Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Any advice for changing fuel lines?

[UhhhDawson]

howdy fellers. 98 12v 4x4 155k. i bought the replacement fuel lines kit from larry b's and am ready to replace the old ones which i believe to be worn out and cracked. even if its between 70 and 90 degrees outside, when i start the truck cold i have to keep a little pressure on the accelerator to keep the truck from dying and it blows a good bit of white smoke in the first few seconds. after running for a about half a minute it will work its way up from 600 rpm to 800 and then to the set idle of 850 rpm. from the research ive done it sounds like my fuel lines are letting air into the system. anyway, ive never changed the fuel lines on this truck or any truck for that matter and was wondering if anyone had some helpful advice to make things go as smoothly as possible. thanks!

 

[EKlem]

The hardest part of changing the lines is getting the old connections undone and the new ones done. Some people drop out the fuel tank to do that end but it isn't too bad if you just suck it up and get your body on the outside of the frame rail.



If you haven't ever had to bleed your fuel system before, just be diligent. Having compressed air really helps because you can pressurize your fuel tank with the bleader valve open and fill the lines with fuel. Don't try to start the truck with air in the lines. You can also prime the lines by manually pumping the lift pump a lot of times. Just make sure that you have fuel everywhere before you start cranking.

 

[Howard Durand]

If you are just replacing the two short rubber lines that connect the overflow valve and the lift pump to the two metal lines from the tank, I have found the "easiest" way to get access from below is to remove the starter and drop one end of the front drive line. After that all you need is telescopic vision, the arms of an orangutan and a colorful vocabulary.

Joe G. says to use some "Sil Glide" lubricant (available at NAPA) to make the hoses easier to slip over the steel lines. You will have two sizes of hose, 3/8" and 5/16" for the different sizes of steel line.

It really isn't any fun but it can be done.

 

[Missouri Mule]

UhhhDawson, you will need to take the fuel filter off to access the line behind the injection pump. The line behind the injection pump is the return fuel line(5/16 hose). With LarryB's return hose you mite have to take off the bracket behind the fuel fiter housing.