Fuel Line Leaking

[2052006 10]

Got a perpetual problem with my fuel line (supply) leaking where it connects on to the fuel rail (gti6, 10mm one).

 

I'm using aftermarket fuel pipe - decent Goodyear stuff - and a proper fuel line clamp, but still it starts to weep slightly after a few months. Not sure whether the cold weather has brought on the latest leaking?

 

Anyone got any tips on how to make it seal for good as opposed to having to changed the line again?

[GTI6BOY 29]

Pull it off and chop 10mm off and push it back on

[Ryan 99]

I've never had much luck with those fuel pipe clamps. I don't think they're designed for the kind of thick-walled hose you got on injection systems - they tend to just bend the tabs before they're done up tightly enough.

 

I ended up replacing all mine with ordinary jubilee clamps.

[joe1joe 3]

i always use the proper fuel clamps on fuel lines, but the pipe should be a pretty tight fit though.

 

if the pipe is nice and tight i would chop some of the end and possibly stick a new clip on there aswell

[2052006 10]

I've never had much luck with those fuel pipe clamps. I don't think they're designed for the kind of thick-walled hose you got on injection systems - they tend to just bend the tabs before they're done up tightly enough.

 

I ended up replacing all mine with ordinary jubilee clamps.

 

 

Yes, know what you mean. I've tried different makes of fuel pipe clamps, different makes of hose and always get the same result after a few months - leaking fuel (if only a small amount).

 

I'll chop a bit off or fit some more I've got spare and maybe I'll try a jubilee clip. There must be a better way to solve this once and for all though? Although saying that, the original Pug hoses are often pretty crap for these engines too.

[EdCherry 34 1 Cars]

Well if you've changed the pipe and clamps then something else is at fault surely or am I the only one that can see this?

[2052006 10]

Such as? Can't think what else would be at fault?

[joe1joe 3]

Size of the pipe!

[Tom Fenton 1,547]

yep, agree with that, if the hose is too large it will never "clamp down" to seal properly.

[pugpete1108 62 1 Cars]

10mm is too big surely? I'm sure I used 8mm Id fuel hose, but that was on a hose connector used after the stock gti6 elbow, not directly to the fuel rail

 

Also used jubilee clips as the fuel clips I bought were w#nk tbh and just felt like they were going to pop off under pressure

[GTI6BOY 29]

10mm for fuel in and 8mm return

[2052006 10]

Yep, above is what I am using. Have tried squeezing on an 8mm to the inlet feed before for experiment's sake, but this did not fit properly.

 

So, assuming that I am using the correct size hose, I suppose it must only be the clamps that I'm using which are at fault? A couple of people now have mentioned use jubilee clips instead...maybe I'll give it a go.

[smithy 1]

Yep, above is what I am using. Have tried squeezing on an 8mm to the inlet feed before for experiment's sake, but this did not fit properly.

 

So, assuming that I am using the correct size hose, I suppose it must only be the clamps that I'm using which are at fault? A couple of people now have mentioned use jubilee clips instead...maybe I'll give it a go.

 

yes defo try jubilee clips i had similar issue with my 8 valve after rebuild and just done away with the proper fuel clamp as i found them flimsy.

 

another little trick i was told about in my subaru days was to use some hairspray to fit the hose on prior to doing the clip up,i was sceptical at first but it worked a treat on fuel and intercooler hoses to stop leaks/popping off.

[Wurzel 16]

Does the injector manifold still have the 'bulge' on it where the pipe fits over or has it been modified? As said, the pipe should be a pretty tight fit as it is over the bulge and then the clamp prevents it from popping off as well as providing a little extra sealing. If this is all in place, I'm surprised that the proper fuel clamps don't work correctly.

 

I'd do as suggested and chop off a bit of the old pipe before re applying. May need dipping in boiling water for a few minutes to help soften it up, especially in this weather! Using clamps is obviously a tried and tested method otherwise they wouldn't be on thousands of cars working successfully.

 

Be careful with the jubilee clamps on such a small diameter pipe, it's easy to overtighten and distort the sealing area (pinching the pipe) which has created grief on some of my coolant pipes in the past.