braided hose and fittings to connect to the tank and to the mechanical fuel pump up front, there are -AN braided fittings available to adapt braided hose to hard tubing. Since the Cobra wheel base is 90" you should have a significant hard line run of at least 84". In my opinion, hard line under the chassis is just safer but should always be routed in a protected position and secured with padded clamps. Of course, any hose used should be certified for use with fuel.

Wow....mechanical fuel pump up front? Did you even read my original message?

To all of you who have offered on-topic feedback….thanks!! Anyone else out there running braided fuel hoses want to share info?

Rodger

flyboy1997 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 08:53 PM

I am running 8 from front to rear with no return & anyone that enters my shop or trailer ( & shop has central air) can tell you my brand bleeds fuel into the air. My brand is Summit , I was told by someone that had I read the instructions it said not to make long runs ( but it's a Cobra?) but I have lost almost a half a tank while @ the paint shop! Wendell

lemans24 · #13 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 09:04 PM

my kirkham has braided all the way. to attach the AN fittings,i marked the hose with a sharpie and put a plastic zip tie on the mark. secure very tight and use a dremel tool with metal cutting blade. it works great. wear gloves. i found, if you spin the fitting it will go all the way on. make sure all the stray braided pieces are in the fitting before trying to spin it

efnfast · #14 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 12:09 AM

I'm using -8 stainless braided all the way from fuel tank to carb. No fuel smells - use a HIGH QUALITY hose, like aeroquip's. Most of the problems seem to be using cheaper hoses, like summit generic.

Ron61 · #15 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 03:20 AM

I used a combination of hard and braided line on my Cobra and in the 12 years that I had it I never had a problem. No fuel smell or leaks or anything.

Ron

jhv48 · #16 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 08:39 AM

Try this one for a start.

http://www.ffcobra.com/forums/showth...l+line+seepage

speed220mph · #17 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 09:21 AM

When building a race car or street car, I use hard lines except from the pump/s to the hard lines and from the hard line to the engine where there will be relative movement. Hard lines are lighter, a lot less expensive, reliable--provided location and mounting is correct--and it won't over-bling the car.

Besides, it's looks professional, plus the lines are where you can't see them anyhow.

RodgerH · #18 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhv48

Try this one for a start.

http://www.ffcobra.com/forums/showth...l+line+seepage

Ahhhh....interesting reading in that discussion! Thanks!

Rodger

RodgerH · #19 (**permalink**) 06-24-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speed220mph

When building a race car or street car, I use hard lines except from the pump/s to the hard lines and from the hard line to the engine where there will be relative movement. Hard lines are lighter, a lot less expensive, reliable--provided location and mounting is correct--and it won't over-bling the car.

Besides, it's looks professional, plus the lines are where you can't see them anyhow.

Tom,

For -8 (1/2"od), do you use aluminum or steel tubing?
Rodger