Fuel Lines - Rubber And Metal Replacement Sizes.

[Schern 0]

Could someone clarify what I need to replace the fuel line on my 1.6? I've read a few different posts following a search but it's always difficult to figure out which setup is for which engine as so many people have different engines in their cars. Mine is running the standard 1.6 engine. If I'm looking to replace the metal lines with copper pipe and the rubber pipe work at the same time what sizes do I need for each? I've read 7mm or 8mm for the rubber and some people have mentioned using 8mm copper pipe such as microbore for the metal lines but I'm not sure if this is for cars running Mi16 or GTI6 engines. Could someone provide a definitive answer? Thanks!

[ALEX 98 1 Cars]

The original metal pipe from the dealer, you have to bend to suit and is zinc plated 8mm tube. (I think that's the inside diameter).

Or you can go to Thorite and buy the same stuff for less than half price. They'll even sell you a pipe bender there too if you need one, (unless you have thumbs of steel)

Edit: i remember they had stainless steel available, but I was feeling tight at the time.

 

You'll also need at least 1 olive for the coupling for the high pressure feed pipe to the fuel filter hose. use the old fitting to crimp it in place.

for the rubber hose, just go to any motor factors, they usually have it on a roll.

Edited October 29, 2012 by ALEX

[welshpug 1,627]

original steel stuff is 7mm o.d.

[Dizzee stuff 33 1 Cars]

I used 8mm copper/nickle pipe, then used the old pipes as a pattern to bend the new pipes into shape & flared the ends with a brake pipe tool to stop the pipes blowing off under pressure.

[Schern 0]

I've got some 8mm copper pipe (heating pipe) that my father in law has given me so that should be up to the job? Would I match it up to 8mm internal diameter rubber hose? Do I need to flare the ends or similar so that it's a really snug seal or will hose clips seal it ok? With regards to the olive for the high pressure fitting, is this just a normal pipe olive like you'd use on a valve on a tank or radiator in your house?

[Ryan 99]

I did mine with 8mm copper a few years ago. I didn't bother flaring the ends as the pressure isn't all that high, but there's no harm in doing it if you want extra peace of mind.

 

The olive connection for the fuel feed won't fit if you use 8mm pipe as the fitting is designed for the original 7mm pipes. You can replace the hose from the pipe to the fuel filter with 8mm rubber and just clamp it over the end of the pipe like all the other connections - you'll need a new banjo fitting for the bottom of the fuel filter though as the original is for 7mm hose and I wouldn't trust it to seal properly if you use it with 8mm hose.

[Miles 331 1 Cars]

Don;t use copper, the new fuels like to eat it, Have a look on the net for the Tech info or http://fbhvc.co.uk/

[matt.f 16]

V-power has eaten through my braided hose while the car has been stood.

PTFE(nitrile lined)is the way to go i think if its a competition car.

Know of two mint mk2 escorts thst have set on fire due to petrol eating rubber hose and splitting causing an under bonnet fire,which soon spread to the whole car :cry: :cry:

[stef205 91 1 Cars]

I've used copper lines never had a issue, if fuel will eat the copper then brake fluid will eat copper too I don't believe it in my opinion.

 

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[welshpug 1,627]

I've used copper lines never had a issue, if fuel will eat the copper then brake fluid will eat copper too I don't believe it in my opinion.

 

(null)

 

no ethanol in brake fluid

[stef205 91 1 Cars]

Still never have I see it eat it.

 

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[Miles 331 1 Cars]

Your choice, but it's just coming in so in time you will have a issue

[stef205 91 1 Cars]

By this you mean mot?

 

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[welshpug 1,627]

no, just when you find yourself with an empty fuel tank

[stef205 91 1 Cars]

i always have a empty tank, been on there for over 3 years now

[Ryan 99]

Copper is fine. Changes in fuel composition just mean you'll be changing the copper again in 20 years rather than 30.

 

I'd worry more about the rubber to be honest.

[ALEX 98 1 Cars]

I'm going to have to double check (it was a while ago when I did it) but I was sure it was 8mm pipe I used.

I re-used the original fitting with a new olive (yes the same as a normal olive)

You could crimp additional olives on the other end to match the flaring on old pipe but as mentioned the pressure isn't that high.

[Schern 0]

Brilliant. Thanks everyone.

[Carbs4me 45]

I can only find 6-8mm copper fuel lines

 

cant find 7mm steel lines

 

Is 8mm copper the alternative?

 

My car will be a Mi16 on throttle bodies

[stef205 91 1 Cars]

i use 8mm microbore pipe from b+q been on 3 years no probs

[pug_ham 242 3 Cars]

cant find 7mm steel lines

 

Have you asked at the dealers for the proper 7mm fuel pipe?

 

Part number 1579.26 & approx £20 last time I got some earlier this year.

 

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