Fuel Lines Help...

[shortbloke]

Hi all,

I’ve already searched and found many posts and wiki articles about it, but want to make sure I check or replace all the important pipes before the van spontaneously combusts!

Not posted in a while, in fact neglected the van and this site for a while, however was looking in the engine bay at the weekend while changing the spark plugs and noticed the small 2-3” pipe at the very back, left hand side, that connects to the solid metal pipe, looking a bit ropey, is this one of the much talked about fuel pipes that need replacing?? (poss the one pictured in the wiki?)

So, what’s the best approach for finding all the fuel lines/pipes that need replacing? Is it a grab the Haynes and working systematicly approach or has anyone got any pics of the various pipes that need to be replaced/checked. Also which pipes are 5.5/7mm etc??

The vans a 1982 RHD 2.0L Petrol jobby.

Thanks in advance.

[CovKid]

All fuel ines, if not having been replaced to your knowledge should be checked and replaced accordingly although the one you refer to does sound like the vacuum servo takeoff rather than a fuel line. Start at the tank and work backwards - best way.

[ronsrecord]

the fuel pipe pictured in the wiki is part of the feed line into the engine. as you look at the engine from the back, it's on the right hand side at the back. 2-3 inches long, joins onto long piece of plastic pipe.

the left hand side could be part of the fuel return pipe. regards sizes of pipe - they can really vary from 5.5mm to 7mm to 11mm. recommended following all the pipe lines and changing them, especially if you get a whiff of fuel anywhere.

[CovKid]

And Ron should know. A few months back we could smell his van from miles away. He had to have a new tank (leaked if more than half full) and renewed fuel lines front to back. Bad fuel lines can cause a fire and a loved bus up in smoke within a short period of time.

[shortbloke]

Thanks Cov and Ron, top stuff as usual.

The MOT has expired on the Van as was off the road due to knackered trailing arm spring guides and new front and back brakes needed, but all repaired and replaiced accordingly and now will wait till Jan to get it passed the MOT (fingers, toes, and other bits crossed!) and then will look to replace the fuel pipes as advised before using it properlyl, as I dont know the history and wouldnt trust them either!

Thanks again guys.

[ghost123uk]

noticed the small 2-3” pipe at the very back, left hand side, that connects to the solid metal pipe, looking a bit ropey, is this one of the much talked about fuel pipes that need replacing??

That sounds like it might be the brake servo vacuum pipe, that comes off the inlet manifold.

If it is, and it is a bit ropey, best change it as a leak there can cause 2 things.

1 = it can affect your braking performance
2 = It can allow air to leak into the l/h inlet making the van tick-over poor and can affect easy starting.

Remember this is a vacuum pipe, not one with pressure in it, so it must be replaced with a reinforced pipe, specially designed for the brake servo to inlet manifold.

I replaced mine with one I tool off an an Alpha at the breakers