Fuel hose lubricant

[Llessur]

Any tips on how to get new rubber fuel hose onto the harder flexible fuel pipe that runs between the tank outlet and the fuel pump? It's such a tight fit that I can't get it on more than 5mm without a lot of bending and twisting - which I am worried will damage either the hose or the pipe.

It's equally as difficult getting new fuel hose onto the metal pipes legging in to and out of the fuel pump.

Can I use a lubricant like Vaseline to make this a bit easier? Any other suggestions?

[Alec]

Hello Llessur,

is the rubber the correct size, as often metric sizes are said to be the equivelant of imperial but are usually a bit smaller?
One trick I've seen but not tried is to block the solid pipe at one end, push the hose on the other with it connected to an air supply, the pressure tends to expand the hose and help it slip on?

Alec

[sprint95m]

Warm the hose up in hot water.
This will soften it which allows it to slide easily into position.


Ian.

[Llessur]

It's definitely the right size - 1/4" and slips on fine in most places, just having a bit of difficulty with the flexi pipe which runs underneath the car. The lack of decent access probably doesn't help. I'll try heating it up a bit and perhaps some mild petroleum-based lubrication...

[Clifford Pope]

As said above, dip the end in hot water first. If it sticks before it's fully on, pour some hot water over it.

[johnnydog]

You could also try a hot air gun on its lowest setting? Don't go mad with it though - I usually hold it at a distance so that the item I am warming can be still touched by hand which helps you gauge the heat on it. If you can sneak the wife's hairdryer out of the house, that might be a better bet!!
Joking aside, I have an old hair drier in the garage for jobs such as this. It's not as potentially damaging as a hot air gun if less heat is required.

[Clifford Pope]

You definitely don't want lubricant, because that will remain and you risk the hose slipping off again.
Softening with gentle heat is good because it hardens again once in place.

It's also good for removing a hose that's welded itself on.

[Llessur]

Cheers all, I'll borrow the wife's hairdryer when I next get a chance and try to slip them on that way