Fuel Pipe

[MikeW]

I'm suddenly in need of the fuel pipes that go from the float bowls to the carbs on my round-top 72 240Z. I believe what I have on there is from a cheap rebuild kit from about 10 years ago. The line to the front carb has cracked and is leaking. I'm sure the rear carb line won't last either so I need a pair of them.

The parts CD lists this as 16356-25610 and NissanParts.cc lists them for $14.63 each. That seems like a lot for a 3 inch piece of rubber hose but as I found out the cheap stuff is no good. I couldn't find this specific part on ZTherapy's master price list but perhaps I don't know the proper terminology. MSA lists the fuel line at $19.20 and I don't even know if that's a genuine part. Black Dragon shows a whole rebuild kit for $19.95 so obviously I don't want that.

Any ideas?

[MikeW]

It looks like I can no longer edit my post but I meant to add that NissanParts says "usually ships in 4-10 business days" and I really need this for driving to the Mitty next week. I'd therefore want someone to FedEx them to me.

[xray]

Float bowl to nozzle, right? The one running "under the carb?" Why not use some rubber fuel line from NAPA...Isn't it 3/8" non-FI? I had the same issue with mine (prior to teardown) and replaced it easily from NAPA parts. I think they're in the $3-5 range, but don't hold me to it....

Good luck,

Steve

[Arne]

Most generic fuel hose is too stiff - not flexible enough to allow for nozzle movement with the choke and return. I'd call ZTherapy and see if they'd overnight you a pair. I bet they will.

http://www.ztherapy.com

[xray]

Most generic fuel hose is too stiff - not flexible enough to allow for nozzle movement with the choke and return. I'd call ZTherapy and see if they'd overnight you a pair. I bet they will.

http://www.ztherapy.com

Sorry, Arne...that has not been my experience. My car did just fine with the generic stuff.

[Arne]

Sorry, Arne...that has not been my experience. My car did just fine with the generic stuff.

Well, I've not tried the generic stuff on my Datsuns, because I had trouble with it on my MG. If the cheaper stuff will work for you, go for it.

[ZCCOR#109]

Z tharapy hose is suspose to be very high silican content, made to original spec. The hose is a special hard t find dia too I think

anyway, I put theirs on and had no issues now for about 4 years. Mine were original that failed in 2003-4

[350zx]

i would just go with the good stuff only the best for my z.but hay thats just me.

[Dlorence]

Try the motorcycle shops they sometime have flexible fuel hose in stock.

[MikeW]

As a temporary fix until I get the real thing I simply went to the local auto parts place and purchased the smallest diameter fuel hose they had. $1.25 for about 2 feet. MSA was going to charge $40 plus another $30 or so for FedEx Saturday delivery.

The inside diameter is perfect but the outside is too big for the existing hose clamps. It survived a 10 mile test drive without any clamps. After all, there's no pressure in this hose. In fact, it's actually under vacuum as the low pressure through the venturi sucks the fuel from the bowl. The biggest problem with the temporary fix is that it's probably not flexible enough for when the choke is used. Until it gets cold again I'm probably safe. I can always carry the extra foot and a half in the car.

Also, I just realized what happened. About 8 years ago I made an attempt at getting the car running after sitting for many years. With the SU video in hand I completely disassembled, cleaned and rebuilt the carbs. I used the cheap rebuild kit, probably purchased from the local auto parts place. Since the kit included the fuel hoses I went ahead and replaced them. I got the car running but it vibrated so much on the road that I gave up on it for several more years. When I got the urge again several years ago the cheap rebuild kit hoses were already cracked so I put the original hoses back on. At that point I got the car running enough to drive, vibrations and all, to my mechanic where I left the car for about 6 months for a complete mechanical/suspension overhaul.

Fast forward to the present: I hadn't cranked it for a couple of months when I decided to go for a drive yesterday. Sitting for so long obviously caused them to dry out and crack. Lesson learned: drive the car often; sitting still is bad.

[beandip]

As Arne stated earlier the hose that the parts stores have are too stiff. they will bind and cause the nozzle to wear and or stick. Sorry x-ray but I disagree with you here . I bought a set from ZTherapy about 6 years ago and they are still doing great. UNDER NO SERCONSTANCES USE VACUUM HOSE. It will fail and the header is right there . you connect the dots. Parts stores do have the small hoses but they are for injection and will withstand hi-pressure but are not supple . You can save a few bucks with them however you will not be happy with the results when you start looking for nozzles. Gary