Fuel hose clamps: 3prong spring or screw?
 

Am replacing fuel hoses under extension manifold and having problems presurizing lines without leaks at the hose ends. I'm using the original 3 prong spring clamps.

Should I replace these with the screw tightened type?

Thanks

Are you talking about the "worm drive" clamps?
Try and find specialized fuel injection clamps that use a screw to seperate the two "ears" on the clamp.&nbsp These are pretty small and very compact compared to the typical worm-drive clamps and pretty easy to buy from the local auto parts stores.

Hint, screw these clamps down TIGHT to prevent any leaks!


-Ted

For most situations those factory 3 prong hose clamps don't work worth a shit after they have been taken off for the first time. Any screw type clamp is way better.

The screw type clamps cut into the hose. I only use *new* factory fuel line clamps, and recommend people double clamp them. They will never leak that way.

Thanks everyone, for your inputs.

I think these are the worm driven screw clamps. Does anyone have a pic of the type that RETed is referring to?

Thanks.

Wkeene, what type of hose are you using? Are you using High Pressure Fuel Injection Hose? If it dosn't say that on the hose "HP Fuel Injection" on the hose you need different hose. This stuff is $5 a foot.

James

James, I bought this stuff at Kragen.
Says Fuel hose rated at 35psi, 5/16" ID = 7.9mm.

Was only 10cents per inch or $1.20 per foot.

Usable or not?

Thanks.

http://www.mcmaster.com/
Do a search for "Machine-Screw Hose Clamps"
Look for the product on the right hand side scroll list...



-Ted

Awesome Ted! Thanks.

Found the clamps in the catalog....great picture. Now I just need to find some.

Is there a name brand high pressure hose that is recommended or is standard fuel hose acceptable? What's the main difference / advantage of using high pressure fuel hose over the standard fuel hose rated at 35psi?

Any comments?

Pep Boys definitely carries them.&nbsp All of your major auto parts chains (Kragen/Shucks/Checkers, Napa, Car Quest) should also carry them...


Just make sure it's "fuel injection" hose - these hoses are specially designed to handle higher pressures.&nbsp Read the "print" on the outside of the hose, it should gives ratings between 100psi to 300psi MAX.

Do you wanto risk a fuel leak? :eek: If you want to take a chance to have gasoline pouring out from a failed fuel line, be my guest... :eek:



-Ted

Wow...huge difference. Want to use the best. Going out to get HP hose.

Only wish the guys at Kragen had half the knowledge you guys are sharing.

Thanks everybody!

When I bought my stuff from AutoZone it was made by Goodyear. That sort of gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. Then I got some plastic stuff and wrapped the fuel lines for that deep down warm fuzzy feeling. Knowing that my car will not leak fuel onto the warm fuzzy spots on the engine:)

Glad to see your getting the hose. I believe the fuel pressure goes up to 50PSI

James

Bought 400psi fuel hose (marine grade) at Napa and cinched it down with machine screw clamps (tight!). Pressure checked the system....new pulsation damper in....no leaks.

But...I'm nervous. 1st major job done myself. Ready to put dynamic chamber back on with new gasket. This fuel line stuff worries s me. Got a friend that's a big time mechanic and he couldn't believe I replaced the fuel lines...says he never touches them because they're so sensitive.

Any words of advise.....

Drive around the next couple weeks with your fan on and the vents on "fresh" (non recirculate), you should be able to smell any fuel leaking pretty quickly while driving...

I think you deserve a pat on the back for this job!&nbsp Congrads!


-Ted

Excellent, I'll do just that.

Really cool of you to say that Ted. Thanks for the support!

Later

I have one more piece of advice. Buy a fire extingisher! I did my own fuel lines and feel the same way! Nervous as hell. I bought a Car Fire Extingisher at walmart for $8.88. It has a cheesey plastic holder you can screw in. I think I will put it behind my seat. I always see silly honda's with fire extingishers on their pass. a-pillar. How dumb....our cars have a reason to catch on fire:)

I did what Ted said. Drive with the fan on and smelled a leak. DAMN. Pulled the manifold and could not find it! Time to crank down on the clamps.

James

Just replaced both fuel lines from the tank to the fuel filter and engine with the HP rubber - the stuff costs $5.20C per foot! My mechanic said DO NOT FOOL WITH THE OLD LINES he claims once you loosen the clamps holding the fuel and hydraulic lines to the body, they will all start breaking due to corrosion - so I just left all the old stuff in place and zip-tied the new rubber to the old lines - works fine, but the cost! - - $120C just for the hose.

I can't believe the high pressure fuel lines use those crappy 3 prong clamps. They could at least spring for the worm drive clamps from the factory. When we built our FSAE car, any type of clamp fitting on the fuel injection HP lines was BANNED, you were REQUIRED to use earl's/aeroquip type fittings.