Fuel line ID help

[universible]

Hey folks,

I'm looking for some assistance in finding the correct fuel line size and length for some line I need to replace on my GTV.

I recently changed the front fuel filter in the canister that is near the SPICA pump...just noticed that I'm leaking fuel when I backed the car out of the garage a while back...so of course that led to a further inspection of the area.

Turned out that I hadn't properly seated the filter canister when I reinstalled the filter (not a biggy) so it was leaking a bit of fuel...but on top of that the small diameter fuel lines running forward and back on top of the canister were leaking as well. It appears that one has corroded, so I want to change both.

That said, no idea what size, hoping someone could help me out.



In the photo its the two lines that come off the coupling (?) with the bolt on top - thingy...if that makes sense.

Thanks!

[Roadtrip]

I believe standard 8mm hose will do and is commonly available. Just take a piece of the old stuff up to any auto parts store.

The component on the top of the front fuel filter you refer to is the pressure relief valve in the return line from the injection pump. If the pressure in the line prior to the injection pump exceeds 17 psi, that PRV opens and vents the excess pressure into the return line and back to the fuel tank.

BTW, the easiest way to change the front fuel filter is to remove the filter assembly altogether from the frame of the car and do it on the workbench. It's a little easier to clean out the seal retaining groove and center the lower housing for proper alignment during tightening.

[Alfajay]

universible:

Can you clarify the problem a little more?

There are rubber/neoprene/flexible/black hoses that connect the tank-filter-Spicapump, yet you mention that they are "corroded", which sounds more like metal. Which is it that you feel is bad - the metal coupling or the rubber hose (or the hose clamp)?

If it's the hose, then Alfa generally use 8mm which is very close to 5/16" (a Spica expert should verify this). You should use hose designed for fuel injection pressure. Your local NAPA auto parts store will carry this stuff - bring in a sample of the old hose, or better yet, the fitting it needs to go onto.

If it's the banjo coupling, then the issue is likely to be the two brass washers that go on either side of the steel fitting. These become work hardened over time, or scratched, or just don't get seated properly upon re-installation. Again, a NAPA store will have an assortment of these brass washers - just bring in your old parts.

With all fuel leaks, finding the source of the leak is usually 90% of solving the problem. You might dry everything off, and then have a friend turn on the fuel pump while you watch the area of the leak for the first sign of gas to find the exact source of the problem.

[universible]

Thanks guys! I am about 90% sure its the hose that's bad. Jim - good call on removing the filter unit and doing it at the workbench...I might pull the thing to just make sure its actually seated correctly now. Better to do the extra work than spew fuel everywhere...I'll have to head to Napa auto on Saturday and see about getting new hose.

[Roadtrip]

I should mention also that the soft washer under the long bolt holding the bottom filter housing on can get grooves in it and not seal well upon reinstalltion. Usually putting some fine sandpaper on a flat surface and running the washer in a circular motion can fix that.