replaced fuel lines between tank and metal lines

jkbkwarner · **Posted:** Mon Aug 06, 2012 10:24 pm

I replaced the fuel lines. Very little fuel was in the tank when I dropped it down to disconnect the old hoses. With everything back, I started the Jeep and ran until it only had air. I'm using the fuel filter head to bleed the air out, but it seems, to me, to be taking an excessive amount to purge the air out. Could there be that much air in the line? Is it possible the in-tank fitting has air? I get pressure (not hard pressure as when the filter head is full of fuel) as I prime the bleeder pump and hear air from the bleeder. So, I'm assuming I'm generating pressure and therefore I don't have a leak. I close the bleeder valve, pump approx. 20 times and the air blows out when I open the bleeder and repeat. Any speculation as to how much this needs to be repeated before I started seeing only fuel come out of the bleeder?

kissfan79 · **Posted:** Mon Aug 06, 2012 11:42 pm

Hello....
Recently I had to drain my take b/c my wife accidentally put gas in it. I siphoned out the gas from the tank and bled the fuel from the lines via the fuel filter head. I had the lines almost empty (I think there was a small amount left in the lines but not much if there was). After putting diesel back in the tank, IIRC it took about 4 or 5 times of pumping the filter head and opening the bleeder valve to get only fuel coming out.

Jim

jkbkwarner · **Posted:** Tue Aug 07, 2012 8:46 am

Thanks kissfan79, I think I must have a leak back there still. Sucks, 'cause I rolled the Jeep off the ramps, assuming all is tight. I wish I could determine concretely that it is leaking and not too little fuel in the tank. I just don't want to add more weight to the tank if I've got to drop it again.

kissfan79 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 07, 2012 10:47 am

When I put some diesel back in my tank and bled it through, I started it off with 2 gallons. That was enough to get it bled through, started, and back to a gas station after idling for 5-10 minutes. I also didn't want to put a ton of fuel in it if I had to pull it back out again. When I was bleeding the fuel from the tank back to the filter head, I pumped it about 6 or 7 times before cracking open the bleeder valve to let the air out each time. Did you change out the filter? If so....I'd make sure it's tight and not letting any air in.

Jim

jkbkwarner · **Posted:** Tue Aug 07, 2012 11:26 am

I had replaced the filter head a couple of months ago and the leak was gradual. So I was hoping to eliminate the the twice a day air bleed by replacing the fuel line. I replaced both the lines not being certain which was to the engine and which was the return. I was pretty confident I didn't cross the lines, but there is a pinch of doubt. Just as I'm confident the lines are secure to the tank itself and the metal lines. I might try and cross the lines first and see if that does it.

jkbkwarner · **Posted:** Tue Aug 07, 2012 7:57 pm

ah the errors of my ways. First off thanks to kissfan79, for his similar experience.

But it turns out that the problem was my workmanship. I couldn't get the second hose off, the clip was damaged. So my thought was to take the hacksaw and cut the hose. I cut the hose across the clip, but in the fading light I also made progress on the metal line as well. The hose came off and my cut had been an influence on that. I attached the new hose and put everything back.

This afternoon I was going to switch the hoses, thinking I inadvertently reversed them. But in better light and closer inspection I found I did cut the metal line and air was passing. So, I had to completely cut off the nipple and introduce a new problem, my hose is a tad short. When I pulled the hose to connect to the metal line, I secured it. Tried to bleed the air, the pump wasn't fluid/springing back and air wasn't audible as I attempted to bleed it out. The hose is probably pinched at the nipple on the tank. So, I have to replace the hose, which I'll do in the not too distant future. In the interim, I'm going to get a metal fitting to attach additional hose to compensate. When I do replace the line, I'll invest in better quality fuel line. I think it was papaindigo that recommends getting higher quality lines. The line I got is "fuel injector line" from autozone, which is quite flimsy. Especially compared to that which I pulled off.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Tue Aug 07, 2012 8:21 pm

Yep I'm strongly recommending marine grade diesel rated hose, see viewtopic.php?f=5&t=69531&p=743441&hilit=marine#p743441. Costs a bit extra but is the strongest hose on the market. Get a bit extra so no kinks and best double clamp it to the metal hose. Someone also recommended smooth hose clamps as opposed to the standard slotted worm clamps so you don't cut into the hose with the clamps, probably a good idea also.

I've used other lesser fuel rated hoses for today's gasoline and had horrible experience.

kissfan79 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 07, 2012 10:15 pm

Glad my recent experience could be of some help. Im also glad you found out what the problem was. It's always a great feeling and a relief when you figure out what the issue is and get the problem solved.

Jim

replaced fuel lines between tank and metal lines

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