Fuel lines.

Hi after the horrific incident that happened to Damon I thought it would be a good idea for someone to explain where the fuel lines are, also what condition they should be in and how often they should be checked. I think it's something we should all take very seriously as it's worried me.

Member of the non-Facebook club.
 
The fuel line runs under the van from the tank to the fuel pump on the right hand side of the engine - just in front and below the oil filter. If original the fuel line then exits the pump across the top front of the engine and round to the carb. It is wise to re-rout the line low down in front of the radiator which gives the added bonus of keeping the pipe cool and going some way to preventing vapour lock in the fuel line - a common hot start issue on a Commer. Each connection made in the fuel line is usually by lengths of flexible hose held on with jubilee type clips, these hoses are the most likely source of any leak and should be periodically checked for leaks and cracks - if in doubt replace them.

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Founder of the Non-Facebook Club
 
MoT testers take fuel very seriously too, Andrew.
If you read this link it's what an MoT tester should be looking for during the test:-

www.motuk.co.uk/manual_720.htm


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The simpler the better
 
Thanks, that's reassured me that the fuel lines are checked on an mot. I am going to check mine this week to reassure myself.

Member of the non-Facebook club.
 
A good idea to check them as with everything else in the MOT it's only a spot check and OK on the day.

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Founder of the Non-Facebook Club
 
Sometimes it's age related perishing, but nowadays the ethanol in modern fuel attacks certain types of rubbers. [xx(] Any signs of cracks or perishing replace with ethanol resistant fuel hose ;)

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"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
Founder of the 6 speed club
 
There is sometimes a slight aroma of fuel when my vans running, could it be the carburettor or a fuel line? I'm going to have a look tomorrow, my mates going to have a look at it for me this week aswell.

Member of the non-Facebook club.
 
The standard carb has a bad habit of stinking of fuel, so it's probably the cause.

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"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
Founder of the 6 speed club
 
As long as it's not leaking, but you may be running a little rich.

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Founder of the Non-Facebook Club
 
It may be running rich, check for leaks first. If it's running OK and you're getting reasonable MPG then leave well alone.

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Founder of the Non-Facebook Club
 
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Hi, I just want to make sure this is the fuel line. I think this is the pump to the right of the oil filter. The line seems ok that runs to the carburettor, I've found it on the underneath that runs from the pump and seems fine to. It's attached to the pump by two nuts, do I need to tighten these or just leave them alone?

Member of the non-Facebook club.
 
No harm in checking them but check all the hose connections, if they are as good as the one in the pic then they should be OK.

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Founder of the Non-Facebook Club
 
Visible wiring that is insecure, inadequately supported or likely to cause a short will also result in a MoT failure, Andrew, so I would tidy up that spade terminal that appears to be dangling loose in the bottom right of your picture.

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The simpler the better
 
Thanks Greg I will tidy the spade terminal up later. It's been on my list. What do you think to the fuel line?

Member of the non-Facebook club.
 
A warning about fuel hose clamps[:0]
It may be common sense but if you change the clamps, make sure you use high quality stainless clamps. I have seen a lot of parts stores selling tin poor quality hose clamps in bulk assorted packs that crack or strip if you slightly over tighten them. You think they are tight but they are not sealing the hose properly.

Good quality stainless steel clamps often have a nut head so you can get a 7-8mm spanner on and will clamp down nice and tight and you can reuse them for years.

Beware the ones in bulk packs for a budget price;)

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Rain, hail or shine a Commer adventure awaits,,
Mount up!.

www.commervanoztour.blogspot.com
 
Agree with the above comment, proper Jubilee clips I've found are very good.

I much prefer the nylon fuel lines to the rubber which should only be used for short runs.
 
Hi I think there's a crack in my fuel line, I've had a look this morning and it's in the bend that comes away from the fuel pump, it then gies upto the carburettor. Where's the best place to get new fuel line from? Do you nec to replace the inner line and the outer rubber?

Member of the non-Facebook club.
 
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