Anyone using aluminum fuel line?
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,829
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From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
Anyone using aluminum fuel line? I just purchased some aluminum fuel line from Jegs, and didn't realize it was only rated for 25 psi until it arrived. I had no idea that I would run into this problem. I purchased the aluminum because I thought it would be easier to work with and non-corrosive. I really don't want to use braided line mainly as a cost factor.
I've seen many different fuel line offerings on the web, and some have psi ratings and others don't. Since the fuel pressure is 55 psi on the LS motors, I was wondering if there are any alternatives.
I'm scared to death to even try using the Jegs fuel line since I've had an engine fire before on my '00 'bird because the line I used was rated at only 50 psi, and that couldn't survive the 55 psi from the fuel system.
What is everyone using on their conversions?
I've seen many different fuel line offerings on the web, and some have psi ratings and others don't. Since the fuel pressure is 55 psi on the LS motors, I was wondering if there are any alternatives.
I'm scared to death to even try using the Jegs fuel line since I've had an engine fire before on my '00 'bird because the line I used was rated at only 50 psi, and that couldn't survive the 55 psi from the fuel system.
What is everyone using on their conversions?
If its rated for 25 psi, I would air to the side of safety, and not try and use the aluminum. Guess you could call Jeg's and ask them if they sell something else, you could use. Maybe get a credit that way. Send the aluminum back with a note in it, referencing your new purchase. I hate it when I waste money on stuff I will never use, lol.
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From: New York City
I tried the aluminum route and through it all in the garbich. I made a template with some copper tubing and sent it to inline tube to make it with stainless with tube nuts and flares at the ends , then i converted to flex at both ends , or you can thake a measurement and have them make it . JOHN
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
Thanks for the replys fellas! I believe I found what I need. This is rated at 250 psi, is 10 feet longer, and is the same price as the Jegs line:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Alumin...Line,1633.html
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Alumin...Line,1633.html
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,829
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From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
I think I'll keep the aluminum line and run some wiring through it that I currently just have in convoluted tubing. Wiring for the alternator shutdown, fuel level sender & fuel pump switch.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
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When you get the Speedway line let us know how it compares to the other "stuff".
I'll take a wild assed guess and say the walls are a little thicker, which could mean you have to step up one size when you buy the fittings. Again, I'm just guessing here.
Ken
I'll take a wild assed guess and say the walls are a little thicker, which could mean you have to step up one size when you buy the fittings. Again, I'm just guessing here.
Ken
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Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,829
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From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
If you're not experiencing any problems on your race car with the Summit Brand, then I shouldn't have any issues with the Jegs brand. I just had that car fire back in 2007 that set me back a year with electrical gremlins on my '00 'bird. I just don't wanna relive that with the '95 'bird.
Jegs:
15100 - JEGS Fuel Line - Aluminum
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/15100/10002/-1
Each 25' coil of .035'' wall, seamless aircraft tubing is easily formed into the exact shape you need. Designed for use in carbureted applications at less than 25 PSI. Made in USA.
15100 - JEGS Fuel Line - Aluminum
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/15100/10002/-1
Each 25' coil of .035'' wall, seamless aircraft tubing is easily formed into the exact shape you need. Designed for use in carbureted applications at less than 25 PSI. Made in USA.
Summit:
Summit Racing SUM-G2538 - Summit Racing® Aluminum Fuel Lines
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G2538/
Brand: Summit Racing
Manufacturer's Part Number: SUM-G2538
Summit Racing Part Number : SUM-G2538
Tubing Material: Aluminum
Tubing Outside Diameter (in) : 3/8 in.
Tubing Finish: Natural
Tubing Length (ft): 25.0 ft.
Quantity: Sold individually.
Notes: Wall thickness is 0.035 in.
Get more fuel to your engine for maximum performance!
These lightweight aluminum fuel lines flow more fuel than your factory fuel line. The thin wall seamless tubing is legal in all race classes.
Summit Racing SUM-G2538 - Summit Racing® Aluminum Fuel Lines
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G2538/
Brand: Summit Racing
Manufacturer's Part Number: SUM-G2538
Summit Racing Part Number : SUM-G2538
Tubing Material: Aluminum
Tubing Outside Diameter (in) : 3/8 in.
Tubing Finish: Natural
Tubing Length (ft): 25.0 ft.
Quantity: Sold individually.
Notes: Wall thickness is 0.035 in.
Get more fuel to your engine for maximum performance!
These lightweight aluminum fuel lines flow more fuel than your factory fuel line. The thin wall seamless tubing is legal in all race classes.
Speedway Motors
3/8" ALUMINUM FUEL LINE Item #:91011430
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Alumin...Line,1633.html
Where else can you buy aluminum fuel line in the size and length you need? Easy to flare and bend. Save weight and money.
Aluminum fuel line available in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" O.D. sizes. Rated to 250 psi. Use our tube nut couplers, sleeves and 37° flaring tool listed as suggestions below to adapt easily to AN fittings. Saves weight and cost.
Available in 10, 20, or 30 foot rolls.
Not recommended for high pressure applications such as steam, brake or other applications exceeding 250 psi.
3/8" ALUMINUM FUEL LINE Item #:91011430
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Alumin...Line,1633.html
Where else can you buy aluminum fuel line in the size and length you need? Easy to flare and bend. Save weight and money.
Aluminum fuel line available in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" O.D. sizes. Rated to 250 psi. Use our tube nut couplers, sleeves and 37° flaring tool listed as suggestions below to adapt easily to AN fittings. Saves weight and cost.
Available in 10, 20, or 30 foot rolls.
Not recommended for high pressure applications such as steam, brake or other applications exceeding 250 psi.
Good luck!
I wanted to use similar aluminum line, but I thought I remembered reading in one of Carroll Smiths books that this was a no-no.. Something along the lines of aluminum being prone to metal fatigue and cracking in a vibrating environment. Of course that's racecar stuff, but better safe than sorry. I'd go stainless, but its a pain the ***, or maybe just use the copper? Could always just use the standard coated steel lines I guess.
I have heard the aluminum is prone to metal fatigue if it is flexed repeatedly, so the trick it to make sure it is properly supported and isn't allowed to flex.
The tubing size is specified as outside diameter, so thicker walls means a smaller inner diameters.
I used the 90-10 copper nickel tubing for both my fuel and brake lines. Probably not worth the added expense, but that stuff is a dream to work with. You'll never have to worry about fatique or corrosion either.
Stainless can be a bitch to work with, especially if you don't have very high quality tools. I have known several guys who started out using stainless only to bag it and go with the aluminum.
The tubing size is specified as outside diameter, so thicker walls means a smaller inner diameters.
I used the 90-10 copper nickel tubing for both my fuel and brake lines. Probably not worth the added expense, but that stuff is a dream to work with. You'll never have to worry about fatique or corrosion either.
Stainless can be a bitch to work with, especially if you don't have very high quality tools. I have known several guys who started out using stainless only to bag it and go with the aluminum.
Last edited by Pop N Wood; Oct 25, 2009 at 10:51 AM.
I have heard the aluminum is prone to metal fatigue if it is flexed repeatedly, so the trick it to make sure it is properly supported and isn't allowed to flex.
The tubing size is specified as outside diameter, so thicker walls means a smaller inner diameters.
I used the 90-10 copper nickel tubing for both my fuel and brake lines. Probably not worth the added expense, but that stuff is a dream to work with.
Stainless can be a bitch to work with, especially if you don't have very high quality tools. I have known several guys who started out using stainless only to bag it and go with the aluminum.
The tubing size is specified as outside diameter, so thicker walls means a smaller inner diameters.
I used the 90-10 copper nickel tubing for both my fuel and brake lines. Probably not worth the added expense, but that stuff is a dream to work with.
Stainless can be a bitch to work with, especially if you don't have very high quality tools. I have known several guys who started out using stainless only to bag it and go with the aluminum.
Also, aren't there a lot of rules out t here regarding how long a hose run (rubber, braided, whatever) can be, like 10" or so? I dunno if that was NHRA, SCCA, or what.. My point being, most of the run should be hard line, not hose.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,829
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From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
I have a 2' section of braided line running from the fuel rail on the engine to the fuel pressure regulator that I mounted behind the driver's-side headlight. I plan to run hard line from the regulator to the fuel cell.
The only problem with Push-Lok hose(and push-Lok fittings), is that it is not J-1527 Alcohol Rated hose. From a legality standpoint, you don't want to use it/them, in a customers car or boat, etc. That being said, I use it all the time on my personal vehicles/boats, as it is pressure rated for EFI applications. I use Eaton-Aero-Quip products.
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From: ocala,fl--- forest-ocklawaha
i have that same kit from jegs,, i was using for my carb bbc, then converted it to efi twin 255lphs. i didnt relize it was rated at 22 psi or what ever it is, i ran 80 psi fine with no problems. turbo setup.. , im still using it now, but im converting lsx to a carb, i ran it fine no problems at 80 psi
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,829
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From: Central Indiana Honors: 4th grade spelling bee contestant
The Speedway Motors line is due to arrive tomorrow. I am going to use the Jegs line to make a template for the lines. That way I can bend it all I want, and then use the good stuff to make the final line.
If you want to know for sure how much the .035 tube is rated for, look at table # 6 in this link.
http://www.swagelok.com/downloads/we.../MS-01-107.PDF
http://www.swagelok.com/downloads/we.../MS-01-107.PDF