Replacing gas line from tank

[Cobra 29]

Bob, I want to replace the rubber gas lines connecting the tank to the fuel pump and then to the metal line running along the frame to the engine. On ERA454, do I have to lower the tank to access the line connection on the top of the tank?

If I have to lower (or remove) the tank, what is the best way?

[RICK LAKE]

Cobra 29 Drain the gas. You have a drain plug in the bottom of the tank on the right side. Jack up the car to give yourself room to side under it. Pull rear wheels. Return line is in the back corner of the car inside fender well. Camp and small rubber hose. The other one you have to drop the tank. Watch out to n ot damage white wire for tank gauge. I use the floor jacke a 3 pieces of junk 2X6- 2-8" Measure the tank and cut to length. Need about 4 pieces of 2X4 to screw this togeather. Mark center with the hole just big enought to have the jack head fit in square. Jack this up, remove 8 bolts and let down slowly. Unhook other line and you can drop to bottom of jack. Roll out of way and you are good to go. Have someone help when dropping, it's not the weight. Don't forget to unhook lines for the filler tube to tank. I need to replace both fuel lines myself this year from new gas eating away at the rubber lines of 14 years inside the tank. I have 2 fuel pumps for the FI system. Good luck, not hard to do, take your time. Used philps screw driver as alignment tool to bget tank back in car. Start bolts in 2-3 thread and get all in before tightening all. I used allen heads. Found they are easier in tight places to get in and out. Important, Use blue loc-tite on all tank bolts. This will stop any from coming loose. Yes I have seen a fuel tank fall out of a cobra at a trck by me, not a pretty sight but funny. Driver didn't know until, track crew pulled up and asked what happened. He said he ran out of gas. Gauge reads "E" and I just filled it. Crew guys got a laugh and said we just found this on the side of the track, could this be yours??? Looked under car, we have a winner. No damage and gas tank was OK. Car now has a better strap system to hold tank. Rick L. You can chop up a pallet to build this too. I used to go with a single piece of 2X8". Pain to balance by self, this is alot easier. Stands up in garage when needed again or put out to curb or burnt for heat. It doesn't go to waste.

[strictlypersonl]

Originally Posted by Cobra 29

Bob, I want to replace the rubber gas lines connecting the tank to the fuel pump and then to the metal line running along the frame to the engine. On ERA454, do I have to lower the tank to access the line connection on the top of the tank?

If I have to lower (or remove) the tank, what is the best way?

You shouldn't have to drop the tank. The pickup fitting is accessible at the front/top edge of the tank, toward the lateral center of the tank.

I don't know why you want to replace the hard line, but the rear section is very difficult! There is a junction about 10" in front of the rear crossmember separating the two pieces. The rear part snakes up behind the rear bulkhead and through a sleeved hole in the crossmember above the rear suspension. The only way to replace it is to remove the bottom section of the bulkhead.

[ERA Chas]

STOP! Don't drain or drop anything. Bob-I take it as he just wants to change the rubber connectors, not the hard line.

209, Just remove driver rear wheel. The tank 'out' line is at lower right. It normally connects to the chassis line which is at the upper left. Mine diverts to the trunk mounted filter and pump but follows the same route. See below:

[patrickt]

Here's a better shot.

[Cobra 29]

Chas, you're right I want to replace the rubber lines only. I will raise the rear of the car and remove the driver rear wheel and hope I can reach the hard line out to secure a new rubber line. I reached up there once and I was not sure I could remove and secure a new rubber hose but I will try again. If not, Iguess I will need to remove the tank as suggested.

Chas, I want to connect my new pump to the frame HP filter like you have done. Is this assembly inside the trunk?

Bob, ever thought about making a bracket large enough for a fuel pump and filter connected together on a plate that has a 90 degree tab on the backside that was predrilled for the tank mounting holes? We could mount the pump and filter on the plate and then bolt the plate (using the 90 degree flange) to the tank mounting bolts. Nice and neat with no fiberglass or frame rail drilling!

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by Cobra 29

Chas, you're right I want to replace the rubber lines only. I will raise the rear of the car and remove the driver rear wheel and hope I can reach the hard line out to secure a new rubber line. I reached up there once and I was not sure I could remove and secure a new rubber hose but I will try again. If not, Iguess I will need to remove the tank as suggested.

Chas, I want to connect my new pump to the frame HP filter like you have done. Is this assembly inside the trunk?

Bob, ever thought about making a bracket large enough for a fuel pump and filter connected together on a plate that has a 90 degree tab on the backside that was predrilled for the tank mounting holes? We could mount the pump and filter on the plate and then bolt the plate (using the 90 degree flange) to the tank mounting bolts. Nice and neat with no fiberglass or frame rail drilling!

Everything you just asked for is right here. I built it into the car been in 1991. The electric feeds the Carter mechanical. It's as easy to do as looking at it. Just get and cut plate, drill, drill trunk wall for lines, bend stainless 3/8 hard lines and fittings and route out the back. Reaching the rubber connections is cake. Just use double screw clamps, 180 deg apart (unlike the crap spring clamps and Pep Boys filter in that other photo) and you will never smell gas fumes. I change the hose every second year because of the crap street gas.