Rob Edwards

Back in June 2007 I replaced the original fuel inlet, fuel return, and rear U hoses on the GT with Roger's fuel hose kit. 6 years and 6000 miles later, I had an interesting experience today-

The PPI on the GT ID'ed a 'weep' on the fuel return line fitting at the fuel cooler. So I dug in to swap out the return line for a new factory hose, just to be safe. To do so, you need to remove the FPR, which in turn involves undoing one side of the rear 'U' fuel hose.

Imagine my surprise when the clamps holding the U hose turned in my hand while holding it. Turns out that both clamps were loose. Now, it's entirely possible that my wrenching skills at the time were totally lame, but I tend to doubt that I would have forgotten to tighten both clamps. And the U-hose's OD seems to have shrunk a bit, so perhaps that's why the clamps would have loosened.

Interestingly, the Norma 14mm clamps on the inlet hose and the return line are fine, and tight. And the inlet and return line hoses are soft and flexible.

So while I may just have screwed up on the U-hose clamps and am lucky to not have burned my dumb *** to the ground, it _might_ be worth anyone that has Roger's U-hose checking that their clamps are still tight.

FWIW.

Jadz928

I'll check mine today. Did it around the same time period, and same type. Thanks!

stuartph

I can confirm mine was like that on my GT

M. Requin

Thanks- I'll be checking mine today! I made up my own kit, and have checked the easily accessible clamps a number of times, but I'll check them all this time around.

pjg

I used the Oetiker high pressure crimp clamp instead of the screw style hose clamps.

You need the crimp tool to install them.

depami

You should still check them, they could be loose too.

This falls in line with what GB has been preaching about rubber hose and barbed fittings.

NoVector

I know it's not very attractive, but I put paint on hose clamps. Thinking it stops them from vibrating loose and also easy to tell if it has (paint won't line up.) This is before I switched to the Greg Brown "MILSPEC" fuel lines.

Want to be

I had my mechanic friend use some of his braided fuel lines and brazed them to the metal connectors. the non funny thing is I went with the braided lines because of the concerns he mentioned to me in regards the lines loosening up. With age the fuel lines will shrink and the clamp will become loose. besides a new factory line, the braided might be the next best option.

mdkelly1

Went with Greg's space-age insulated teflon-lined hoses. Expensive, but not as expensive as a fire event.

Got them from Roger.

M. Requin

Went through them this afternoon (see above post), and no problems. Goodyear fuel line (blue teflon lining, superceded by black), standard FI hose clamps (Autozone and NAPA).

hacker-pschorr

I think we need a Q&A on clamps. The best clamps to use are "Norma" style and I only use those made (or sold) by Wurth.

Even with Wirth Norma clamps there are two versions - US and Euro. IMO only the Euro style should be used.

There is a big difference in quality when you look around at brands. The Wurth Normaclamps don't allow the hose to be "pinched" which can cause multiple issues.

Sizing is very important too. These are not like zebra clamps with a huge adjustment range. A Norma clamp must be sized properly. If the top of the clamp (where the screw on one size, nut on the other) are touching or almost touching when tight, you should probably be using a different size.

There is nothing wrong with clamps, hoses, and barbs if all sized properly. The supplier of my fuel hose is a hydraulics supplier and his normal applications are thousands of PSI with hoses over barbs held together by clamps.

Kevin in Atlanta

Would a dab of red or blue locktite be a good thing? I do like the red paint. I am installing Rogers kit as we speak.

Rob Edwards

I can't remember the details and search is TU (any word when it might be non-TU, Hacker?) but IIRC when Roger's fuel line kits first same out some 15 mm clamps got mailed out, followed by a free changeover to 14 mm's. Both Norma clamps. All the ones on the GT yesterday were 14 mm, but I have no idea whether they're U.S. or Euro. Will post a pic later.

I could be completely confabulating this tho, dunno, it's been 5+ years.

hacker-pschorr

LOL - I just learned it was down a little bit ago.

I should say (just to be PC) that Wurth clamps are not the only good ones, but I stick with Wurth when ever possible since I have a local supplier and I know the quality is top notch.

As for the US vs Euro - to me its more of a visual thing, both will do the job if sized properly but I prefer the Euro clamps since they look more "original". The difference is subtle, but it's one of those things that once you notice it, can bug you.

MjRocket

What does a set of Greg's fuel lines cost?

Thx

MJ