Fuel line leak fix

Posted By: 6packattk

Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 05:01 AM

I have a 91 dakota and the fuel return line has a pin hole leak in fuel line out of pump in tank and it is plastic,not thrilled with plastic but since it has a factory connector to steel line on frame and to pump,and dealer said no longer a stocking item.I need to repair,any suggestions.I have not dropped tank to get a good look at how it is tied in to steel line on frame but by feel I think it is 1 piece.Started smelling fuel with window down at a drive thru,sure enough spraying fuel out a pinhole in line.Any help would be appreciated,thanks

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 05:10 AM

I had a similar problem on a GM with plastic fuel lines (LT1 actually.)
What I did..was to cut the line were the leak was, and found a double barbed brass fitting that was a very tight fit in the line (didn't want to slide in by hand) and heated the fitting up, then jammed it into the plastic line. Did that for each side of the fitting, put a couple of small hose clamps on it and that was it.

That fix was a few years ago (and did it in Oz actually) and it is still going strong with no leaks.

Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 05:17 AM

Quote:

I had a similar problem on a GM with plastic fuel lines (LT1 actually.)
What I did..was to cut the line were the leak was, and found a double barbed brass fitting that was a very tight fit in the line (didn't want to slide in by hand) and heated the fitting up, then jammed it into the plastic line. Did that for each side of the fitting, put a couple of small hose clamps on it and that was it.
That fix was a few years ago (and did it in Oz actually) and it is still going strong with no leaks.

Did you use a blow torch to heat it up??

Most parts houses will carry parts to repair the plastic fuel lines... Like Jeff said the brass barded style works pretty well...

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 05:21 AM

Actually...

It was "winter" in Oz, and we had a fire going in the fire box at the shop (like a big steel cylinder with a door)...I set the brass fitting on it till it was hot, then picked it up with some gloves and jammed it in the plastic line quickly.

(It was a kinda cold and rainy day...that fire box thing would warm the shop up in no time...I am a wimp when it comes to under 60 degree temps.

)

Posted By: 6packattk

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 05:22 AM

Thanks,I was thinking would get quarter inch nipple and cut line(the part I am not wanting to do)and take 3/8 fuel hose over it and clamp hose on each end over where the nipple is installed inside to like double the coverage.I tried splitting a hose and clamping over it without cutting line cause the factory connector to pump is larger than half inch diameter so can`t slide hose down line in 1 piece,it leaked of course.Was kind of shocked when they say can`t buy one and I have not used plastic for fuel ever.So definately want ideas before i cut it.Sure don`t want to find my fix leaks.

Posted By: 6packattk

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 05:23 AM

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 05:35 AM

Quote:

Most parts houses will carry parts to repair the plastic fuel lines... Like Jeff said the brass barded style works pretty well...

Good idea if places here have repair kits for it

Being in Melbourne...(and thier cars do not use plastic lines at all..) I had to improvise

The fix worked great though, so at least it's a way to go for you... the rubber hose over the top idea sounds abit 'maybe-not' to me

Posted By: 6packattk

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 05:57 AM

I will use your route,was not thinking plastic would handle hose clamping well but will try to see if the local parts houses have a brass double barbed type fitting and a couple hose clamps and will keep fingers crossed.Just not liking plastic anything with fuel but guess that is the way of the world.Changed the pump years ago and must of forgot it was lined in plastic.I would think they could scrimp elsewhere but fuel line.91 tells me they have done it for years though.Thanks for your input guys.....

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 06:02 AM

Yep..plastic is common now a days. My daily driver (LS1 powered Camaro) has a plastic intake, and plastic fuel lines from the fuel rail to the hard lines on the frame.

Posted By: therocks

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 02:50 PM

The barbs are even a factory fix.I just heat water till its boiling and shove the line in it.It expands and put in the barb.Its a return so there isnt much pressure on it anyway.Rocky

Posted By: 6packattk

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 08:00 PM

Its a wrap,just went and bought a brass fitting and new hose clamps and I can smoke on drivers side of truck again without explosions.Thanks for the help fellas.....

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Fuel line leak fix - 04/24/09 08:15 PM

Sweet