Fuel Line

[juice69]

As predicted, the worst part of this manifold job was carb, or the fuel line. The steel fuel line that came with the manifold literally rests up against the shift pivots. This means that the fuel line is pushed when put in reverse, which means at some point it is going to break. Ok, call me dumb but how do i fix this? When i took the old fuel line to auto zone, they looked at me like zombies and told me how difficult it is bend fuels lines and get the fittings right. I hate to say it but i kind of believe them on this, and really don't want to make my own fittings for the fuel line (i've done compression fittings for water, and i always get spray!). So my question is where do i pick up a fuel line made out of hose with a 3/8 female fitting (i think that's the correct size) on one end and a male fitting that will connect to the carb nut and will reach from the fuel pump to the carb for my 2004 mercruiser 3.0L?

 

[mxcobra]

Re: Fuel Line

jegs has lots of fuel line and fittings

 

[Pete104]

Re: Fuel Line

Order from your mercruiser dealer. Definitly have your serial number ready!
Jegs & mxcobra, let alone auto-zone can help you.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Fuel Line

Try NAPA. Auto-zone looks at you funny when looking for a signal bulb. I would not bring anything marine to them.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fuel Line

The steel fuel line that came with the manifold literally rests up against the shift pivots. This means that the fuel line is pushed when put in reverse, which means at some point it is going to break.

Ayuh,... Got a Picture,..??

I'd think you could bend the line Slightly to gain clearance...

 

[juice69]

Re: Fuel Line

I took it off Bond-o. I think i can bend it enough to gain clearance.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Fuel Line

While I agree that you can probably "tweak" your existing line so it doesn't interfere with anything, it isn't difficult to bend a metal fuel line. Just buy a cheap tubing bender tool. You can even ditch the metal line and buy a couple of barb fittings and use Type A-1 marine rubber fuel hose if you like.

 

[juice69]

Re: Fuel Line

Well, the bending idea didn't work as the line they sent was stainless. It made putty out of the first tool! My first attempt at bending a metal line worked ok, but I had leak at the fitting going into the carb. Not sure if it was from not letting the sealant sit long enough or just a bad fitting. My guess is a bad fitting.

Fishermarker - are barb fittings safe for running fuel?

I may just take this to a mechanic friend and have him run me a line. Right now it seems safer!

 

[juice69]

Re: Fuel Line

I think will order a new line. Anyone know the right part number for a 2004 mercruiser 3.0L?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Fuel Line

I just took a look at a parts list. to be sure you need your engine serial number. But for the motor I looked up it costs $84. that seems like too much to me.
I'd see if a marine mechanic or a handy friend can bend it to shape.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Fuel Line

mercruisercentral.com

 

[juice69]

Re: Fuel Line

The regular steel line i made ended up working - after i let the sealant set properly. I'd still prefer to use the stainless line that was sent with the manifold. The merc part is supposed to attached to a piece near the motor to prevent vibration (where as mine bypasses the clip -too much bending for my liking).

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Fuel Line

Ayuh,... Got a Picture,..??

^^^ Yup, got a pic of the problem?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Fuel Line

The regular steel line i made ended up working - after i let the sealant set properly.

A fuel line is sealed with a flare fitting - unless you have something different. The flare is what seals the joint - not the threads. Should require NO sealant. You don't need a stainless line, a regular steel fuel / brake line will work well for many years.

For the hose, any barb fitting that is designed for rubber hose is fine.

Here's a line I bent and used on my engine: