Braided Lines

[Bob Ellithorpe]

I'm in the process of trying to trace down a raw fuel leak my truck (94 3500 Cummins) I have two braided lines coming from the return fuel and fuel supply lines that connect to the steel lines running back to the fuel tank along side the frame. After I drive the truck for a short time the lower line has raw fuel dripping from it. I can't see any fuel leaking anywhere above these lines. ( I know that most of you will tell me to replace the return fuel and fuel supply hoses that are in the area of the fuel filter)but that will come later as I already have the hoses and clamps needed to do that,however my immediate concern is this - has anyone ever had to replace the braided lines??? It looks to me like they have the same type plastic fittings as the transmission lines and my lower hose(braided) looks like the fittings are cracked at both ends. It would be a simple enough job to use a small pipe cutter and remove both hoses and replace tyhem with rubber hoses and clamps. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

[This message has been edited by Bob Ellithorpe (edited 04-30-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by Bob Ellithorpe (edited 04-30-2001). ]

 

[Missouri Mule]

OK Bob I'm lost. What year is your truck?
Do the braided lines that hook to the metal lines going back to tank meet at the bracket on the trans bell housing? If yes where do they attach higher up.
I have seen a 97 auto with braided line attach to fuel lines on frame and go all the way to metal line for fuel heater/liftpump (supply line) and the metal line behind injector pump(return fuel line). This set up looke like it was fix for rubber fuel lines. It definitely was not factory.
If the lines attach at bell housing then the lower line(at bell housing) is the supply line.
But a even better way to tell is look at the size of the metal line. The supply line should be larger by a hair or two. That leaves the return to be the smaller line.
Only you can find the exact place it is leaking from. Look for wet or/and dirty areas on or near lines(diesel fuel attracts dirt like oil). You are probably right about the connector leaking but double and triple check it any way.
I'll have to goe back to see what your hard starting symptoms were.

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Bill Thomas
Missouri Mule - 96 Wht 4X4 ST CC,5 spd, 3. 54, 8 ft bed, 1 ft high cheater boards.
99 Freightliner bl/wht FL60 ISB-5. 9 24v,215 hp,520 tq,6 spd, 3. 59 nsr,16 ft box, 19. 5 tires,Wt/gvw 11,000/23000

 

[Bob Ellithorpe]

Originally posted by Missouri Mule:
OK Bob I'm lost. What year is your truck?
Do the braided lines that hook to the metal lines going back to tank meet at the bracket on the trans bell housing? If yes where do they attach higher up.
I have seen a 97 auto with braided line attach to fuel lines on frame and go all the way to metal line for fuel heater/liftpump (supply line) and the metal line behind injector pump(return fuel line). This set up looke like it was fix for rubber fuel lines. It definitely was not factory.
If the lines attach at bell housing then the lower line(at bell housing) is the supply line.
But a even better way to tell is look at the size of the metal line. The supply line should be larger by a hair or two. That leaves the return to be the smaller line.
Only you can find the exact place it is leaking from. Look for wet or/and dirty areas on or near lines(diesel fuel attracts dirt like oil). You are probably right about the connector leaking but double and triple check it any way.
I'll have to goe back to see what your hard starting symptoms were.

Bill,

Again, thanks for the reply. The truck is a 94 3500. The braided lines in question connect to the steel lines that are attached to the frame, they go up to the steel lines that run behind the fuel filter. These braided lines are not visible until you take a black plastic wire loam type cover off them. They are both only about a foot or less long. As I said, I don't know if they're original equipment or not. I already have the 5/16 and 3/8 hose and clamps so I'll probably just replace the braided ones with the hose when I replace the upper supply and fuel return lines. I haven't measured my lines yet but,it looks like both of them are 5/16.
To complicate matters,the truck is now starting normally. I spent four months in southern Alabama and towards the end is when it started acting up. Drove it back home to Ohio with no problems. I don't like driving with my fingers crossed so it's time to repair it before I put it back on the road.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I don't know how the set up was in 94 only looked at one don't recall if his line attached in same place as my 96 but I think they did.
Seems like yours are custom repair work. The description sounds very much like a 97 3500 auto I looked under. I know another customer with 97 2500 auto it was set up like mine(factory).
They must of put them in wiring harness to keep from getting heat on them or any other damage, sound like overkill to me. Braided line would of did the job by itself.
The previous owner(I take it you bought it used) mite of change the metal lines around coming out of overflow valve. I know in one of the years that they brought both lines to rear of engine before connecting the rubber lines(I think 98?).
I thought you mite be looking at the harness for vacuum lines for transfer case.
If you park down hill at night it mite start OK that is if it is the return fuel line leaking. If it is the supply line park it in oppossite direction.

 

['956Wheel]

Bob, My '95 3500 has those lines your reffering to and yes they are braided stainless and they are stock. The lines make the curve up the firewall and each end is connected to steel lines. They went braided on those to isolate the vibration with a durable line. Did you ever notice how that 17 and a half to one pony bucks when you turn it off? Be sure to replace them one at a time so you don't cross them up! You can buy stainless line and clamp it.

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9535hundred

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Had the exact problem on my 96 2500. Leak was actually running down the supply line (the braided part), but the culprit was the return rubber section. Have fun!

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Andy Raiha


96/2500/4x4/4. 10/5sp/CC

 

[JIM S.]

are the lines themselves wet or are the little plastic slip conectors leaking(that connect the braided to the metal) .

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1995, 2500, 4x4, 3. 54, auto, custom fuel plate, boost and EGT gauges, 215 HP injectors, RE-0880, custom 4" from down pipe.

 

[Bob Ellithorpe]

Originally posted by JIM. S:
are the lines themselves wet or are the little plastic slip conectors leaking(that connect the braided to the metal) .

I think I've probably got a little leakage at the plastic fittings and also at the upper rubber hoses. My plans are to replace everything with rubber hoses and clamps,as soon as I can get around to it. I've spent the last four months in southern Alabama and now that I'm home it seems like I can't get caught up with all the spring projects and still find some time to work on my truck.


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Bob Ellithorpe