4104 Fuel Line

[4104SoFl]

Looking for info on replacing fuel lines.
Have a leak in the wheel well area.
Ideas / Suggestion

Thanks
Orv

[bevans6]

Hard line or flex line leaking?

Brian

[4104SoFl]

It appears to me to be hard line from tank to first fuel filter

[bevans6]

You need to identify the exact location and cause of the leak.  If it is a crack in the line, the right way to fix it (and probably hard if not impossible) is to replace the entire line with new.  The other way is to splice it with a section of hard or flex line.  Maybe you could go half-way with a section of new line from the crack back to the engine.

Brian

[4104SoFl]

I'm thinking along the same lines.
Can I use copper tubing?

[belfert]

If it was me, I would probably use flexible fuel lines.  My bus has all flexible lines, but it is a 1995 model.  Fuel line technology has come a long ways since your bus was built.

[bevans6]

The problem with copper is that the commonly available "hardware store" alloys are prone to work hardening and cracking from vibration.  I don't know if the factory lines would have been copper or steel, but I would use steel if I had to put in a new hard line.  Of course I would also tend to use a flexible line if it could be made to work properly.  That line should be under little to no pressure if it is from the tank to the first fuel filter, it should be under suction.

Brian

[4104SoFl]

I agree. I'm going to see about a new line material.
Have pulled the water tank out of the way to get to the lines.
It is leaking right where it goes thru the wall just before the tires
There are several lines in this area both copper and steel
Looks like just the two fuel lines are steel (Main & Return)
Looks like the correct way to fix it would have been to pull up a floor panel.
That's not going to happen

[Len Silva]

I would replace it with plastic.  Nylon DOT air brake tubing will work well.

[Utahclaimjumper]

 Many years ago I replaced mine with pre made up steel brake line by replacing a section at a time, the end fittings already on the lines makes it an easy job.>>>Dan

[4104SoFl]

Well before I make up my mind, I've got to get the material that's wrap around both the copper and steel lines going thru the bulkhead in front of the tires removed. That is where the leak is. Any ideas what this stuff might be?

[bevans6]

Assume it's asbestos based and take appropriate precautions.  Seriously.

Brian

[luvrbus]

It's just a corrosion barrier made of cloth

[Utahclaimjumper]

 I agree, I've worked with the stuff a fair number of times and its only canvass.>>>Dan

[chessie4905]

  Just cut the line in front of bulkhead and install a coupler with ferrule on the steel line and go from there with braided ss line with appropriate connector to check valve at engine firewall. Probably has a hole from salt spray from years ago.