Metal VS rubber fuel line?

Jon March

Member
Pros? Cons? -

Im hearing that on the one hand, (cloth-covered) rubber fuel line (that all Amphis came with from factory) may have made the (relative few) fires that have happened worse, by
1) being less abrasion resistant than metal
2) burning/melting (which metal would not do)

On the other hand, Ive heard that metal line
1) can corrode (possibly quicker if covered in heat tape that might trap moisture?)
2) be "more susceptible to vapor lock" ?
3) more likely to conduct heat (from hot floor pan and/or heater hoses) into the fuel as it flows to the engine - adding to an already hot fuel-delivery to the carb

I know that is rubber fuel line needs to be ethanol approved - i picked this up awhile back, but was recently strongly advised to definitely go with METAL line for fire retarding.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00498G5QC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thoughts?
 

Cap'n John

Member
Im hearing that on the one hand, (cloth-covered) rubber fuel line (that all Amphis came with from factory) may have made the (relative few) fires that have happened worse, by
1) being less abrasion resistant than metal - True, but if properly installed, this is not an issue.
2) burning/melting (which metal would not do) - If you have a fire that gets to the line in the bilge, it's too late for the whole car

On the other hand, I've heard that metal line
1) can corrode (possibly quicker if covered in heat tape that might trap moisture?) - You only need to wrap it in insulation from the pump to the carb, not the entire length. Fuel line insulation, is made for this purpose and is not tight on the line allowing it to breathe.
2) be "more susceptible to vapor lock" ? - This occurs in the section between the pump and carb due to heat from the engine. Be sure your phenolic spacer is intact, see #!
3) more likely to conduct heat (from hot floor pan and/or heater hoses) into the fuel as it flows to the engine - adding to an already hot fuel-delivery to the carb - The floor pan shouldn't be hot, the heater hoses are not hot enough to be a concern.

Your best bet is hi quality rubber lines, properly installed using clamps to keep it in place and then use proper metal fuel line reflective (keep heat out and not in as insulating will) material commonly found on race cars between the pump and carb. Cheap or standard rubber lines can get soft and collapse due to moder fuel additives or abrade creating a leak. I used a thick walled, hi-pressure line resistant to modern chemicals. This type will last forever and is designed for this environment. The hi pressure merely has a thicker wall and better materials.
 

jfriese

Active Member
For what it's worth, I installed the cloth covered fuel line from Gordon's in both my cars 15 years ago and they haven't failed in any way yet. Here in California we've had up to 10% ethanol fuel for some time now. Perhaps I should check my fire extinguishers but I'm not really worried about it.

John Friese
67 White
67 Red
 

SNOWBIRD

Amphicar Expert
I run the fuel line away from the heater hoses.(I do not use rubber heater hose anymore.)

rust is not usually a problem in the bilge as any spilt oil seems to keep them(that area) quite oiled. It was about an inch thick under this motor.

63 Aphicar 035.JPG
 
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