Hello all, Has anyone ever tried to clean rust out of a steel fuel line? There appears to be a very light coat of it in mine. Rather than try and bend a new one (It is 10 feet long), I was wondering if radiator flush or some other rust eater might work. Thanks, Walter
I've checked all the regular auto parts stores, Autozone, O'Reilly, Advanced, Napa. None have the pre-bent fuel line. The Buick Dealer's parts list stop at 1974.
I suppose you could fill the line with a metal conditioner/converter like Picklex. That would neutralize the rust. This is a recommended procedure for gas tanks, it has been tested and posted by the Picklex manufacturer....And they do have a good reputation. But replacement would be better, if that is possible.
I picked up the brake line for my 70 through Inline Tube. They might make the fuel line also, but they do make the brake lines. U might want to check those out also before they burst trying to stop a 3 ton car. www.inlinetube.com If not, you could bend up some lines yourself, its not that hard to do, just takes some time. Another option is to just upgrade the entire fuel system, that was what I did. For i think 350 bucks from summit, you can get a external fuel pump (elect), fuel filter, regulator, 30 feet of braided stainless steel line, AN fittings, and somet other stuff. Thats the way I went. Good luck finding the lines, somebody should have them - but maybe not.
At one time someone posted a product that home depot sells that removes rust........some kind of concrete etcher........perhaps you could pump some through the line and let it soak to de-rust it. Just blow it out with compressed air real well after. :bglasses:
Inline did not show having 69 line, but 71 thru 76. Here is thier website: http://www.inlinetube.com/ You may want to call them, as the web site may not have everything listed current. Mike
New Fuel Lines Keep in mind that installing new fuel lines may involve raising the body of the car. Even so, that is the best way to go. Actually, you have to figure the original ones lasted this long, so if I was you I'd cut out the old line and then make a new set in just steel, not stainless steel. The regular steel lines are soft enough you can bend them with your hands if need be to mould the new ones. Last time I did this, I found that using masking tape to bind the lines together, after the bends are made, really helped. I started at the gas tank end, since that is the more complex, and taped the ends together. then as I progressed to the front of the car, I made each bend and then taped the lines together. Worked nicely. To avoid lifting the body I also made the double flares and then bought compression fittings to bolt it all together. May not look original but it works. JohnD
Well, the original line (I assume it is the original) came out real easy. It passed between the frame and the front frame mount then entered the engine compartment. It came part way up the wheel well where it changed to rubber the rest of the way to the carb. I'm think I'm gonna see if I can find some of that concrete etchant. I'll let you know how it goes. I will also call inlinetube. Thanks for the tips. Walter
