Correct fuel line material from tank, or "so that's where the gas smell is coming from" Options

[rjames]

I just took the gas tank to install a sway bar and of course was going to replace the fuel lines that exit the tank and hopefully solve the problem I've had with gas fumes entering the inside of the car. All of the fuel lines that exit the gas tank are plain rubber 50psi max lines and NOT the ones that have braided fabric on the outside. While they look fine, I'm replacing them anyway.

However, less than 2 years ago I replaced the line that runs between the fuel filter and the fuel pump. It's a made in germany fuel line that has the braided material on the outside. It also REAKS of gas as if it's seaping through the hose. The fuel line is less than 2 years old. What's the difference between the braided covered lines and non/braided lines? They both look to have the same thickness of rubber, is one just more heat resistant? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[jk76.914]

Not sure. I do know that I went to NAPA last summer and bought 6 feet of "50 psi max" hose, which was cheap. Less than $1/foot. They also had "hose for fuel injection" which was about 4x the price. I got the lower grade because I wanted a temporary setup to read fuel pressure from the cockpit while I drove, so I didn't worry about "only" 50 psi max.

Personally, I would find the 7 x 13 mm replacement hose that is specified in the recall. That's 7mm ID x 13mm OD. It is smooth walled rubber, no braid. I suppose the NAPA stuff for EFI would be OK, but it was only available in English dimensions. So I guess a quarter inch ID would maybe stretch to 7mm (.276")?

The 7x13 isn't that easy to find. At least in my experience. I'm sure someone else here has a ready source, but I finally bought some from Stoddard, special order from Porsche. And it was pricey. Oh wait. Here is is from Bus Boys-

http://www.bus-boys.com/

Hose - Fuel High Pressure
Genuine Continental 7mm High Pressure Fuel Hose with smooth covering, no outside braided cloth. Our opinion is that this a much better hose than the original braided hoses you find on the some of the FI Buses. Sold by the foot, not the meter like some other places. 12 to 15 feet usually does the engine compartment, supply lines and return lines, depending on the year.

N 20281.12 1974-1979 $4.10 per foot