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Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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completelyhis
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May 24, 2012, 2:30 PM
Post #1 of 9
(2030 views)
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Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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I picked up an 88 dodge maxi van for practically nothing, because it came from Michigan, where they salt the roads. the underside is really rusted out. I was down there pulling the transmission and barely bumped into the fuel line, which crumbled in half. It looks fine between the gas tank and fuel filter, but between fuel filter and engine is where it is corroded. Should I replace the whole thing w/rubber, or look for a replacement metal line? I've replaced rubber fuel line before, but never the metal part, so I'm in new territory here.
Thanks,
Ian
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 24, 2012, 2:51 PM
Post #2 of 9
(2002 views)
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Re: Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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Absolutely not!. You cannot repair that with rubber hose. That is high pressure line and it can only be repaired with steel line and flared fittings. No compression fittings.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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completelyhis
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May 24, 2012, 2:56 PM
Post #3 of 9
(1996 views)
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Re: Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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good to know, thanks! So where does one get steel line? does it have to be from the factory, or can I buy a length of it and bend, cut, flare it to fit? or is it time to visit a wrecking yard?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 24, 2012, 3:11 PM
Post #4 of 9
(1988 views)
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Re: Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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This should be standard fare at any decent parts store. Buy long lines as possible, unions, cut line as needed to length, flare the cut end with a proper flaring tool set. Lots of shops buy whole rolls of line and just make up all their own.
This should probably get all lines done and look at brake lines too. Make certain to route them as intended. If frame is in trouble that's a killer if bad enough,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 24, 2012, 3:48 PM
Post #5 of 9
(1973 views)
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Re: Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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Auto parts stores will have everything you need. I think the longest piece is 5 feet unless you buy a 25' roll and the sections come with fittings already on it and you can buy fittings to screw sections together. You will have to bend it to shape and cut and flare the end of it to go into whatever it needs to. If you are just butting up to a good section of line, you will have to flare that part and install a fitting on it.
http://www.classictube.com/shop-online?page=shop.browse&category_id=1947
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 24, 2012, 4:47 PM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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To add some more. A tubing bender is helpful. Mandatory for the best curves and far less likely to kink a line. This work is mostly labor/time not that bad for the parts. Absolutely route line right where it belongs AND fastened such that long stretches are not whipping around at all and that vibrations are not allowing your new line (s) to rub on anything as they can fail quickly if they do.........
T
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completelyhis
User
May 24, 2012, 4:56 PM
Post #7 of 9
(1946 views)
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Re: Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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Thank you, guys. This is one of the things I've never done before on a car, but I'm looking forward to doing it! Your tips have been helpful. I'll pick up a 25' roll of tube, a bender, and a flare kit. I'll check the break lines too.
I plan on checking the frame for bad corrosion and cracks...anything else I should look for?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 24, 2012, 5:05 PM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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If you go for the 25' roll make sure it's the right size. If plenty of line take a bit and practice making a spiral or something.
Frame rust: I don't mean light rust I do mean holes or areas in trouble. If you plan to keep this they can be welded up by pro welders and get some more time out of them.
Salty roads here too in MA - suks,
T
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nickwarner
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May 24, 2012, 5:28 PM
Post #9 of 9
(1933 views)
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Re: Rusted fuel line on 88 Dodge Maxi van
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In WI and go through spools of that line like its going out of style for customers. One year went through over 300 feet of 3/16 brake line myself. Make sure you are making double flares on the lines, not single flares. You're on the right track getting the spools, it saves a bundle on fittings. When you try to unbolt the line just cut it right behind the fitting and use a 6 point socket on it to get it out. A 3/8 impact gun actually has great success for me on getting them out without shearing anything off. Use liberal amounts of penetrating oil. If not a fuel line a MAPP gas torch is great to persuade things. MAPP burns hotter than propane and is at any hardware store. I'd go point to point with new line and do every last piece on it to save issues down the road. Worse than a broken fuel line is having to hit the brakes fast and pedal drops to the floor. Don't figure on saving any rubber hoses hooked to the steel. Its never coming apart and able to be used again. I assure you its the way to go and pretty much the only way for a rustbelt vehicle to be safe.
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